Ask the Author: Keisha Bush
Answered Questions (1)
Keisha Bush
Exploring worlds outside of my own, as a way to understand my characters in a more authentic and intimate manner.
For example, I was working on a story written from the perspective of a young 20-something male protagonist who happens to be into cars, as is his father and two brothers.
To better see the world through his eyes I went to the 2017 Grand Prix in Monaco, by myself. What I did not expect was how much I would enjoy the smell of tires burning in the hot sun at such high speeds, the roar of the engines, and the sheer energy of the event.
During the event, I learned from experience and watching others that the human eardrum cannot handle the extreme noise of the cars in the race, and I had to wear earplugs along with basic ear muffs over my ears to stay outside and watch the race. Earplugs alone, and the earmuffs alone, were not enough. The roar of the engines is so loud that it becomes painful after just a few minutes without soundproofing protection!
I also discovered that I am way more into cars than I cared to admit, and I had a fantastic time, but I had to muster the courage to go to this event by myself.
The Grand Prix is a male-dominated, group activity that is also a very white, hetero, able-bodied event, and one that is about class, also. And I, a single black woman, went by myself. I represented single people, women, and black people - all who are underrepresented at such an event.
I pushed past my self-consciousness and had an amazing time. Yet, had I not labeled this experience as "research" for my book I likely would have never gone. Being a writer forces me to experience the world not only on my terms but on the terms of the characters who come to me to share their stories.
Now, I'm not going bungee jumping or sky diving anytime too soon! I can ask one of my younger brothers to tell me in detail about his sky diving experience, but being a writer demands that I live a full life, and push past as many of my fears as possible.
For example, I was working on a story written from the perspective of a young 20-something male protagonist who happens to be into cars, as is his father and two brothers.
To better see the world through his eyes I went to the 2017 Grand Prix in Monaco, by myself. What I did not expect was how much I would enjoy the smell of tires burning in the hot sun at such high speeds, the roar of the engines, and the sheer energy of the event.
During the event, I learned from experience and watching others that the human eardrum cannot handle the extreme noise of the cars in the race, and I had to wear earplugs along with basic ear muffs over my ears to stay outside and watch the race. Earplugs alone, and the earmuffs alone, were not enough. The roar of the engines is so loud that it becomes painful after just a few minutes without soundproofing protection!
I also discovered that I am way more into cars than I cared to admit, and I had a fantastic time, but I had to muster the courage to go to this event by myself.
The Grand Prix is a male-dominated, group activity that is also a very white, hetero, able-bodied event, and one that is about class, also. And I, a single black woman, went by myself. I represented single people, women, and black people - all who are underrepresented at such an event.
I pushed past my self-consciousness and had an amazing time. Yet, had I not labeled this experience as "research" for my book I likely would have never gone. Being a writer forces me to experience the world not only on my terms but on the terms of the characters who come to me to share their stories.
Now, I'm not going bungee jumping or sky diving anytime too soon! I can ask one of my younger brothers to tell me in detail about his sky diving experience, but being a writer demands that I live a full life, and push past as many of my fears as possible.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more