Shelia P. Moses
The Scoop
1. What was your inspiration for your latest work The Baptism?
My inspiration to write The Baptism was the same as writing The Legend of Buddy Bush. I am inspired by my ancestors. The Baptism is about the tradition of getting baptized in my hometown. I write from the heart of my people. All of my books come from home.
2. What challenges do you face in your writing process? How do you overcome them?
I enjoy writing so much, that I never really feel challenged. The only thing difficult about writing for me is that financially, it takes a long time to be able to actually make a living doing what you love most.
3. What tips or advice can you share with young students who hope to start writing?
When talking to students, I tell them what my mentor told me. "Writers are people who write everyday."
4. What is your list of favorite children or teen books?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Just Like Josh Gibson by Angela Johnson
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
5. How important is research in your books? Can you explain that process as well?
Research is very important to my fiction and nonfiction work. Most of my research for my fiction books is done by interviewing people who have lived in my hometown for 70-80 years. When I am writing nonfiction I read hundreds of books, and I also interview my subjects, their family, friends and colleagues.
Last Updated: 11/16/2007