Debut Author Snapshot: Issa Rae
Posted by Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ on February 3, 2015
Her debut memoir with a familiar name, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, tells cringe-worthy, poignant, and always hilarious stories from her childhood—from preteen cyber sexing to her first kiss and beyond—alongside candid commentary on big-ticket topics like race, identity, and diversity in media.
Rae shares her two favorite episodes of , where it all began.
Issa Rae: Thank you! Right now I'm focused on getting the word out about my book, the second round of (we're focusing on dramas right now), and building out my web platform to include more of the series that we're not seeing on television. I'm just focused on writing, creating, and helping other dope people to create, basically.
GR: These essays don't shy away from very personal topics. Do you have certain personal boundaries that you won't cross or is it all fair game?
IR: Yeah, definitely. The personal stuff about my family was really hard to share, and I had to make sure that certain members of my family were OK with it. I still didn't put it alllll out there, because they're not writing the book; I am. So I tried to limit it to stuff that affects me. Even in my personal life I didn't want to just load the book with stuff that would make people go, "TMI." These are specific stories meant to shed light on what makes me so awkward and socially uncomfortable.
IR: I think comedy helps to soften the blow, honestly. You can call someone a racist with a serious tone, and they'll be offended almost immediately. But if you suggest it jokingly, they may laugh and they may not, but it will definitely linger with them. They may even ask, "Wait, am I?" Comedy makes people more open-minded in general.
GR: What's it like to transition between screenwriting and essay writing?
IR: It was SO hard! That was one of the hardest parts. Screenwriting is so character- and dialogue-heavy, and while you still spend time describing and narrating, nobody really gets to see that part. Screenwriting is really all about who your characters are and how you tell the story. Essay writing is so focused on how you write the story that it can be intimidating. I kept wondering how my 11th grade AP English teacher would grade me.
GR: Any advice for aspiring low-budget filmmakers and writers?
IR: Definitely. Write within a reasonable budget, for sure. Get as many resources as you can for free, and choose people to work with who believe in your vision and are willing to work as hard as you are.
GR: What's next for you as a writer?
IR: More writing. I'm working on a film, another series, and will continue to write for the web as much as I can. I want to write in all the mediums that allow me to express myself. Except poetry. I will never like poetry.
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JW
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Feb 05, 2015 09:53AM
Very Humorously and brilliantly performed.
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I can't wait to read the book! I've already pre-ordered it for my Kindle. :-)
I so want to work with this lady if I ever get the chance.. ABG was and will always be my fave web series to date!
She's so awesome. Definitely a role model for younger writers, like myself. I can't wait for this book!!
Issa Rae book is one that seemed to be one of inspiration. It is great to laugh at oneself and this says that the author is at peace with the dynamics of life. Hence this book will be one of positive dialogues. Congratulations with this book!
