Q&A with Kiini Ibura Salaam discussion

Being in community has always been connected to artistry for me. One quote I just found in a car commercial on tv is "Conversations create future innovations."

I believe in that. It also helps you get unstuck, creates solutions for problems and keeps spirits running high.

Do you readers feel a need to talk about what you're reading? Do you artmakers feel a need to talk about what you're making?

Yes, as a reader and writer (nonfiction), I feel a deep need to talk about what I'm writing. It might make sense in my own head, but I'm writing to have other people understand. To be sure I'm understood, I have to talk to others. Like Erykah Badu said, "What good do your words do if they can't understand you?"

So do you have beta readers? People who read your work before it goes out?

My father used to be my beta reader. I've relied on my brother and one of my friends a lot. Interestingly it becomes even more important to me with nonfiction. Missing an angle or leaving something out when I'm trying to argue a critical point is a corner I'd prefer not to back myself in.

I've heard artists say they don't want to read/listen to/see other artists when they're doing their work because they don't want to be influenced. I don't find that influence takes me too far off my own unique voice. It pushes me into completely new direction--but it doesn't remove me from where I need to be.

Do you have friends/a circle who reads your work?

Definitely yes, I have beta readers -- my husband, my teen daughters, & my colleagues for the exact reason you mention. It's just so hard to see every angle from the personal point of view. Other people need to weigh in, absolutely. It really was embarrassing to have other readers and take critique at first but now I am used to it.

Check this out. http://www.theatlantic.com/video/inde...