Q&A with Author Ida E. Jones
Dr. Ida E. Jones is a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the assistant curator of manuscripts at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University. Her most recent book is “Mary McLeod Bethune in Washington, D.C.: Education and Activism in Logan Circle.”
What’s the funniest/scariest/best interaction you’ve had with a fan?
I do not have any fans. There are a number of people that know and respect me who have encouraged my work they are passionate, dedicated and celebratory–nothing dramatic only sincere celebration.
What do you do when you have writer’s block?
I usually play computer games. Writing is an art and seeing the artistry in games helps awaken/recharge that part of the brain. Information overload or hunting for the great quote is pressure – however releasing that valve makes a difference.
Do/did you have a day job? What was it and how did it influence your writing?
Yes, I have a day job. My Bruce Wayne is a in a special collection working as an assistance curator. My Batman is writing. Initially, I wrote book reviews and paper presentations. My first book grew out of a curiosity with the creation of my place of Wayne employment. Learning about the genesis of the special collection and the brainchild behind it whose name was lost to history spurred me to excavate him and place him back in the contemporary conversation. Moreover, the personal papers of the man – Kelly Miller (1863-1939) – were housed in the special collection. Serendipity!
If you could ask another author (living or dead) one question, what would it be and what author would you ask?
Frances Harper (1825-1911) and Ann Petry (1908-1997). These two women lived throughout openly hostile and un-kind times for African Americans in general and Black women in particular. Their poems and novels challenged the social convention of lazy, hypersexual and victimized Black women – they added the dimensions of intersectionality – how race, gender, class and other “ism” impacted the social trajectory of Black women. My question is more a sentiment: Thank you for writing and thinking fearlessly crafting a better world with ink and paper.
What one book do you wish you’d written?
There are several novels that I love – I do not wish I had written them. I suppose like preparing food presentation is everything and once created it – it no longer appeals to you since you left a piece of yourself on the plate. Call me selfish I prefer to consume however, would love to write a epic biography about a heroine whose life paved a way of betterment for all humankind. Biography is instructive and inspirational.
Choose one book you’ve written. Who would you caste to play the leading role(s)?
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was an amazing woman. When I think about her – Viola Davis comes to mind. Her speech, gait, demeanor and sense of urgency require a constellation of talent as well as real world understanding about the “who” and “what” of Mrs. Bethune’s life as educator, club woman, founder of Daytona Normal School now Bethune Cookman University, founder of the National Council of Negro Women, president of several national organizations, friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, tactician, diplomat, mentor and friend.
Share one of your rejection stories.
When shopping for a publisher one academic press politely told me great story, great research no go you need an editor and better ideas for a slight chance at consideration.
Why should people come hear you talk about your book?
Learning is fun! People should come to hear about the impactful things my subject did during the course of her life. Moreover, because she was an international personality there are vignettes about international and national personalities ignored or overlooked in works about her contemporaries. Finally, learning more sensitizes you to frequencies and colors not mentioned in the primary scale.
Why write?
It is cathartic. It is artistry. It provides a measuring tape charting your thoughts and vocabulary as well as your vision and definition of beauty. Everyone has a story or perspective that can enrich someone’s life unfortunately all stories will not be written or published. The written art form connects our humanity on a one-dimensional planet of paper–across rivers of ink – removing barriers and building bridges of varying font size.
Where do you go to find your ideas?
Working with special collections provides a full array of ideas and subjects. There are so many personalities and events that contributed richly to the American, African American and women’s experience they need telling and retelling. Many of these stories are corrective, instructive and inspirational. In short, history inspires my ideas.
