It's finally here! I know I've been saying for months that I was going to post this interview as part of the Your Story Series (where I showcase independent artist, singers etc). I sat down with the lovely Lela Jefferson, author, host, poet, singer etc..... This woman does it all and she loves the lord. I hope you all enjoy this interview. I know I sure did.
You have a wonderful blog, Memoirs of A Black Girl is very positive and inspirational. Most blogs today are filled with gossip and negativity. What made you take this route instead?
Lela Jefferson: Well, first off I just want to say thank you so much for your comments! To be quite honest, as you know I will be (smile)... I created Memoirs of a Black Girl (www.memoirsofablackgirl.com), its companion podcast and its sister site Poetry of a Black Girl (www.poetryofablackgirl.com) to be mediums where I could just be free and share my thoughts, my loves and my experiences. I have not really ever been good at following trends per say. I am kind of a throwback individual. I guess it comes from being a child of older parents. I was my parents second batch of kids.
Second batch? That's hilarious. So tell me how long have you had your blog?
Lela: I began posting the blog in 2008.
Here we are in 2011 and you are still going strong. You wear many hats tell the people all of the titles you hold?
Lela: Day job wise I work in health care coordination. Passion wise I am a author/poet. I dabble a bit in marketing and PR. I also spent the better part of a decade working as a web producer. Spiritually wise I am a volunteer project manager for my church's music department. I actually worked in full-time ministry for about 3 years.
Wow girl that's a lot of tasks? When do you sleep? LOL Tell us about your books? What was the inspiration for the books.
Wow girl that's a lot of tasks? When do you sleep? LOL Tell us about your books? What was the inspiration for the books.
Lela: My first book "Poetry of a Black Girl the Darkness and the Light Volume 1" Is a collection of my poems spanning from age 10 - 30. So it's kind of hard to say what actually inspired the book. My life experiences motivate me to write. I know what inspired me to release it though. It was a number of major life changes, including the lost of a job, a failed romantic relationship and the passing of my mother. I hadn't written a poem in about 5 years before I began editing the collection to be published. I needed an outlet (outside of my prayer life) to get what I was feeling out, so I could move on.
That's wonderful you took painful situations and did something positive. Give us a little bit of background. How was your childhood? Lela: Let me see. I am one of 11 of a blended family. I am the youngest both parents were married before they had me. My youngest older sister was 15 when I was born and is my godmother. My youngest older big brother is 15 years older than me if you get the picture. I am a native New Yorker. Brooklynite and grew up in the 80s and 90s. My childhood was privileged because I was well loved.
I come from a big family as well, my mother was one of 12. We have a lot in common, I represent Brooklyn all day everyday. LOL Let me stop being silly. Back to the questions. Describe your writing process. How long does it take you to write?
Lela: Writing for me is very organic. What I mean by this is that I generally am moved by something. I jot down a few lines and then go back and expand OR not on the brainstorming session. I have some pieces that took me just minutes to write and others that were years in the making.
How did it feel when you finally completed your book and it was published? Lela: When I finally completed the book and published I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. All that I had went thorough the first half of my life was documented in a way in the book. My memoirs series will really spotlight different segments, but "Poetry of a Black Girl" allowed me to dress up my emotions with prose so they would not be so raw.
When did you realize you wanted to sing and write?
Lela: Singing for me has always been a bit of a mixed bag. I just enjoy doing it. I feel truly blessed to be able to sing when I can at church (the main venue where I get to minster.) I think I have been writing since I could hold a pen :)
Did anyone ever try to discourage you from going after your dreams?
Lela: Only two people I can recall I could ever I consider being my haters. A former boss, who was also my friend (still is) and my ex. I used them as stepping stones in my development because of them I am better than who I might have been.
I totally feel you on that. I always say I don't have no time for the haters it takes up too much energy. What would you say to the little girls out there today trying to find their way in life?
I would tell them to follow their dreams with all their passion. If the adults around them are not supportive find ones that are. Or like myself I found mentors from a far in the books I read. As one of my current mentors always says "Success leaves clues."
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Lela: God my pastors, my parents, my uncles and aunts and my big sister cousins have been my biggest influences. After them, people like Maya Angelou, John Maxwell, Langston Hughes, Gordon Parks and Nikki Giovanni.
What inspires you?
Lela: Life inspires me. God's word inspires me.
Amen to that! What’s next for Lela Jefferson? Any new books, any music up ahead? List all of your projects.
Well, I recently became engaged to my very own God-designed Boaz; whom I affectionately call "The Coach" :-). My fiance, he coaches football professionally. So my #1 project right now is preparing myself mentally, spiritually, and physically to be his wife. I also have two novels in the works. I enjoy writing and video blogging for myself. Lastly, I have been asked to begin feature and guest write on a few other blogs. All and all I am always leaning on God and the Holy Spirit for guidance to how I should order my steps so that I can remain in balance and always in His perfect will for my life.
Wow Lela!! Congratulations on the engagement and all your wonderful projects. Please let me know when these new novels come out. You are truly a jack of all trades keep doing it sister. Thank you for your time and thank you for the positive things you do. I think that you will have a very bright future ahead of you. I love how you are keeping God in your life.
Lela: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. I really enjoy your blog and see it becoming really popular! Shine on my brother shine!
Thanks Lela!! Folks if you want to learn more about the lovely Lela Jefferson be sure click on the links listed for her website and check out the video below.
http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
http://poetryofablackgirl.podOmatic.com
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