Are there any regrets about writing or your decisions to write anything particular on a particular topic?
I mean, I've written certain columns that some people might have felt were unfair or mean, but I've never written anything that wasn't ...true or nothing that was just outright mean and nasty...not something that would purposefully ridicule anyone for no apparent reason. But I do regret not pushing my first book sooner. At this age now, I’m feeling the pangs of regret about Shades of Bright Pale. I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for sitting on it for as long as I did. Tell me, just exactly how long has it been?
not think anyone in the whole world will ever know how much I regret not trying to push it further...sooner. Let me break here...Shades of White Pale is said to be renamed.
considered what type of legal issues I could face from the original artist, Keith Reid, I quickly changed the title. However, the plot remains the same as described by Mr. Reid, "a wild party." Okay, that was quick thinking. But let me stay on track and ask have you learned your lesson and will you seek to push your work sooner?
publication. Besides sitting on your work, what else have you learned?
people just like me; people who work hard and have quality work, but are in the same boat. However, my attitude is new and improved and I have dedicated much more time to the things I love and enjoy most. When you’re not writing, what else do you do in your free time?
memorable to me. Also, I enjoy the quiet solitude in sharing and spending time with my husband and my little Dashe. By the way, people assumed that I gave her that name because she is a Dottie, but it is a given name because she is so fast. I mean literally, she keeps me on the go and I must say she is a girl’s best friend. That's cute.
makes sure that I get over it quickly and forces me to do more. Sometimes, I think she’s saying, ‘Momma, you’re not old yet - get up and move!’ Honestly, I could not have asked for a better helper. Oh, and by the way, I don’t own her, but I’m genuinely happy to admit that she owns my husband and me. That’s good; a faithful buddy keeping you on the go. Any children?
nieces and nephews and friend's children. And once they are gone home, I have an inspiring little doggie that keeps me on the go and keeps me from giving in. Have you considered it…giving up?
But I learned that not only does everyone have a story, but through the years, before my dog, I have found that whatever else I had going on, I would always revert back to writing. No matter what I was doing, no matter what my employment status was or was not, I always picked up pen and paper. And if I did not have those tools, I always had a Dictaphone. Whatever it took, I used it to record my thoughts. Now, they may not have always been extraordinary thoughts or something so profound, but I would always find peace. When my dad was dying, I wrote about it and after he died, I wrote about him too. No matter what, I’m always penning and recording some idea that may have just popped into my mind, or perhaps continue where I left off with an ongoing project. Unless I lose my eyesight and I become much more demented than what I already am (laugh), I will continue to write. …I suppose until I feel as though I just have nothing else to say and up until the day I die. What other books and projects are you currently working, on and what do you vision for the near future?
characters. Also, I had started a story or a series of four stories all rolled into one about life on the net and in the mean time, search or consider writing another column. ...I don't know. A book about the Internet? Now that sounds interesting.
hope it will wake them up. So, it’s a self-help book on the dangers in chat rooms?
know, too many people both young and old leisurely use those rooms and pass along personal information to a stranger who may have bad intentions. …I just want people to know. Wait now. Are you saying that all of the chat rooms are bad?
conclusions....and not just chat rooms, but the experience of the web. Is any of it by way of personal experience?
the Lines. But anyway, I came up with the idea as I sat and watched my computer screen and just made up some characters and before I knew it, I just kept elaborating each and every word or sentence I typed while developing and improving the characters. So with all of that, it seems you are pretty busy.
I’ve set so many goals and there are so many things I want to do, I think I’m running out of time. And then when I think of how that time and my life is spent, I get anxious. I suppose another mental flaw. Lets go back here… are there any regrets? Are there anymore then you’ve already mentioned?
knowledge on me some years ago, but since I’m just going through this stage now, I have to move...now. ...Look, I'm sure most or at least some people wish they could be a better, parent...or spouse, friend, listener or confidant...or whatever, but when are we going to change and make sure that we are better or at least try and at least make some attempt to progress? Before I leave this earth, I’d like to think that I did the best I could at everything. Even if I fail, I at least want to be at peace knowing that I attempted to get it right or complete things. There is just so little time. Some years ago, I met a woman in her 70’s, but I tell ya, she looked every bit of late 40’s or even early 50’s. I asked her how does she look so good and keep up, and she simply stated by not giving into this life, not worrying and enjoying what you have, and then she just walked away. And ever since then, I hoped that I could live by that motto, but I know I will not be able to, but what I will do, is enjoy all I can when I can and attempt to help people as I go. It gives me such a thrill to share my blessings. ...oh and others have share theirs with me too. I'll never forget the ninety- year-old man who was dying and his last words were Life is so short. I refuse to be caught sitting doing nothing and allow missed time and opportunities to rest comfortably. I know I should not worry, but I do. I'm human. I can't help worrying about family and friends and the way of this world, but like I said, I will not just sit and wait. My mother used to say "Weight broke the train down." So, I tend to not waste much time...at least not any more. Other than Keeba's Korner, what else is there?
personal things, decorate my coffee table or are left someplace in my computer or on a piece of paper or in my Dictaphone. Why?
(sic) I'm not sitting on them - no not like before - but some things need a little more polish. So the next time we talk, will Shades of Bright Pale be in theatres?
someplace...anywhere. Anything else?
that you continue praying for me. Thank you for your time.
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| Hellen Johnson with Black Denver News talks to Keeba Thank for meeting with me today.
Well lets get into it.
What prompted you to write? I mean honestly, did you know you could?
even a burden of love, it's just something I enjoy...It's peaceful and relaxing and I just like creating on paper. My first brush with writing began when I was just a youngster. We were poor with only one television. My older siblings and I had to share that one TV and watched whatever was on. Most of the time, we watched educational shows like Family Feud and whether some [people] may not wish to acknowledge it, shows like Andy Griffin and All in the Family were teaching tools as well. Well first, let me say, my parents had a rule, and that was that before “our time” came, we had to commit to hours and hours of chores. Well, if I can recall, one early, early Saturday morning, my dad was away working one of his many jobs and my siblings and I agreed that since our dad was not there to enforce the rules of chores first and playtime later, we would do what we wanted so we sat and watched a few cartoons. One of the shows we were watching - I think it was Fat Albert. Anyway, it mentioned something about entering a contest about bicycle safety and my two older sisters decided I could win if I just answered all the questions correctly as well as write an essay. So, with their help – of course – I entered the contest and won a bicycle as well as my picture in the newspaper. It was a thrill for all of us, but never did I know, that I would want to be a journalist of some kind. So, in actuality, your initial desire was to be a journalist.
never knew how to go about it. Yes I had siblings who could have given me some insight, but I suppose I did not actually speak up. And that’s just one of my many problems. (giggle) I heard that subtle laugh. Now tell me, what do you mean by ‘one of many problems’?
has been one of my drawbacks. I hate that I didn't admit my interest in writing, but I don't have any problems with speaking up and out now. Do you still regret not speaking up about certain things....name an occasion that you missed the chance.
my characters. Had I told someone...anyone that I wanted to be a writer, there is no telling where I might be today. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t truly regret it, as I’ve had a chance to grow and learn so many different things in different areas of writing and in my life. The experiences I’ve had and endured are memorable. But, I do regret being so withdrawn when a TV reporter asked me a question and because I was so nervous and uncomfortable, I just let out a dumbfounded, ‘I don’t know.’ The silly thing was, I actually did know the answer but just… well for some strange reason I did not say. |
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