Cheryl Robinson
Interviewed by: Lauretta Pierce
A. I am a dreamer. I know life isn't perfect but I would rather not dwell on that. I'd rather not complain about what I don't have, but work toward achieving all that I want to have and in the process keep my faith because I truly believe that God makes all things possible.
A. Characters constantly pop into my head. Particularly when I listen to real life stories. I was watching an Oprah show nearly two years ago about housewives who wanted more from their life. They wanted to discover their passion and their stories stayed with me.
A. Sweet Georgia Brown is the name of a popular soul food restaurant with locations in Detroit, Dallas, and the D.C. area, but actually the name Georgia popped into my head as a character name first and then I walked around my house chanting Georgia for a few days before it dawned on me to name my character Sweet Georgia Brown. I googled the name and learned that Sweet Georgia Brown is also a 1925 jazz standard and pop tune. I then asked myself who was Georgia Brown. The answer came quickly that she was a humble housewife determined to become a household name.
A. I used to produce/promote comedy shows and I always wanted to have a character who was a comedian but this was the only time it fit into the storyline. As for Marvin becoming a radio host that developed as the story grew.
A. Again, at a certain point the characters take on a life of their own. His gambling addiction was revealed to me as I was writing the story.
A. That is so hard to answer. I would hope that I could handle the situation as Georgia did.
A. I have been writing professionally since 2002. Initially as a self-published author and then in 2005 I released my first novel through a major publishing house.
A. I have written four books and participated in one anthology. I am in the process of completing my fifth novel.
A. Not to let money change who you are. Always remember those who stuck by you when you didn't have anything. No matter how long of a history you share with someone, if the relationship or that person is bringing you down then it may be time to move on.
Sweet Georgia Brown
February 21, 2008
Q. Who is Cheryl Robinson?
Q. How did you come about the idea to write the book Sweet Georgia Brown?
Q. How did you come about the title?
Q. How did you come about the idea for Marvin to be a struggling comedian then became a popular radio show host?
Q. How did you come about Marvin’s gambling addiction?
Q. What would you do if someone from your mate’s past showed up at your home and left his child that you didn’t know about?
Q. How long have you been writing?
Q. How many books have you written?
Q. What message would you like readers to receive from Marvin and Georgia’s relationship and their marriage?