Where were you born and raised?
I was born in a small town called Opelousas, Louisiana. I was raised and grew up between New Orleans, LA and Lafayette, LA.
Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?
I attended Grambling State University for sociology and fine and performing arts.
What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interest that is not included in your bio?
I grew up in foster care so it really taught me to appreciate myself. Writers have to rely on their own instincts; they draw from all of their experiences to bring forth life in their character. All experiences, good or bad, serve as the back drop for stories. A good author realizes this; a great author uses it to create great works. My greatest strength is the ability to use my experiences as a foundation for my writing.
When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?
I knew I was a writer as soon as I began reading. I loved the fact that you could be anyone or travel anywhere between the pages of a book. I wanted to be able to offer those same opportunities for other people.
How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?
I started seriously writing at Grambling State University in Scribia, a writing organization. After school, I lived in Coatesville, PA, and I was able to really submerge myself among serious writers, new and established. Publishing came later when I realized that even though it had been proven that African Americans were reading more, they were still under-represented in the major publishing houses. I began my publishing company so that new writers would have an avenue that supported them and their artistic endeavors.
How long have you been writing/publishing/etc?
Close to 20 years now.
Who is one author that you look up to and why?
Audre Lorde, because she was not afraid to break out of the norms of traditional subject matters.
How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?
READ EVERYTHING. I read everything by everyone on the subject of poetry. I went everywhere that I could to listen to different poetry styles. I attended every workshop and conference that I could. I also didn’t limit myself to just one genre. I have my favorite, but I have learned to appreciate all styles.
If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?
Entertaining
Who is your session particularly suited for?
Anyone who loves to read, write, and perform poetry.
What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?
Be open to all information even if at the time it does not immediately affect or pertain to you. All the information you will get will serve you in the long run. Also, writers are part of an elite family; don’t feel threatened by other writers or be overly protective of your work. If you allow yourself to be open to everyone you will really walk away fulfilled and educated, plus you will have a group of people who truly know what you are going through and who can give you excellent advice.
What are some of the projects you have in the works?
A magazine, “We Got Next,” showcasing new artists in their respective categories i.e. writing, poetry, art, drama, music. Also, a series of anthologies, “On the Yard,” geared toward current students and former students of historically black colleges and universities and a Greek organization for those persons in the arts.
What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?
Always carry a pen and a notebook; you never know where your inspiration is going to come from.
What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?
It’s a hell of a long journey but enjoy the ride. And get used to being alone.
Shani Lasana’s workshop, “Creating the Poet,” will be presented twice at the 2008 BWRC—on Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, at 3:50 p.m. For more information about her session, visit http://www.blackwriters.org/program.html