Joy Francis speaks to soul diva Mica Paris and previews her forthcoming Valentine’s Day special concert at Rich Mix.
Patsy Isles, Commissioning Editor at Tamarind Books, explains why she’s looking for inventive, quality children’s writers.
Award-winning choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles talks World Records, Pans People and ego.
Leading authors, film directors and playwrights tell Mesha Mcneil their high points from 2009 and their artistic plans for 2010.
Words of Colour and Rich Mix are giving one lucky soul lover the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Mica Paris on Saturday 13 February. Find out what you need to do – and fast!
February 2007
Sexual Attraction Revealed
By Words of Colour co-founder Nicole Moore
Sexual Attraction Revealed: A Preview of Shangwe’s second title due to be published in April 2007.
This anthology of poetry and autobiographical writing is eclectic and revelatory. The 19 authors are black and mixed-race women ranging from their early twenties to early fifties, living in the UK, offering us an insight into their distinct and diverse creative writing perspectives.
My aims were clearly and simply to discover new and diverse talent, ensure representation and to promote poetry and autobiographical writing of black and mixed-race women from African and African-Caribbean backgrounds. The writers tell their narratives, presenting their views in passionate, intelligent, humorous, strong, reflective and spiritual voices, some unheard; some previously published in the first anthology Brown Eyes.
The book is divided into two sections: Sugar and Spice, which includes a collection of thirty poems and six essays on the themes of sexual attraction, in particular, whether race, culture, identity, ethnicity and heritage play a part in sexual attraction and whether these factors are important or not. From losing your virginity, one night stands, other women and unconventional relationships to love at first sight; this is a must read.
The second section Joy and Pain includes a collection of 15 poems and four essays on the themes related to the many aspects and layers of motherhood. Both the Sugar and Spice and Joy and Pain sections are intrinsically linked and complement each other.
Sexual Attraction Revealed offers a fresh and revealing insight into the lives of black and mixed-race women in 21st century Britain. This Shangwe produced 2nd anthology will provide a showcase for today’s black and mixed-race writers; a permanent record of diverse creativity for today and tomorrow.
Just to give you a little taster here are three poems from the Sugar and Spice section: Meet Me in that Place by Karen Plumb, One Night Stand by Nicola Greenwood and The Succulence of Fruit by Louise Hercules.
Mesha Mcneil takes a provocative look at whether free speech should be extended to the BNP to allow their irrational racism to be exposed.
