Author Interview: Claudia Burney

Plug time. What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

My first novel is coming out on July 15 from NavPress. It’s been renamed to the sassy “Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man.” Makes me laugh every time I hear it. In a good way!

How long had you been writing seriously before you got “the call?”

I think in a way that I’ve been serious about it since I was a kid. I must have been serious because I kept doing it. There were dark years with little work, though. It all came together for me in a big way last year when I started ragamuffin diva. That was when I knew it was okay for me to do it for Jesus, even though I’m so imperfect.

Tell us about “the call.”

I’m not sure if you mean the call that I’d had a manuscript accepted, or the “CALL”. The telephone call followed a delightful e-mail that my agent went straight country in and said, “You done got a three book deal.” I’ll never forget it.

As for the “CALL” I try not to get too high-minded. Frankly, I’m just a cheap storyteller grateful that God sees fit to use me, as He will. It ain’t brain surgery.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

Don’t fall in love with your work, even though I don’t always follow it. It helps in the rewrite stage though. Let me tell you.

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever heard?

Write what you know. That will really limit things for some of us. In all fairness though, my first novel has things that I knew a little bit about.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier on that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

That it really is a business. There are considerations that are solely designed to sell books that I’d never thought about. I have to be a bit market savvy--a bit of a player on my own behalf. It’s not very spiritual sounding, but it’s real.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” And “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” These inform everything in my life.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

Shame stole years from me. I didn’t feel worthy to write for Jesus. I thought I had to be the perfect, white, homeschooling pastor’s wife who writes prairie romances. I was doomed from the start because I’m not white, if I wrote what I knew, or my own history, I’d have had to put slaves on the prairie, and that would have changed the flavor completely. Beyond that, I didn’t fit the profile I’d imagined a Christian writer to be. Grace liberated me. God used me being a ragamuffin diva to open up my writing for him. I ended up with my book deal in less than a year. It was amazing to watch God show off.

What are a few of your favorite books?

I’m wildly in love with Eugene Peterson’s, The Message. Fiction stars in my book are Lisa Samson, Marilynn Griffith, Linda Hall. I’d read anything they wrote. My favorite novel ever is Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hanson. That book made me change my religion!

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

I wrote a young adult novel called Malaika’s Wings. It’s the only literary work I’ve ever done. It merges the African American legend of flying Africans with a contemporary teen trying to solve the mystery of her mothers disappearance. It’s full of magic and poetry. I think it’s special, but I don’t have the skill to pull it off like it deserves to be told yet. I’ve withdrawn it from the market, and hope to grow into it.

I think Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man is a whole lot of fun, too. I love the characters.

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

I’m African American, and there are painfully few of us in the CBA. I feel blessed to be here, and maybe that there are so few of us is a peeve. I also still feel like we’re across the board reluctant to tell the truth, so that we don’t offend that weaker brother. Dear Lord, what is more scandalous than the Gospel? Jesus offended a lot of people, but in doing so, he freed a lot of people.

Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

There is no typical. I’m a wildcat. All over the place, and I’m an insomniac. It’s awful.

If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

I’d love to tell stories that keep readers turning pages and buying books. Lord, let me be the black, woman, Christian, Stephen King. That’s sounds so crass, but it’s the truth. See why I need that Jesus prayer so desperately? I’m a SINNER!!!!

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

I know I say that Stephen King stuff, and don’t think there isn’t a whole lot of truth there, but I’d love to just be able to keep doing this and to take care of my babies. God is good. I know He’ll use it. His economy is awesome. I just want the grace to keep telling stories.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

I can’t quit. I’m hardwired to do it. Publication or no. If I couldn’t write I’d just tell stories verbally if I could still talk.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

Rewrites are painful. I tell a story and want to be done.

Parting words?

Isn’t Jesus ravishing? He’s soooo good. Thanks for letting me hang with you, Gina. This is great. I think you’re a real talent. I can’t wait to read your books.