Author Spotlight Interview with Suzette Annitta

This week’s author spotlight on Sistah’s Place is Suzette Annitta. Her book is titled Home and Abroad: An Anthology. Suzette gives you the insight to learn a little about her book, and her inspirations. She shares what she hopes her book will have on readers. Get ready with your favorite snack and beverage and enjoy our Q&A with Suzette Annitta all the way from the Cayman Islands.

Suzette, tell our audience a little about you.

Suzette Annitta is a teacher, a writer, and an artist.  She holds a diploma in teaching in English and Reading, a BSc. In International Relations with minors in Sociology and Political Science, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and she is currently pursuing another Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She has been writing since she was a child, growing up in the countryside of St. Mary, Jamaica.  Much of her writing comes from personal experiences and perspectives and while some are rhythmic and light, others are deep, thought-provoking, and profound.  She loves traveling for cultural experiences and this love of travel allowed her to live for 10 years in Nassau, Bahamas. She finally moved to the Cayman Islands in 2011 and has continued teaching, writing, and participating in different art shows and exhibitions.  Apart from writing poetry, she writes short stories, has been working on four novellas, and has also begun her autobiography.  Writing, to her, is “freedom unleashed” since this is both relaxing and soothing for her.  Suzette has two beautiful girls and lives with her hubby in the Cayman Islands.

What was it that made you decide to writer Home and Abroad: An Anthology?

I have always had an interest in writing. I started writing between elementary school and early high school, but improved and expanded much of my work during my young adult years. In the 1980s/90s I had compiled a manuscript, of sorts, for an anthology, but lost a few of the poems and that set me back somewhat. I eventually mustered up the motivation to complete this current one.  I really want to share my experiences, through poetry and short stories, with others.

What inspired your book title?

I have lived in different places and much of the poems and short stories have been inspired by varied experiences at both home (home of my birth, Jamaica) and abroad (other places that I have lived). So that’s the inspiration behind the title. The writing spans different decades too…when I lived at ‘home’ and now, abroad.

What is your Anthology about, without giving too much away?

The anthology has three parts. The first two parts outline some of the writer’s experiences through poetry. Some are about life and nature, in general, while others take on a romantic “feel”.  Short stories make up the third part of the anthology. It would be good to note that some of the stories in Part 3 are fictional.

Is there a message you like readers to take away after reading Home and Abroad: An Anthology?

The message is: Life happens. Sometimes we experience things that will lift us up or rip us apart. The important thing is how we deal with these circumstances. Do we allow them to improve us or break us? We will not get out of life alive, so we must choose our battles and find the ‘good’ in all situations.

What makes your book stand out from all the rest in your genre?

I believe the anthology will stand out because many people, especially women, will be able to relate to the issues that arise through the poems and stories. In other words, they are relatable and heartfelt.  I added questions at the back so that it can possibly be used as a resource for high school students.

What is next for you as a author? Will there be more books?

I just published one of my novellas, but I have used a pseudonym for that one. I do not wish to share my identity for that one. Smile!  I will also compile a book of short stories soon, as well. I will use the same stories from the current anthology and add a few more. The latter will be in my name, Suzette Annitta. Look out for that one!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

1. My all-time favorite writer is Harper Lee (“To Kill a Mockingbird”). It is a touching novel for me because it deals with racial oppression and injustice, but I like the fact that it is told from a child’s perspective. The themes that are brought out in the novel are profound.
2. I love Lorraine Hansberry (“A Raisin in the Sun”) because she wrote from the heart and she was not afraid to highlight some of the issues that were evident in the 50s: the struggles of Black people, their dreams and disappointments – and how they are treated in society. Systemic racism is stark!
3. I also enjoy reading work by Michael Anthony. He is a Caribbean writer who presents the culture in such an enjoyable, colorful, and thought-provoking way.  One of my favorite novels by Anthony is “Green Days by the River”.
4. William Golding, writer of “Lord of the Flies” is also a favorite. He portrays life in this particular novel as a microcosm of the world. The novel is a satire about human weakness – having the tendency to self-destruct. The symbolism in the novel makes it interesting and profound, as well.

Are you ready to read Suzette’s anthology? Her book is available on Amazon. Get your copy today.