Interview with Stephanie Rose Bird, author of “The Big Book of Soul”

About Stephanie Rose Bird

Stephanie Rose Bird is a cum laude graduate of Temple University, Tyler School of Art and a MFA graduate of the University of California at San Diego where she was a San Diego Opportunity Fellow.  She was assistant professor at the School of the Art Institute, a Fulbright Senior Scholar and has taught at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garfield Conservatory.  Bird is a professional member of the International Center for Traditional Childbearing and the Herb Research Society of the American Botanical Council.  She is author of Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring with Herbs, Four Seasons of Mojo and Herbal Guide to Natural Living, and A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for Body and Spirit.  Bird is a practicing herbalist and aromatherapist who lives with her husband, family and animal friends in the Chicago area.  You can visit her at Author’s Den at www.authorsden.com/stephanierosebird or her new website at www.stephanierosebird.com.

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

“The Big Book of Soul” examines the major features of ancient African spiritual wisdom—a connection to nature, the power of prayer, self-determination, and respect for the past—to show how these beliefs and practices have been passed on and adapted from one generation to the next. Filled with practical advice and ancient spiritual wisdom, it is the ultimate guide to African American soul traditions.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

Well, that’s complicated. I was drawn to this topic because of my interest in Africanisms–that is the persistence of African culture in the diaspora.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

African healing ways are at the heart of this book including drumming, herbal healing, singing, chanting, invocation, dancing, shuffling, whistling, laughing, prayer, and so on.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My biggest supporters are my family and friends.

Your biggest critic?

My husband is quite critical but in a good way.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

I’m passionate about ending intolerance towards women, people of color and towards specific religious (spiritual) practices because it is about time for intolerance to end and I have suffered from prejudice in many different forms.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I have learned to use the internet as a tool of communication as well as one for research. I have joined several interesting social networks, reconnected with my alma mater, started tweeting and set up my own website.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Read the work, again and again to see if I’ve left anything out.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

My parents, Rodney and Margie Hunt. They had a true can-do, entrepreneurial spirit and they were always supportive of my work and enthusiastic about it.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

The most important thing in my life is wellness (good health), personally and of those I love.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a spiritual guide to weight-loss and an exploration of African women’s wisdom.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Don’t take rejection personally in fact don’t take it at all—just keep submitting, submitting, submitting!

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Yes, many authors and poets inspired me to write. I love Alice Walkers’ work, Carlos Castenenada and his circle, Malidoma Patrice Some, bell hooks…I could go on and on.

The Big Book of Soul by Stephanie Rose Bird (click on cover to purchase at Amazon)

About The Big Book of Soul: The Ultimate Guide to the African-American Spirit

Soul is the essence of African American culture–the ingredient that makes it tick.  In The Big Book of Soul, writer and herbalist Stephanie Rose Bird takes us on an amazing journey into the ancient traditions of mysticism, spirituality, and mythology that lie beneath this uniquely African American experience.  Bird explores the healing, magic, and divination traditions of ancient African earth-based spirituality, and traces how these practices have evolved in contemporary African American culture.  Along the way she offers recipes, rituals and resources that you can use to heal your life.

Read the excerpt!

The Big Book of Soul is an epochal exploration into the meaning of soul in sacred and mundane life of Africans in the diaspora with spiritual lessons for all. This book is also an investigation into the nexus of heart, art, and soul–how the three can come together to imbue life with unfathomably rich possibilities. The trio’s possibilities include depth of loving, potential for healing the self and others, as well as the idea of tapping into energy that enriches the soul experience.

The Big Book of Soul Tour Schedule

Monday, March 1
Interviewed at As the Pages Turn

Tuesday, March 2
Interviewed at The Dragonfly Apothecary

Wednesday, March 3
Interviewed at Beyond the Books

Thursday, March 4
Guest blogging at The Story Behind the Book

Friday, March 5
Interviewed at Blogcritics

Monday, March 8
Interviewed at Writing Daze

Tuesday, March 9
Interviewed at Review From Here

Wednesday, March 10
Interviewed on Introducing Writers Radio Show

Thursday, March 11
Interviewed at Personovelty

Friday, March 12
Interviewed at Paperback Writer

Monday, March 15
Interviewed at The Writer’s Life

Tuesday, March 16
Guest blogging at The Book Connection

Wednesday, March 17
Guest blogging at Night Owl Reviews

Thursday, March 18
Guest blogging at Blogging Authors

Friday, March 19
Interviewed at Pump Up Your Book

Monday, March 22
Book reviewed at Reads 4 Pleasure

Tuesday, March 23
Interviewed at Broowaha

Wednesday, March 24
Book reviewed at Color Online

Thursday, March 25
Book reviewed at Notorious Spinks Talks

Friday, March 26
Book reviewed at Rundpinne
Interviewed at American Chronicle

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