Bio
Carolyn B. Dawson
CEO/Actor/Writer/Director/Producer
Plays • Books • Screenwriting
Carolinamoonproductions.com
Writer.cjdawson@gmail.com
1. How did you get the idea for your book?
I got the idea for my book because I really loved reading stories from Langston Hughes, who wrote of the African-American experience. I could find myself, or someone that I knew, or had seen in his stories. His stories were short and to the point. They documented black life, sometimes funny, sometimes amazing, sometimes hard and sad.
I also enjoyed reading literature in college, various collections of short stories.
2. What is your favorite line from the book?
That’s a hard question, they are all my favorites, but the first one that comes to mind is from “Under The Pecan Tree“ when Carolina Moon says” I remember feeling pleased with myself because, both he and my mother had a wild look in their eyes upon hearing my request.” Even as a young girl, Carolina Moon had a strong sense of self-awareness.
Another is from The Old Man Who Walks the Streets of Dublin. “Our brief encounter left me wondering if he had ever seen a black woman before.”
3. Which of your characters do believe are most like you and why?
Carolina Moon is most like me because I am Carolina Moon.
4. What message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I want readers to experience stories about an African-American family who lived, loved, struggled and strived, like any other American family. That life, love and relationships are universal.
5. How did you get published?
I am Self-Published.
6. What have been your greatest literary accomplishments?
I like to think of myself as a “Work in Progress” LOL…, I don’t know if plays are considered literature, but I do know that they are related. So, in association with the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, I wrote and produced a play called SACRED DRAMA, for which I was honored for outstanding Community Service in special recognition for my support of the Arts in our community through the production of Sacred Drama at the Balboa Park Centennial Celebration in San Diego. I also wrote a short play called THE BIRTHDAY PARTY, which was read at Diversionary Theater in San Diego and is included in my book The Adventures of Carolina Moon. The Adventures of Carolina Moon has been my greatest literary accomplishment (book), thus far.
7. Do you have any new books in the works?
Yes, I’m happy that you asked that question. I have two new books in the works. Volume 2 of The Adventures of Carolina Moon and Pilgrimage to South Africa, coming soon to Amazon and Barns and Nobles near you .
8. Is there anything else you would like for readers to know?
Yes, I would like to thank everyone for your support, comments, questions, and love. I hope that you are entertained by my stories and take from them snippets of love, courage, struggle and survival. I hope that you cheer for Carolina Moon as she navigates her way through the un-certainties of life.
Also, several readers have been asking me “What happened to Crenshaw?” Honestly, I don’t know what happened to him after I went away to school. I do know- that he died while I was away. Looking back, I suspect that he struggled from diabetes and that’s why his leg had been amputated. Usually, I allow my stories to just flow from within, I think the universe gives them back to me. I think the reason that he came up in this story is because he was an extraordinary man, who in spite of him running a hectic and dangerous business, all the while, battling his own serious health crisis, he went out of his way just to make a little girl happy in this life. That little girl was me. And for his heroic act of selflessness, I honor him.
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