On the 15th of September 2020, after a day of “remote teaching”. My creative juices depleted. My Sistah, Sana presented me something to look forward to. She extended the invitation to a Zoom chat with Walter Mosley. He was being interviewed by Lauren Wilkinson. Another amazing fiction writer of her own merit (and we share the same birthday).
It was by far the best part of my week. I have been in love with Mosley’s writing for years. His writing has allowed me to lose myself in the world of Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins. Mosley created the every-day-black-man trying to survive in America. In his novels, “Easy” wanted to work, have a home, a family, and peace of mind. But being a black man in America it never comes that easy (no pun intended).
In the interview, the award-winning writer reminded me of what’s important. As a writer, specifically as a man of color. He said the “ideal place to write is…wherever you are.” Mosley has made it his practice over sixty some odd books to “write every day, every morning” – Wow! He has made his disciple a way of life, much like breathing and getting up every day. Mosley spoke of writing just for yourself. Writing not to be rich, famous, or to be published. Writing just to complete something you started. Something you created with your own hands and mind.
Mosley once said, “Nobody writes about black male heroes…” and he was right. When I read one of his novels it’s like I’ve dived in a sea. One of black culture, language, lifestyle, and history. I happily drowned myself in a world that resembles me and my history.
Mosley in fact is about as cool as Easy. The author is laid back. Mosley talked as if it was just him and a close friend. He was humorously honest, to the point, and a storyteller. I hung on every word. Outside of a million other reasons why he is one of my muses. Mosley is also the recipient of The National Book Award’s Lifetime Achievement Medal. Mosley the first African American male to be a recipient. It is an honor and he is deserving. “As far as I’m concerned…living an interesting life is better than being good at your craft…if you start to define yourself by how other people define you then you are probably missing out on yourself.” Walter Mosley, thank you for always reminding me of who I am and my purpose.
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