Nobody can tell a story the way Terry McMillan can. For years she has worn the crown as the queen of African-American literature–even as the game has changed—and she reigned over a legions of fans. Now the award-winning, best-selling author and screenwriter—who got America hooked on classic page-turners-turned-silver-screen-winners such as Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back—heads to the Caribbean to co-host the first annual Anguilla Black Lit Fest (May 24-May 28, 2012). Four days of festivities and seminars will unite established and up-and-coming African-American writers for networking and inspiration on how to find one’s voice in the ever-evolving world of book publishing.
BlackEnterprise.com talked to the candid McMillan about why she’s no longer phased by critics, why she doesn’t have beef with Mr. and Mrs. Smiths and the perils of book publishing technology.
BlackEnterprise.com: We think it’s awesome that you’ve chosen to co-host Anguilla’s first annual Black Lit Fest. Why do you believe the climate is right to bring together Black writers?
Terry McMillan: It’s always a good time to have a large presence of African-American writers, which I think it will help draw attention to the the desire and need for more [talent] as well as interest in our work. I strongly believe in up-and-coming authors. A lot of writers’ conference around the country [attract] the same writers that frequent them and they’re always White. They have an amazing tight-knit group and they meet at different conferences throughout the summer and have been doing it for years. Now it doesn’t mean that they try to avoid African-American writers; but it’s a club. You can count on one hand how many of us participate. So having these kind of festivals is an opportunity to discuss the state of publishing, our roles and where we fit into it all. Also to offer some kind of tips about writing, and how to approach their work, among other things.
BlackEnterprise.com: And what does the festival offer you?
McMillan: First, I like the written word. It’s not often [black writers] get together under the same roof, by the same sea. Also,
I like hearing from and being around young writers because it’s inspiring and exciting. There is an exchange that can happen that I find can be very healthy. I know people might think I’m this best-selling author, but I like being able to paint a realistic picture for new writers. I take it very seriously because their voices and stories matter. I like knowing where young writers heads are and what’s important to them.BlackEnterprise.com: One of the seminars you’re co-hosting is “Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Literacy.” Why are these essential?
McMillan: If you can’t read, you can’t write. It puts a lot of road blocks in your path. There are so many kids getting promoted from sixth to seventh grade and they don’t know the difference between a noun or verb. There is power and liberation in knowing how to read and express yourself orally or in written form. If you can’t do that there are very serious disadvantages and it’s obvious that all you can probably do is ask people, “Do you want fries with that?” It has a lot to with how you [perceive] yourself and what role you can play in this world. In this google age at least know where to look. If you can’t comprehend the most simplistic things it has a negative affect on your life. It’s one of the reasons why years ago literacy among our community was encouraged because if we couldn’t speak English, read or write we were socially disadvantaged.
BlackEnterprise.com: Knowledge is power! Well, you’re also offering tips on honing your craft. As an established writer, how long did it take before honing yours?
McMillan: I don’t know if I’ve arrived and got it all figured out. Right now, I’m employing a technique and device that require a certain amount of skill and it’s the only way I can tell the story. So I think you challenge yourself and continue to grow indifferent ways as a writer. Again, my interest is always to help a lot of young people take the craft seriously, get them to understand what is required and how to honor and respect their own voices so they don’t try to sound like me or Toni Morrison.
BlackEnterprise.com: While your committed to nurturing new talent, have you ever felt pigeonholed as a writer?
McMillan: No, because I write the stories I want to write. I don’t think about critics when I’m writing a story—that’s the last thing on my mind. I don’t write to please, I write to understand things that I find perplexing. More than anything else, because my work has been popular, [the critics] want to dismiss me and have called my work ‘pop fiction,’ which really used to get on my nerves; but now I really don’t care. Pop fiction is pretty formulaic and I don’t write by numbers. I know what my voice is and I know how to tell a story. It bothers them that my work has been popular, so they don’t want to take it seriously because I don’t sound like Virginia Wolf, Faulkner or Hemingway, who wrote in voices [suited] for the times in which they lived and for who they were. I write in my voice. I’m not trying to imitate a literary bag of ticks so you have to decipher what the hell I’m tailing about as if there’s more value in that.
BlackEnterprise.com: Your not just an author, you’re a brand. When you think about the future of your brand, what is your ultimate goal?
McMillan: I don’t really think about that. What I want to convey to these young people is that I did not know Waiting To Exhale would create such a storm, and then on top of that it would become a movie. I didn’t know any of that stuff was gonna happen. You can’t plan that. You can’t project your own success. Maybe had I received my MBA in Goldman Sachs well that’s a little different, but anything you do that you have to create is organic. I’m not trying to sound cute or anything but I think one of the reasons it did so well was because I wasn’t preoccupied with it doing
well. It’s simply what I do–sit in front of the computer thinking about the people I’m writing about. What I find disconcerting is when someone’s approach to writing is the hope that they can make a living. When I first started writing I didn’t know anyone, even very few White writers, making a living. Even when I wrote How Stella Got Her Groove Back I knew it would sell because they buy everything, but the entire book was written as an internal monologue—thoughts in her head—and I knew they couldn’t pull that one off as a movie. Think again. So again, I don’t think about that kind of thing as far as branding goes.BlackEnterprise.com: Are there any young writers you’re mentoring?
McMillan: No, I get asked that a lot. It’s really hard to do because most of writing is about reading. Last week on American Idol, they were saying this is the best show ever. I stopped watching it like a year ago. It got on my nerves so all I do is The Voice—I turn my back while I’m at the stove and I can tell whose record I would buy. When it comes to talent, you either have it or you don’t. They say it takes 10,000 hours to become good at anything, especially in the arts you have to give it your all. Nowadays people are so impatient and everyone wants to get rich. It’s like, “Show me the trick, show me some short cuts. I want to have it just like you Ms. McMillan.” And that’s what I want young writers to know, that I much prefer to have longevity than fame. I’d rather have an impact than fame because fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
BlackEnterprise.com: You’ve always been honest and outspoken about a range of issues or topics from how Will and Jada Pinkett Smith raise their children to independent book imprints publishing trashy tell-alls. Do the perils of fame and stardom ever compromise your freedom of speech?
McMillan: My criticism was based more on my fear of [Willow and Jaden Smith] losing their innocence and childhood at such a tender age.  I respect both of their parents. I hope always to be outspoken but I have to be careful what I say so that it’s not misconstrued.
BlackEnterprise.com: Are there any genre of books that don’t tickle your fancy?
McMillian:Â Urban fiction, science fiction, horror and espionage books.
BlackEnterprise.com: What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to writing process?
McMillan: That it’s too bad you can’t get it perfect.
BlackEnterprise.com: Does writer’s block truly exist, and, if so, how do you combat it?
McMillan: Writer’s block is simply fear that you can’t live up to the story you want to tell. Most all of us experience this at some point. Also, when we are so engrossed in our own world that we find it difficult to slip into a fictional one. Sometimes, however, immersing yourself into the fictional world often makes the real one, with all of its problems, seem less burdensome or easier to deal with.
BlackEnterprise.com: How do you feel technology has helped or hurt book sales/promotions?
McMillan: People are spending more money on ebooks, but less on hardcover and paperback. I hope children still get to know what it feels like to turn a page, and, as an author, I can’t sign an ebook. Nor do I want to.
BlackEnterprise.com: What is the best/worst money advice you’ve ever received?
McMillan: The best: Pay your taxes and don’t spend it just because you can afford it. Invest it in something safe. No one has given me bad money advice to my knowledge. I don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t have any.
BlackEnterprise.com: Smartest/Dumbest investment you’ve ever made?
McMillan: Smartest: My education, a few stocks and mutual funds that are still doing well. Dumbest: Savings bonds and a savings account (back in the day!!!!)
BlackEnterprise.com: What do you hope your legacy will be?
McMillan: That I was an honest human being who tried to tell honest and compelling stories about Black people in such a way that was empowering and life-affirming.
For more information on Anguilla’s Black Lit Fest visit http://ivisitanguilla.com/anguillas-literary-festival-accommodations-packages/