Black History Month Author Spotlight: Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville
Autherine Publishing’s Black History Month Spotlight is on distinguished educator, author and ghostwriter, Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville.
Dr. Baskerville, please discuss one of your books.
I want to highlight my first of three award-winning published books, HOODLESS KLAN. It’s the story of a principal in a charter school who came face-to-face with school and community racists who didn’t want the Black kids in her school to be high level classes with their kids. It became a 4-year (unsuccessful) plot to remove the principal for not honoring/obeying the group’s wishes. The years were 2007-11, quite a long time after Jim Crow and Civil Rights, so clearly institutional racism remains. In this story, it’s racism in education.
Why was it important for you to write this story?
It was important for me to write this story because, although it’s called “fiction based upon true events,” it’s true. Racism needs to be confronted and called out regardless of the price the caller must pay.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
My writing process is to first listen for God to give me an inspiring thought, and then I carry a small note pad with me everywhere. I jot down two words I know will spark a memory of something important, and when I have 20-30 small papers with few words on each, I stack them according to theme or time line, and then begin writing until the last note becomes sentences in my story. I don’t initially worry about grammar or even the order of what will be chapters. As I expand each chapter and build bridges connecting them, the book takes a definite shape. Character development and descriptive dialogue are critical to ensuring that readers won’t put your book down.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
My favorite Black author is Maya Angelou because she puts words together that don’t normally fit, and yet she makes perfect sense. I don’t know if I like her poetry, novel, essay or public speaking best because she is equally versatile. She inspired me to stand in my truth when I write, and not be a “people pleaser” if the content is unpleasant.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
I advise aspiring authors to become published authors. Find a mentor by joining a local or state writers’ guild. Be vulnerable and let others you trust critique your work before you publish. Set aside quality time on a regular schedule where you will write. Never give up, but be realistic about your commitment of time and treasure to realize your dream.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
The most challenging part of the writing journey is marketing. An author things she’s done a mammoth job “birthing out” the book, only to find that she must invest exponentially more time marketing it. Even with a publicist or marketing consultant, the author supplies all the information. There are no short cuts to an author getting name recognition.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
I’m a 45-year veteran educator, retired and now editor and ghostwriter for 47 published authors. The subjects are varied, and I welcome an opportunity to showcase any of them, and me, as author of two books about finding the humor in grief, plus the one about racism in education.
Dr. Baskerville’s books are available on Amazon. Please support her books and follow her writing journey on her website.
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
