Author’s Month on Clutch – A Salute to Scribes: Felicia Pride

Clutch: Who or what inspired you to become a writer?
FP: There were a lot of inspirations from the lyricists of hip-hop to my mother to my college English professor who told me to pursue writing as a career. But it’s funny because even with all of those inspirations, it took me a long time to embrace the title “writer.” Fear is a mofo.

Clutch: If you weren’t a writer, what do you think you would be doing?
FP: Well I went to school for business and worked in marketing for some time. I also worked in book publishing. I think I would probably still be working in book publishing, maybe as an editor. Although I do have these closet fantasies of being a professional dancer (think backup for Missy Elliot versus Alvin Ailey) or an interior designer.

Clutch: In your opinion, what’s the one thing one must possess if they want to become a professional writer?
FP: The ability to overcome the emotional agony of the act and business of writing. Okay that sounds a little cynical, but it’s pretty true. It’s real in the field and you have to be able to put rejection, critics, writer’s block and self-doubt to the side and still embrace your inner creativity.

Clutch: How has the internet and Social Media helped you as a writer?
FP: Both have been tremendous in my career in more ways than I can name. One, they have been instrumental in the promotion of my work. Second, they’ve been great for research and networking. They’ve also allowed a space to “practice” writing through blogs, updates, online rants, etc.. They’ve also been great distractions when I’m procrastinating.

Clutch: Tell us about your current book.
FP: My current book is THE MESSAGE: 100 Life Lessons From Hip-Hop’s Greatest Songs is a collection of essays that explores what we can learn from the multitude of stories that drip from good hip-hop songs–from ideas on politics, love, relationships, careers, ambition, and more. Think of it as a literary mixtape.

Clutch: What advice would you give to up and coming writers?
FP: Yeah it is supposed to feel like “that” when you’re creating. If you feel “that” (which many times is a mixture of fear, uncertainty, agony, anxiety, happiness, freedom, euphoria) then you’re on the right track. Write like your life depends on it. Silence naysayers with your pen or keystroke.