Chaka Adams is the Author of “A view
of The Bridge”, an amazing novel that brings you to QB in the early 90's and
shows you life in the projects from a young woman’s perspective. A must-read!
Between promotional events and meetings with fans, Chaka found time to answer
queensbridge-international questions:
Could you please introduce yourself
to queensbridge-international readers?
I’m Chaka Adams and I’m basically
just an average girl from the projects who didn’t want to be “average”. I’m a dreamer who believed in myself and
wanted to make a difference, by inspiring others, regardless of where they were
raised.
Could you please explain what “PrettyGirlsRead” is?
PrettyGirlsRead is a movement I
created to give women an outlet to tell their stories and grow from each
other’s experiences. I wanted to show the world that WE aren’t just the video
vixens and basketball wives on reality shows. We’re intelligent, determined and
rely on our brains to push us to new levels, not just our looks.
How can girls with writing skills
join you?
People can visit www.prettygirlsread.com for information on being published
as well as supporting the movement.
When did you realize that writing is
what u want to do?
I always knew I wanted to be a
writer. I’ve been writing since I was a child. In my world, everything was so
chaotic. People were getting killed on the playgrounds. Kids were getting taken
out of their homes by Child Protective Services. My only escape was through my
writing. I was able to create a new world for myself with my stories.
How came the idea of writing “A view
of The Bridge”?
One day I looked around and realized
that there were a lot of younger girls going through some of the same stuff
that I went through. I wanted to create something that people could read and
understand that they weren’t alone. They needed to know that somebody else went
through hard times and made it out – and they could make it out too!
In the book, there is one sentence
that retained my attention: “I looked across the river and saw Queensbridge as
clear as day. It just went to show me that no matter where I ended up, the
projects was never too far away”. Do you still have that feeling today?
Yes, I still feel like Queensbridge
is still with me and I think it will be with me forever. It made me who I am
today. It really takes a certain type of person to make it out of those six
blocks.
How difficult was it for you to
leave QB?
Believe me, it’s hard as shit. So, I
will never truly leave QB because it’s embedded in my heart and soul. However,
in order for me to be successful, I have to distance myself from the negativity
that may come from some people who don’t understand a woman like me. I have
dreams that go beyond the projects.
At the end of the chapter 18, Chaka leaves
the hospital after several weeks and seems pretty nervous about coming back to
Queensbridge. While reading I felt like walking behind her, waiting to see how
she will be “welcomed back”. The next chapter starts 2 months after her return.
How would you describe her feelings and people reactions when they saw her back
in the projects?
It’s like that “crabs in a barrel”
mentality I wrote about in the book’s prologue. Many people were happy to see
me come back with my tail between my legs. Whenever you’re on top, there will
always be someone waiting for you to fall down. The difference with me is that
even when I fall, I always get back up and dust myself off. You don’t fail when
you fall. You fail, when you don’t get back up!
And, I’m nobody’s failure. I’ll always get back up and try again!
If today’s Chaka would meet Chaka
from 1993, what would be her advice?
Gosh, there are so many things I
would tell myself. But most importantly, I would tell 1993 Chaka to not be
afraid of life outside of her comfort zone. I would definitely tell her to
think outside the box and to always color outside the lines. There are no
limits except the ones we put on ourselves. I guess, I would tell 1993 Chaka
that she could accomplish every dream she has if she just steps out on faith
and believes in herself. And no matter what, don’t ever let anybody dull her
sparkle! Shine Bright Baby Girl!
At the end of the book, we learn
that “A view of the Bridge” is the 1st part of a trilogy. What can
readers expect from the 2nd part “A view of the Bottom”?
Readers can expect to understand how
Chaka became Chaka. In the first book, I didn’t really delve into my childhood
and the things I endured. I never really wrote about my family issues and the
hardships I faced. People look at me and have no idea that I went to bed hungry
a lot or that my shoes had holes in them. I want people to understand where I
came from in order to realize where I’m going. The 3rd book will
bring it all full circle but this 2nd book, “A View of The Bottom”,
will really give you a look at how it all started.
Generally, when people from outside
hear “Queensbridge”, they think about rap stars: Nas, Mobb Deep and many
others. Have you think of trying a career in rap music?
LOL!!!! I actually did pursue some rapping a couple
of years ago. But, I don’t think my heart was really into it at the time. So, I
had to retire my mic and follow my passion! I think my books are like rap in
that they paint a picture of the gritty streets with words. But who knows, I
would love to collaborate on a song with Nas. I think I can rap better than him
anyway… LOL!!! (Check Chaka's remake of "The Bridge" here)
Nas, if you read this interview, you
know who you gotta call (LOL)… Regarding the comparison between your book and
rap, Johnny Monroe mentioned the same in a previous interview.
What influence did he have in your career?
Coming from
Queensbridge, it's important for us to stick together. As a published author,
Johnnie Monroe inspired me to work on my own book as well. He's a visionary and
a dreamer, just like me. You always have to keep people like that on your team.
He's an amazing friend, brother and mentor.
Chaka, last question: One word to
describe QB?
REAL
Buy Chaka Adams' "A view of the Bridge"
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