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Ask the Author: Zetta Elliott

“Ask me a question.” Zetta Elliott

Answered Questions (7)

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What inspired you to write "Say Her Name"?
Zetta Elliott The #SayHerName movement was started by the African American Policy Forum--that's where the title of my book comes from. Like the AAPF, I wanted to draw attention to the victimization by police of Black women and girls.
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Okay since we love Dragons in a Bag so much, and are getting ready to start on the next ones in the series, I have to ask: will there be a FIFTH book? We love Dragons in a Bag and are excited to get to the next one, The Dragon Thief, and I am thrilled to see that there are more we can look forward to!
Zetta Elliott LOL--I plan to write a fifth book, The War of the Witches, but so far Random House hasn't expressed any interest. I guess it will depend on how well the first four books sell.
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"Will there be a third book?" I saw below that your publisher isn't interested in a 3rd book, but I wanted to let you know that my daughter just listened to these and said they are one of her favorites! She really would love a 3rd. Thank you for your great story telling!
Zetta Elliott Thank YOU for sharing inclusive fantasy fiction with your family. Please tell your daughter that I *just* finished THE WITCH'S APPRENTICE and the publisher has agreed to a fourth book as well, THE ENCHANTED BRIDGE.
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When did you teach at LSU? What did you teach? When will you return?
Zetta Elliott Greetings! I was a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at LSU for 2005-2006...I arrived about a week before Katrina hit. I write full-time now so won't likely be back at LSU.
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I don't really have a question, rather I have an encouragement. My kids and I adore your book, Dragons in a Bag. We use it as a read aloud in the evenings. It has been a treasure! Thanks for the fantastical adventure...and the sprinkling in of great vocabulary words and histo-geo content. Keep going. We will be with you every step of the way. How many books can we expect in this fresh, new series?
Zetta Elliott That's great! Thanks for the support. The sequel comes out in October but right now the publisher isn't interested in a third book--they don't think sales are high enough. I plan to write another book but would try to sell it to another press or self-publish it as part of my urban fantasy series City Kids.
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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Zetta Elliott Tish and Fonny from If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. They're young adults making imperfect choices in a world that's hostile to their love. Their families also play a big role in their lives, and Fonny's struggling to make it as an artist...most original teen romance I've ever read.
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Zetta Elliott Usually I switch gears. If I'm stuck on a novel, I'll write poetry instead (haiku are quick and easy). I also try to absorb more stories--I watch TV, go see some art, or talk a walk near green things. Writing can drain you, so if you feel empty--fill yourself up again! I also try to trust myself and I've finished enough projects to know that I'll eventually sit down and start writing again.
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Zetta Elliott
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