Hey everyone,
Ian Tan here, lead editor and project coordinator of UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology, set to release this October 29. Here is the UnCensored Ink interview series to introduce you all to the incredible writers, as well as the local bookstores and libraries that gave them safe, creative spaces. Hopefully, you can put these incredible places on your to-visit list and feel inspired to support your own local bookstore, library, and indie authors.
Today, I am with Erica Duarte from Tennessee. In 2001, Erica graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Psychology. After working numerous jobs, she joined the Peace Corps, where she taught English and traveled for a time. Erica is married with two rambunctious girls. At home, she loves having lots of pets, reading lots of books, and writing lots of stories, especially those that embrace shades of gray.
1. You’ve written a fine piece for UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology. Can you give us a synopsis? How did the idea for this piece come about?
Mazi is a fictional character in a partially true story about the bible belt of middle Tennessee. The story took shape after several billboards popped up in my hometown, paid for by a local church, that said things like: “There is only he and she, no they” and “One man, one woman is holy matrimony.” I wondered of the negative impact this might have on a young person who was gay, lesbian, or bisexual? Then Tennessee passed a bill requiring schools to list all books in their library online for public inspection, and the idea came full circle. “Mazi” is the story of a young bisexual girl whose self-worth is affected by the hateful actions of a prejudiced few. Mazi must learn to navigate her community and grow into herself, but how can she do that when her state and city target books with LQBTQ storylines and billboards scream a way of life that will never be hers? In the end, I wanted to show how books (many banned) help kids like Mazi find themselves worthy to be who they are.
2. Now, we would love to know you more! What do you enjoy doing in your free time, what is your favorite book quote, and how did you get into reading and writing?
Free time . . . If I could write all day and read all night, I would. I’m obsessed. Ever since I could read, I’ve loved books. I got into writing around middle school. I wrote poetry, and it evolved from there into stories. My favorite book quote, if I had to choose, is the opening stanza of a poem by Lewis Carroll, as seen in the opening pages of Through the Looking Glass ca. 1946.
Child of the pure unclouded brow
And dreaming eyes of wonder!
Though time be fleet, and I and thou
Are half a life asunder,
Thy loving smile will surely hail
The love-gift of a fairy-tale.
3. Do you have a favorite local library or bookstore? Also, can you remember bookstores and libraries from your childhood, if they are not the same as the ones now?
Favorite local bookstore: Plenty Downtown Bookshop. @plentbookshop on Instagram
I loved going to the library as a child and I take my children as often as I can.
4. Tell us more about this bookstore/library. What do you love most about it?
Things about Plenty that I love: The beautiful sign above the door. The cozy atmosphere inside. The fact that it’s downtown, next door to a patisserie and across the street from a coffee shop. The local authors they celebrate! Including me and this anthology! They’re holding an author event for me to promote this excellent work in November and I can’t wait.
5. What do you have to say on the importance of sustaining bookstores and libraries?
It is a must to sustain local libraries and bookstores. Nowhere else can a person find so many open hearts and minds, so many different worlds and ideas. In these places, there is truly something for everyone.
6. Do you have any projects your current and future readers can look forward to?
Yes, always. I’m currently working on a YA fantasy about a witch, a curse, and a shapeshifting monster. It’s a love story, of course.
7. Lastly, what platforms can we find you?
You can find me on Instagram @ericaduartewrites
Well, that’s Erica Duarte from Tennessee, everyone! Stay posted till the next one in Ohio as we enter the Midwest!
Wild Ink Publishing 