THE ROCK: When did you start writing?

Pam: I started writing at age 18, right after I graduated from Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago. I was an undergraduate at Columbia College when I really started to write poetry and take writing classes such as Poetry Workshop 101 and Scriptwriting. During those days, I acted as an Assistant Editor for a Chapbook of Poetry called Kaleidoscope.

THE ROCK: What inspired your writing?

Pam: Dealing with a stressful adolescent period where I grew up without my biological father was the main reason I began writing. I wanted to use my frustration and pain in a positive way. In my first semester as an Undergraduate at Grambling State University, my English professor complimented me on my writing ability and I changed my major from Business Administration to English Education. I am inspired by many things, mostly because I am a very compassionate person; I soak in the little details of life. My writing lens is very clear, and I see many things and am inspired by the minute and the large things...

THE ROCK: What is your background, how did you get started writing?

Pam: My background is mainly in the performing arts. I started singing at age 8 and spent the majority of my adolescent years as a freelance singer performing at local talent shows, church, and weddings. After graduating with my English Degree, I was able to write for corporate and local publications in Chicago including the Chicago Defender and the Afrique Newsmagazine where I had a column featuring health, education and spiritual articles. I transitioned from writing poems back in 1997 when I started to attend open microphone sessions at the local coffeehouses, and then decided to perform spoken word for two years before publishing my book and a few chapbooks.

THE ROCK: What do you normally write about?

Pam: My poetry is written in free verse and from a narrative point of view, but I have written haikus, pantoums, cinquains, and other structured forms. I write about love, pain, desire, frustration, and anything that comes to me in a poetic flash of inspiration. Although I write everything from a point of view that is very intimate for the reader, everything is not a personal experience of mine. I am like an observer of life, and I take my observations and speak of them through poetry. In recent years, I have been able to challenge myself as a writer and expand from poetry to short stories, articles, personal essays and novels. In those forums, I like to explore issues that impact us as a society, as well as women, youth, and general topics that impact everyone else.

THE ROCK: How did you publish your first book?

Pam: After receiving several rejection letters from traditional publishers, I decided to research the publishing industry and see what my options were. I decided to do a traditional chapbook to test out my market and ended up publishing my first erotic poetry collection, Exotica. Then, I wanted to do an e-book of what would end up being the Musings of a __Mocha Sista. A lot of my friends liked the book but had issues downloading it, so I decided that I would go ahead and publish a traditional paperback book and used Writers Club Press (Iuniverse.com) to do so. It was a good experience.

THE ROCK: What advice would you have for aspiring writers/performers?

Pam: Get out of the house, grab a book and start researching your area of interest. It took me three years to figure out how to publish my book. You don't have to have a lot of money to research publishing, go on the internet and surf the web. As a writer, you need to get your work out there so go to a coffeehouse and share your poetry or prose. Many bookstores have "open mics" that are not related to poetry. Often you can share written work at the libraries. You should join a writers’ group either online or locally at a library or community college. I have been a member of the following online writer communities; Prolific Writers Network, Writers RX, Black Expressions, and Around2It. All are on Yahoo! groups. Read up on the craft of writing. You have to write, recite, re-write, re-edit, and mold your material. It will not come overnight. I'd suggest that aspiring writers should go to the library and build up their knowledge on the craft. For performers, get out there and share your work. Get feedback on your stage presence and see what others are doing as well. Network, and do collaborations. That is the only way you will grow as an artist and writer.

THE ROCK: What are your upcoming literary projects?
Pam: I'm anticipating the next volume in Musings of a __Mocha Sistah: Soul Melodies, as well as my first novel, Cause I Can!, which will be released later this year. Cause I Can! will be released on my publishing company, Osbey Books'. I am also a contributer of a volume of a women's empowerment collection by author Rochelle D. Hart at www.rodeezy.com, as well as an Anthology by Author Melda Potts. My __Mocha's On the Move 2005 Tour will begin in March with an appearance at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Campus as a part of the Higher Ground show. The cities included in this year's tour include: Detroit, Michigan; Des Moines, Iowa; Los Angeles, California, as well as a possible appearance in North Carolina.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?

Pam: They can contact me at __mocha@mochasistahonline.com, osbeybooks@sbcglobal.net or visit my website at www.mochasistahonline.com. My book, Musings of a __Mocha Sista, can be purchased at www.walmart.com, www.iuniverse.com, or www.amazon.com.

THE ROCK: Thank you, Pam.