The novel, Mama Rose, written by Bernadene High Coleman, illustrates why love stories never die or go out of vogue. This is not only a tale of a forbidden love against the odds, it is a story of a love which transcended racial barriers, time and place in history. Although this is a work of fiction, similar to the book and movie, Beloved, the account has its basis in fact. As such, Mama Rose is one of those unearthed, hidden treasures--based upon the interracial marriage of Bernadene High Coleman's great-grandparents.
M.T.: What inspired you to write Mama Rose?
B.C.: I believe it is a combination of my sense of family and of history. My great-grandmother and other relatives shared with me events that had taken place in their lives. I firmly believe I held on to that information for this very purpose.
M.T.: Had you ever written anything before this book?
B.C.: Yes, I’ve written lots of poetry, tributes and articles. I also have a manuscript for a book with the working title, Beyond Grief, which tells about coping as a widow.
M.T.: Mama Rose reminds me of Alex Haley’s book, Roots. How long did it take to research the story and how long did it take to write it?
B.C.: Thank you! Alex Haley’s Roots is excellent company to be in. As I’ve stated, I’ve always known the incidents I’ve written about. But I needed to research the climate of those decades folloiwng the Civil War. It took me two and a half years to bring it all together. Even last summer when I was working with graphic artists to come up with a book cover, I took another trip back home for an aunt’s 100th birthday. While there, I drove out to the old farm place where a few of Mama Rose’s descendants still live and found a wonderfully preserved photo of her. I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about that photograph. I got up early the next morning and drove back out there and took the photo and had a copy made. I decided it would be better than any design the artists could come up with. That cover is divine! It just takes your breath away!
M.T.: Yes, the picture of Mama Rose on the cover is an arresting picture. You actually feel the essence of Mama Rose when you study this cover. Did you ever approach mainstream publishing?
B.C.: Never directly, no. Which may have been a mistake. I was taking some classes in U.C.L.A.’s writing program. It was suggested to us that we needed an agent to do that for us. So I only contacted agents.
M.T.: How did you find out about Milligan Books?
B.C.: I attended Los Angeles’ Black Business Expo and there she was! I chose to attend her workshop and as a result, we connected.
M.T.: What advice would you give to new and aspiring writers regarding self-publishing?
B.C.: Read as many resource books on the subject as you can. Know what you’re doing. Have some money you won’t be needing for a while. Have plenty of energy and time and be prepared to be extremely busy and willing to promote your book in what ever way possible.
M.T.: Thank you, Mrs. Coleman, for your inspiring words. Mrs. Coleman is a retired schoolteacher. As we see, it is never too late to give up on your dream of being a writer.