Interview and Sary in the Real World story with Bish Denham, author of ANANSI AND COMPANY

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I have an awesome treat for you all today! I was lucky to win a copy of Bish's book a few weeks ago and am really looking forward to it! I thought it would be lots of fun to get to know her a little better here. Be sure to say hi in the comments!

First of all, Meradeth, thank you SO MUCH for inviting Anansi and me to come visit. We really appreciate it! Okay, lets see about your questions.

(Q) I think it’s pretty safe to say that most writers love reading. What are some of the books that influenced you the most? Anything you’d like to recommend? I am and will always be totally in love with the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. Oz is the only true original American fairyland, a place any and all Americans should visit. I was also strongly influence by Jack London. Call of the Wild was the first book that made me cry, and from that I learned the power the written word can have. There are many other authors who shaped my early writing years, John Steinbeck, Khalil Gibran, Oscar Wilde. As for recommending books, I’m not good at that because people’s tastes are so varied. What I like, might not suit you or anyone else. I would say though, that reading the classics is good exercise for the brain.

(Q) What is your favorite part of the writing process? What about it makes you love it? I love writing the first draft. There’s a freedom about it that just about makes my toes curl. I can totally lose track of time. I also love researching for a story because of the ideas that come from it and the new things I learn.

(Q) What’s your biggest pet-peeve when it comes to the writing world? Does anything get under your skin and itch? I don’t have any pet-peeves, as such. A writer can’t expect to please everyone and I fully understand and accept that. Plus, each of us has our own way doing things.

(Q) If you could meet any writer, living or dead, and pick their brain over coffee/tea/hot-chocolate, who would it be? What would be your first question? Oh gosh, I’d love to meet up with any of the authors I mentioned earlier. But I don’t know if I’d have any questions for them. I’d just want to tell them how thankful I am for the books they gave the world, for being bold and brave and truthful.

And, Bish has offered us an amazing Sary in the Real World tale, which honestly made me choke up so I hope you enjoy it!

Many long years ago when I was young and stupid I got myself into a strange, dark place. I won’t go into the details, but I went into a deep depression. It was so bad I decided the only solution was to kill myself.

At the very moment I was about to end it all, there was a knock on my door. Something compelled me to answer it, and there was a West Union man with much needed money from home, money I needed to get myself back into the loving arms of my family.

When I shut the door I knew I’d been saved by a Guardian Angel, a Sary, dressed as a human being. I also knew I’d never again let myself get that depressed. It’s much better to be thankful for every little thing I have in my life, than to moan and groan about what I think I lack. The truth is, I don’t lack for anything, not with Sary standing at my back, covering me with their wings.

Find Bish online at these places:

You can find her at her blog: Facebook: Twitter: Goodreads

And don't forget to grab a copy of ANANSI AND COMPANY!