SQ: Lea, thank you very much for this opportunity to interview you. Your book A Black Butterfly is about your childhood, correct? In a recent www.mygayweb.com interview the book was described as “a true story about a young black girl growing up and trying to achieve the self-worth that was stripped away from her.” Was the book painful to write? What has been the overall reader reaction?  

LJ: Well first of all Sara, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to do this interview. The more people I can reach out to and share my message with, the better. Yes my book is about my childhood growing up and a lot of the things I had to endure. This book was extremely hard for me to write in so many ways and for so many reasons. There are several scenarios in the book in which I mentally break down due to horrific things happening … and I “go away” from the story to discuss the mental break down taking place ... There is even a section that is titled . . . "Lea`'s Breaking Point!"It gives you a clear view of what I went through … just trying to tell my story.Sad part about it is there is more to one “section” to be told! The response from others who have read it has been overwhelmingly wonderful. Many describe it as “being on and emotional roller coaster ride that is out of control!” It snatches you up by the throat from the very first page and never lets you go until you find your way to the end of my journey with me!

SQ: What is the book’s basic message and how did you come up with the idea?

LJ: Well there are so many messages throughout the entire story from beginning to end but I will give you one of the most important ones. One of my main focuses is on the fact children should never be hurt mentally or physically by adults as a result of their selfish pleasures, issues or problems. It takes the mind of that young, innocent, sweet child and it mentally scares them and they carry it into their adulthood. Some heal and go on to live happy, healthy lives while others suffer tremendously throughout the rest of their lives. We have to do all we can do to stop the hurt! It's destroying the hearts, minds and souls of our future leaders, teachers and human beings.

SQ: What an inspiring message, especially considering you were an abuse victim! What are some of the book’s themes?

LJ: One of the themes in my story shows you the powerful friendship between my Grandmother and me – and the love we shared and fun we had … It makes you feel as though you’re right along for the ride with us. It will take you back to your own childhood. It helps you think about all the fun times you had and the things you cherished so dearly. My message also reaches out to help you understand how hard it is living an alternative lifestyle in a world that can sometimes be cruel and hurtful toward you for just being YOU! It's like being prejudiced and asking a black or white person to change the colour of their skin when you know they can't. WHY? They were born like that!

SQ: I just got chills – how true! How long did it take you to write this book and did you hire an editor?

LJ: It took me over eight years to finish my story – one of the main reasons being that I didn't know if it would hurt the people I loved so much. But I finally came to terms with the fact that I'm writing and telling my story as a healing process for myself – to finally talk about the things that happened … I’m finally getting some of the therapy I have needed to help get over the horrific events that have plagued my life. Hopefully by telling this story I can reach out to others and help them to overcome their demons too. Especially children! I was the editor of my very own book! Everything you see in my story from the layout of the book, the style, the photos, even the design on the front cover, was done and created by me!I wouldn't have had it any other way. This is my life and only "I" could represent me properly and realistically!

SQ: What credentials were needed for Trafford to accept it for publication?

LJ: I didn't need any particular credentials to get Trafford to accept my book for publication. I mean, yes you have to have material that isn't offensive, or slanderous or hateful but for the most part Trafford is a self-publisher so all rights and decisions remain yours. This is the only way I would have published my story.  I wanted to maintain all control of it in every aspect!

SQ: Is there a chance you would be willing to share a writing sample from the book, one you feel best exemplifies the book’s self-worth theme?

LJ: Sure Sara, I will give you a sample taste of one of the poems I placed in the book.  It is:      

"I WILL NEVER BE!"
I WILL NEVER BE . . . that skinny sister you wanted because it's just not me!
I WILL NEVER BE . . . that fatso or blimp or any other name that you used to call me, being mean!
BUT I WILL BE – despite all those ugly names that you call me – a kind, sweet and loving human being!
I WILL NEVER BE . . . that light skinned sister, NEVER judging you because you're light!
WE ALL WERE CREATED EQUAL . . . whether dark skinned, tan or white!
I WAS BORN DARK AND PROUD . . . and know in my heart that neither color is wrong or right!
You may have been embarrassed to be seen with or have a sister who looked like me!
But I can't apologize to you or even change, because GOD made me like this so all I can do is just be ME!
But I will continue to love only from the heart no matter what size . . . fat or skinny!
You are my big brother that I have always loved even though you hurt me so!
The hate and hurt that I have held for you is killing me so I must let go!
But I will continue to love you from the heart until God rests my loving soul!

SQ: That poem really pulls at heartstrings. In what ways do you market the book? Which ways have worked best?

LJ: I have used so many different techniques in marketing my story.  But the one I find extremely gratifying is actually talking to people in any and all situations.  I’m able to converse about the book’s topics and get a chance to hear their views.  I love and welcome the feedback once they have read the story.  I give them the chance to read it … then to call me up and discuss it.  So many authors don't give you the chance to discuss or even ask questions to further explain yourself and your topics.  I welcome it!

SQ: I agree you are a gracious “people person” – In our conversations outside and inside this interview you have been extremely helpful and sweet. Has your book sold well? Do you have a literary agent?

LJ: My journey of selling books has just started but it is overwhelmingly surprising to see the amount of love I'm receiving from people who are interested.  I thank God everyday.  I'm once again my own literary agent/manager/publisher/producer/etc., etc.  Basically Trafford's job is marketing and production and I even have a hand in those aspects! (Smile)

SQ: How do you support yourself financially while writing?

LJ: Supporting my self has not been a problem due to one person: MY MATE!  Her name is Vinzella Jones and she works as a L.P.N.  I used to be a Medical Claims Specialist but she told me to stay home and follow my dream of being a writer and writing books.  She then encouraged me to open my own publishing company which I have done as of the first of this year. It is called "Lady Scorpion Productions Inc."  So I have taken credit for co-publishing and co-producing my book!  She has been the driving force behind me all the way!  Thank you V – I LOVE YOU.

SQ: Do you have other publications in the works? If so, I would love to hear descriptions!

LJ: Yes, I have two, maybe three other books coming out this year. One is a book of poetry titled "MS. SOCIETY!" The other is an autobiography of a death row inmate.  And the other is a journal which I will keep under wraps for now to give you something to look forward too!

SQ: Is there an author that influenced your writing? If so, who?

LJ: Yes there is a phenomenal writer by the name of Terry McMillan that I love and idolize. I hope to one day follow in her footsteps.  But there are many wonderful writers out there who have influenced me in many ways. From a little girl I grew up with Judy Blume and still love her till this very day.

SQ: Would you consider yourself to be a successful author or writer? Why or why not?

LJ: I would consider my self more than a successful writer / author because I can take the reader and turn him / her into my confidant, friend and even make them feel a part of my family. Even more so I can take them and put them in the shoes of my characters just through words and make them feel the emotions, the place setting, and the situation.  I think that is what makes a good writer and I possess those abilities.  I love reaching out to peoples’ hearts, minds and souls and give them a little "food for thought"...

SQ: What advice can you give aspiring authors regarding publishing a first book? 

LJ: I would tell any aspiring first-time author that there is a long road ahead. No matter how long it takes, hang in there. The end result is so self-gratifying it is worth all the hard work.

SQ: Is there any information or websites you would like to add to this interview?

LJ: Yes.  My story can be purchased off my website www.trafford.com/robots/04-0053.html.  Or email me at GGoldqueen@aol.com through my website http://community.ebonylesbigay.org/ABLACKBUTTERFLY/  – Or contact me at Lady Scorpion Productions Inc. at (757) 631-3022. Some of the proceeds from my story will go to my children's foundation "Ms. Darlin-Darlin's Home.”  Help support that!  I thank you for your time and allowing me to share my story.  Sara, I thank you with the sincerest appreciation, from the bottom of my heart.

SQ: Thank you Lea, for chatting with me – Your book’s helpful message will prove to be contagious!