A JOURNEY WITHIN_MARCH MADNESS

We sometimes hear an author's logic behind a story, or why they write. But we don't always get to hear the character's point of view. The character can unlock interesting perspectives and answer the unanswered who's, why's, when's, and what-for's that we are sometimes left with after a story ends.

Today, author Imani Wisdom, lets us meet Mrs. Ruthie Belle, a very important character from her novel, Zion's Road. She holds some pertinent clues to what has been known as a powerful and passionate story, and words of wisdom for all those seeking knowledge. Ms. Wisdom's story has the potential to evoke intense feelings within the reader.

Take a peek into Imani's writing world:


The last post I interviewed was with a young boy named, Thomas – an important character from my book, Zion’s Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption. He had joined the lead character, Harold Smith, on a journey that revealed several truths from his life. Just like in the story, I noticed Thomas bore an old soul to his seven-year-old body. It was as if he had out lived many generations.  
 
Later, he escorted me to a wooden dock overseeing a vibrant creek as it shimmered beneath the radiant afternoon sun. Nature beings; such as birds and bees, were flying freely, while a pair of butterflies swirled around me as if they had something to say.
 
As I was enthralled at the innate beauty, I saw a woman sitting on the very end with her petite legs dangling above the water. She had her hair tied to a neat bun and dressed in a black blouse and beige slacks. “We’re here” Thomas called out as he guided me by the hand toward the woman. He leaned toward the woman’s cheek and gave her a soft kiss. “See you later, Miss Imani” He told me and ran back to the hill.
 
The woman finally presented a welcoming smile as she gestured with her hand to sit beside her. She wasn’t what I expected from Zion’s Road – the radiant caramel skin and dark, brown eyes brought out an immense glow. After we’ve exchanged our pleasantries, I finally strummed enough courage to ask the first question…
 
Me:      I’m finally sitting here with incomparable Ruthie Belle. Now, do you prefer to be called, Mrs. Belle or Miss Ruthie?
 Ruthie: Miss Ruthie would be fine.
 Me:      Okay, Miss Ruthie…so tell me more about “Ruthie Belle”. What is she about? 
RB:      Well, I used to be this scaredy-cat of a woman back home in Tulla Springs. I went
            through all kinds of crazy stuff until one day I got tired of it. So I did what any good
            momma had to do – I separated myself from the wickedness. With God, though, I made
            it through the tough storms. I even grew to understand what love was and how to love. It
            was a shame from one event in my life, I’d allowed that to define me. So, now, I’m wiser
            with lots of backbone.

Me:      Yes, ma’am…perhaps you should explain to the reader about your appearance. You come
            across as a seasoned elderly woman but you appear to be in your mid to late twenties?

RB:      Child, you sho’ know how to butter an old woman up, don’t cha! Look, when I got here, I
            didn’t expect to be blessed with a youthful glow. Ev’rythin’ you see ‘bout me, here, is
            just gifts. Ev’ryone hasta go through ‘em. But I’m still the same ole’ Ruthie Belle from
the time when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. My feelins’ get hurt like you; I wake ev’ry mornin’ givin’ Him thanks, and I still read my Bible. Ruthie will always be…Ruthie.  
Me:      Yes ma’am, Miss Ruthie. Thomas couldn’t explain what Zion’s Road is. He told me it’s forbidden. So maybe you could tell me – the readers would like to know?

RB:      Well, Thomas is right – it is forbidden – but since you are who you are, I might as well
            share a lil’ somethin’ with your readers…so here goes, ready?

Me:      Yes, ma’am. 
RB:      Search within your heart.

Me:      But, Miss Ruthie, isn’t Zion’s Road a place?
 RB:      Yeah, baby, Zion’s Road is a place but not ev’ryone is gon’ believe ‘cause they don’t see
            it. Your heart is the best pair of eyes God could give you. It’s just too bad your kind
            chooses to stay blind. You see a handsome man and knowin’ he ain’t no good, and you
            choose to stay anyway? Forget how many times he’d made you cry, or beat you, you’ve
            grown so weak that you would rather live with it ‘cause it’s easier. Miss Imani, it’s
            the same thing as fire – admire the colorful flame from a distance, but if you
            touch it, you’ll get burn.

Me:      So Thomas is right, this place can be scary.

RB:      Naw, Zion’s Road is good as it gets. What I’m sayin’ believin’ is not always seein’, and
            seein’ is not believin’. You have to trust your heart and keep your faith intact, and
            anythin’ that comes your way won’t be so hard. The path that any new arrival
            follows is accordin’ to the footsteps they’ve all ready taken.

Me:      Without giving me too many details, how was your journey?
 RB:      Child, you know I can’t tell you that. But I will say my journey had its ups and downs.
            I cried. I laughed, and there were times I wanted to give up, but I kept on. There were
even some unexpected surprises that turned my journey upside down. So, really, Miss Imani explainin’ Zion’s Road is like askin’ what’s the meanin’ to life – you ain’t gon’ know til you discover it, and when you do you ain’t gon’ like your answer.

Me:      Okay, now let’s back track for a bit. Tell me what Tulla Springs is like, and do you
miss it?
RB:      Girl, I don’t miss nothin’ ‘bout that Mississippi town! The memories there were nothin’ but misery. The only fondness I do have is my family – and I thank the Lord for ‘em – but other than that there ain’t a nice thing I have to say about Tulla Springs. Nothing!

Me:      Yes, ma’am...now one last request before we go to your place to eat a slice of your chess
pie – could you tell the readers about the book we’re giving away. Tell them in your words what they should expect.

RB:      I can try, Miss Imani, but wouldn’t be better if they heard it from you? After all, you wrote the book. 
Me:      Yes, ma’am, but it would be great if the readers would it hear from one of its characters.  
 
RB:      (Sigh) All right. I’ll do my best.
Come and join me in Imani Wisdom’s novelette, Zion’s Road, as that boy Harold Smith meets an unexpected person as they go on an adventure to discover Harold’s truths. During their journey, the two learn Smith had been keeping an old secret that’ll sure to shock anyone! And when I mean, anyone, I mean YOU! Hell, I’m in the book when it all happened, and I still can’t believe my….
Me:      MISS RUTHIE!!!!

RB:      What?

Me:      You’re saying too much!

RB:      Don’t you want me to explain it or not, Miss Imani?

Me:      Yes, ma’am, I do, but without giving too much of the story away.

RB:      So I can’t mention anything about the Klan?
 Me:      No, Miss Ruthie.

RB:      Or the boy’s daddy?

Me:      (shaking my head)

RB:      Okay, what about Arth…

Me:      Miss Ruthie…please!

RB:      Fine, Miss Imani. How about this? During Harold’s journey, these truths will
            shatter his world. But will that stop him from gettin’ to his final destination? Or will he
            man-up and break free from his dark past? Find all the answers in Miss Imani’s iddy-
            biddy story, Zion’s Road. It may be short but it packs a punch.
            How’s that?

Me:      Perfect! But don’t forget to mention you have a story, too.
 RB:      Oh yeah…I do. Coming in 2015, I gots my own story self-named after me: The Journey of Ruthie Belle. The story begins in 1914, when I was a slave to a heathen’s abuse. But I wised-up and a found a way to break free his bondage, yet to discover things ain’t all ways what it seems. I will see ev’rythin’ on my journey, even silly butterflies. Now if you want to read a piece of it, visit Imani’s web…site: www.imaniwisdom.com. It’s under except on the tab.
 Me:      It’s called, excerpt.

RB:      Whatever. Are you ready to eat? I got somethin’ good cooked.

Me:      Yes, ma’am! What do you have besides chess pie?

RB:      Soup.

Me:      (Blank stare) 
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Imani Wisdom is the founder of Pink Noire Publications.  Based in Indianapolis, IN, Pink Noire is a groundbreaking company with an unpredictable brand of literary storytelling.   Wisdom is also the creator of Pink Noire Blog, which hosts inspirational posts for the soul, along with social commentary.  Born and raised in “Indy,” Wisdom spends her days overseeing a family of five, writing short stories and books, cooking vegan dishes, running 5Ks and mini-marathons, and enjoying quality time with her friends and family.
                                    
Wisdom is a graduate of Ivy Tech Community College, earning a degree in Paralegal Studies. She is a prolific storyteller whose works depict an honest portrayal of societal issues. As a blogger and author, she has received numerous honors including 2012 nominee for Poet of the Year (AAMBC Book Club), March 2012 Up and Coming Author (The Writer’s POV Magazine), September 2011 Blog of the Month (The Writer’s POV Magazine), and February 2011 Editor’s Pick (BlackShortStories.com) for her short story, The Shattered Mogul. Her works include Zion’s Road: A Love Story about Faith and Redemption, and her upcoming debut novel, The Journey of Ruthie Belle.

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WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY