Tembi Locke Q and A: 11 Facts About Me

The release of From Scratch is just around the corner (on shelves and available online April 30th!). In the meantime, I wanted to share a “Tembi Locke Q and A” that covers some of the people, art, food, film, and other tidbits that are part of my story. I hope you enjoy this peek into some things outside the pages of my memoir.
Who in your life has made you a stronger writer and storyteller?

I come from a great line of Southern storytellers. Every time my family gets together, we regale each other with stories of the past, the present, and the never-should-have-been. But undoubtedly it is my sister, Attica, who has made me a stronger writer. I have been lucky enough to read her work in many stages. I have observed how she carves out space for her writing, how she hones her tenacity. On the page, she is able to hold mystery, pathos, politics, and humor in a single sentence. She’s brilliant.

Who makes you laugh the most and why?

If he walked in this room right now, my friend Patrick would have me on the floor laughing in five minutes. He can quickly big picture any situation and then, on a dime, reduce it down to a witty, bare-bones assessment in a matter of seconds. He is unafraid of alliteration or an obscure 90’s pop culture reference.

What piece of art in your home do you treasure most?

A large scale cubist painting from Senegal given to me as a wedding present. It has watched over my life since I was twenty-five years old. It knows more about me than I do.

What is the first movie that made you cry?

Claudine with Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones.

What is your favorite kind of candy?

I probably have M&M’s in the armrest console of my car right now. My road dog.

Do you have any home remedies that you swear by?

Lemon and hot water in the morning. Chamomile tea at night. Bach Flower Remedies, lavender salt baths and laughter any way you can get it.

Are you superstitious about anything?

Black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Learning my lines in my character’s shoes.

What is your tried and true, must-have travel item?

At least three sleep masks because, well, I lose them. Espresso because, well, every new place is better after sleep and a good coffee.

What ingredient do you use most in the kitchen?

Extra-virgin olive oil. I’m Italian in the kitchen.

Your favorite “food as a metaphor for life” dish:

I actually have two. Ribolitta which is about taking the crumbs and making something new. Literally re-boiling what was left over into something delicious. AND the caponata, it reminds us that life is always savory and sweet, briny and smooth.

Three words to describe Sicily?

Mythical, bewildering, timeless.

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