We chat with author Tracy Brown about Hold You Down, an edgy novel about the perils of love and the ties that bind!
Hi, Tracy! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Sure. I’m a native New Yorker, born and raised in the fifth borough – Staten Island. I’m a proud Mom, an avid reader, a film buff, and a shoe addict.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
As a kid, I spent a lot of time alone. I created imaginary friends and would pretend to go on adventures with them. I loved to read, which was a passion that was encouraged by my oldest sister. She gave me boxes of books from all different genres and would challenge me to finish each one and tell her what I thought about them. I read books by Beverly Cleary, Francine Pascal, Mildred D. Taylor, and so many other amazing authors. That love of books developed into a desire to express my own thoughts and feelings in writing. From around the age of nine or ten, I began writing poems, essays, short stories, and even songs. Writing became my favorite pastime, my therapy, and my escape. That has never changed.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I ever remember reading independently was “Ramona the Brave” by Beverly Cleary. The book that made me want to become an author was “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Souljah. The book I can’t stop thinking about is “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho.
Your latest novel, Hold You Down, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Gripping, emotional, introspective, raw, hopeful.
What can readers expect?
A story that pulls at their heartstrings, makes them laugh, cry, and shake their heads in frustration. But also, a story that examines the ways that family loyalty can be a gift and a curse. It’s about choices and how the decisions of parents affect their children.
Where did the inspiration for Hold You Down come from?
I wanted to explore generational patterns and traumas, particularly how those things affect black men. After writing my last novel “Single Black Female”, I realized how powerful and freeing it is having a circle of women to vent to. I noticed that black men don’t typically gather in the same way. Their conversations in barbershops and over pool tables seldom include discussions about their hurt, guilt, shame, fear, regret, or any of the very human emotions we all experience. Those feelings are often considered taboo subjects for men to discuss. In creating the characters Judah and Deon, my goal was to tell the story of their upbringing so that readers would understand the little boys they were and the men they eventually became. Through these characters, I hope readers can see and confront their own patterns and traumas, and that this story helps them in their healing.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
My main challenge is always time management. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to tell all the stories I have in my head. I just do the best I can. So far, so good.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Xavier was a character I enjoyed writing. He’s a laid-back guy with a good heart and a lot of wisdom. His role in the story is very powerful and poignant. Benny was another character I liked writing. He was colorful, loud, and boisterous. Sort of a godfather character that was fun to create.
Let’s talk about the cover! What was it like seeing the final version?
AMAZING! I’ve been a fan of the artist Destiny Darcel for quite some time. Her art hangs on the wall in my home. So, I was beyond thrilled when I saw the final version. I believe she captured the essence of Mercy and Lenox perfectly. She paid attention to the most subtle details. Like Mercy’s son Judah’s name on her necklace and Lenox’s son Deon’s name tattooed on her arm. Incredible!
What’s next for you?
Lots! I’m working on so many projects that free time is scarce for me. But I’m grateful for the inspiration and the drive to get it all done. And I believe my readers will be scrambling to keep up with me in the months to come.
Lastly, what have been some of your favourite 2022 reads?
This year I gave my teenaged Godson a book as a gift. I read it so that I could discuss it with him and I loved it! That book was “On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas.
