Interview - The Heart of Chenoa by Creole Noir #MagicalRealism
*Do you write in different genres? If yes which is your favorite genre to write?
Absolutely! Writing in different genres lets me explore various storytelling styles. Weird fiction mixes supernatural elements and eerie vibes, letting me dive into surreal worlds. Horror taps into primal fears, making stories that keep you on edge. Southern Gothic, with its rich culture and haunting landscapes, is perfect for exploring decay, redemption, and the eerie. Each genre has its own challenges and rewards, and I enjoy crafting unique tales in each one.
*Is the book, characters, or any scenes based on a true life experience, someone you know, or events in your own life?
Jerald, the character in my book "The Heart of Chenoa," reflects parts of my own life. Like me, Jerald faces situations where guys he's involved with aren't open about their sexuality. It's tough dealing with the heartbreak when they're afraid to be themselves because of how others might judge them. It's hard when someone you care about can't be open about who they are, and it hurts even more when the person you have feelings for disowns you just for the sake of their peers. Jerald's struggles mirror my own experiences, adding real emotions to his character in the story.
*If this book is part of a series…what is the next book? Any details you can share?
This book is actually part of a three-book series called The Black Dove Legacy. "The Heart of Chenoa" is book 1, followed by "The Cry of the Black Doves" as book 2, and "Redemption of the Black Dove" as book 3. You can find all of them available on Amazon.
*Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I'm in the process of creating a horror anthology called "Series of the Bizarre," deeply rooted in African American culture and ancestral lore. Each story draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of African American folklore, traditions, and myths, weaving together tales that reflect the essence of our heritage. Through this anthology, I seek to explore the depths of our cultural roots while delving into the eerie and mysterious. These tales dive into our rich traditions and myths, exploring our ancestral roots in a spooky way.
*Do you have a song or playlist (book soundtrack) that you think represents this book?
Yes! Here's The Heart of Chenoa Playlist
*Nine Inch Nails-34 ghost IV *Camila Cabello- psycho freak
*Rihanna ft SZA-Consideration *lil Uzi Vert- xo tour life
*Miley Cyrus- edge of midnight *Billie Eilish, Khalid- lovely
*Willow-meet me at your spot *Kelis- caught out there
*Post Malone- go flex *Shouse- love tonight
*Kodie Shane- dont worry about it *Scarlxrd- hxw they judge
*Rico Nasty-turn it up *Raury-gods whisper
When you’re not writing what do you do? Do you have any hobbies or guilty pleasures?
When I'm not writing, I enjoy exotic dancing. I used to dance for private events and parties, which brought in quite a bit of cash (ha-ha-ha), and I also did hair on the side. I'm also working on starting an indoor garden, and it's coming along nicely.
*What is next for you? Do you have any scheduled upcoming releases or works in progress?
I'm currently putting together a horror anthology titled "Series of the Bizarre." It features short stories inspired by African American folklore, culture, and myths. I aim to launch the first two volumes in September 2024 and January 2025.
The Heart of ChenoaThe Black Dove Legacy Book OneCreole Noir
Genre: Magical Realism, YA, Coming of AgeDate of Publication: June 2, 2023ISBN: 979-8396415935ASIN: B0C6VYSPF1Number of pages: 275 pagesWord Count: 44,953Cover Artist: Creole Noir
Tagline: Everyone knew she was the belle of the ball, and it was hard to imagine anyone ever taking her crown away from her.
Book Description:
The Heart of Chenoa is a heartwarming tale about a young woman's courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life in a new town. Along the way, she finds a group of misfit friends who become like family to her, including the inseparable siblings Brooke and Jerald, and the popular but conflicted JC, who harbors a secret love for Jerald. As they navigate high school drama and personal trauma, they come together to seek revenge against a conniving classmate, and ultimately learn to embrace their unique gifts and find strength in their bond.
The story explores themes of love, friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate their way through the ups and downs of life. Brooke's premonitions and Lucille's powers add a touch of magic to the story, while Jerald learns to control his trauma-induced alter ego. Ultimately, they discover that they have grown and evolved in unexpected ways and that their bond is stronger than anything life can throw at them.
Excerpt:
Amidst thesprawling fields of Chenoa, a small town nestled in the heart of the Texas, atale of resilience and friendship unfolds. At its core lies the story of ayoung woman named Indigo, whose journey from darkness to light weaves atapestry of courage, love, and the transformative power of friendship.
Indigo hadknown no other reality than the one she shared with her abusive boyfriend,Troy. The shackles of fear bound her tightly, choking the life out of herdreams. But one fateful night, fueled by a flicker of courage ignited deepwithin her heart, she made the decision to break free.
With nothingbut a few belongings and a trembling resolve, Indigo set out on a journey tostart anew in a town where nobody knew her name. Chenoa welcomed her with openarms, offering sanctuary from the storm that had raged within her for far toolong.
As Indigotentatively navigated the unfamiliar school of her new home, she stumbled upona group of misfits whose warmth and acceptance enveloped her like a comfortingembrace. Among them were Brooke and Jerald, inseparable siblings whose laughterechoed through the halls of Chenoa High School, and JC, whose inner turmoilsimmered beneath his charming exterior.
Together, theyformed an unlikely family, bound not by blood but by the unbreakable ties offriendship and shared experiences. Each member of their motley crew bore scarsof their own, but together, they found solace in the company of kindredspirits.
As high schooldramas unfolded and personal traumas resurfaced, Indigo and her newfoundcompanions stood united against the tide of adversity. They rallied together toseek justice against a conniving classmate, their bonds growing stronger witheach shared victory.
But beneath thesurface of their idyllic friendship lay secrets waiting to be unearthed. JCharbored a love for Jerald that dared not speak its name, while Brooke'spremonitions whispered of futures yet to unfold. And in the shadows, Jeraldbattled with the demons of his past, struggling to tame the beast within.
Yet through itall, they clung to each other, their hearts intertwined in a tapestry of loveand loyalty. As they confronted their deepest fears and embraced their uniquegifts, they discovered that strength lies not in solitude but in theunbreakable bonds of friendship.
In The Heart ofChenoa, amidst the Spanish moss trees and the whispering winds, Indigo and herfriends learned that the greatest battles are fought not with fists but withhearts open wide. And as they embraced the magic woven into the fabric of theirlives, they found redemption in the unlikeliest of places: within themselves,and within the hearts of those they held dear.
About the Author:Creole Noir is an author who has a passion for writing stories that not only bring suspense, but also delve into deeper themes of social justice and class disparities. His debut novel Cry of the Black Dove follows London and her friends as they embark on a mission to get revenge after being wronged by those in power. Creole hopes his work will help readers think about these issues and the marginalization that often follows. Outside of writing, he enjoys hosting a podcast with Kinky Boots. Creole currently lives in Tyler, Texas where he obtained an Associates degree in General Studies from Tyler Junior College before engaging in healthcare labor such as caregiving and teaching life skills. He now writes full-time.
Keep in touch with Creole Noir's work by following him on Instagram or checking out his podcast. He loves hearing from readers about their favorite stories and characters. With Creole Noir’s vivid imagination and captivating voice, each of his novels will keep you hooked until the very end.
Keep in touch with Creole Noir via the web:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creole.noir
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lafrance.johnson.144
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creolenoir8
