This multicultural anthology “sizzles”

boice-Terrel Allen is a native Pittsburgher who’s been making quite a splash in the literary… boice-Terrel Allen is a native Pittsburgher who’s been making quite a splash in the literary world. His latest project is a multicultural anthology, “Coloring Book: An Eclectic Anthology of Fiction ‘ Poetry by Multicultural Writers,” which he edited. As author Gregory Maguire says, “What does ‘Coloring Book’ do but suggest [that] the best of life consists of coloring outside the lines? In this admirable compendium of fresh voices, sharp visions, writers once considered on the margins or beyond are shown to be pertinent. Impressive, urgent, and rewarding.” Allen found time to discuss the anthology and the notion of multiculturalism in our society.

Why did you decide to do a multicultural anthology?

I decided to compile an anthology because so many of the existing ones are unified by a particular style or, if it’s a general anthology, they only feature a token writer of color, women, sexual orientation, etc. I wanted to create an anthology that was expansive in its scope in terms of writing styles and also in its representation of people from all walks of life.

Were there certain criteria you were searching for in the stories and poems?

I’m very instinctive, and the majority of the selections were chosen if I got excited while I was reading them. I was also interested in choosing pieces that would produce a reaction in readers – both positive and negative – that would be immediate. As one of the contributors said, the book “sizzles.” This was my goal.

What has been the general response to the anthology?

The response has been amazing. It’s been selling briskly on Amazon.com and on my Web site. I’ve been getting over 1000 hits a month on RattleCat.com. I’m most excited that the contributors are pleased with it. I feel honored that so many talented writers have trusted me with their work.

Do you believe enough diversity is shown in the media today?

I think if the question has to be asked, that means there isn’t enough diversity in the media. There’s still an absence of cultures outside of the mainstream that don’t get represented. My anthology is a speck to rectify that.

Do you feel that readers tend to judge books based, at least in part, by the race/gender/sexual identity/etc. of an author?

Yes. I continually get asked, “Are your books autographical?” Unless you personally know me and everything in my life, how is this question relevant to your life? I think people find it comforting that a story is based in real life. Perhaps they feel they know the author better. And often, it’s impossible to answer the question yes or no because a grain of truth, once it’s filtered through an author’s imagination, doesn’t even resemble its origin, so it doesn’t serve the reader much use to know its basis.

What intrigues you about fiction and poetry?

I love fiction because every time a novelist writes a book, they’ve created a world that didn’t previously exist. You could give 20 different writers the same topic, and they would produce 20 different worlds. In poetry, I love the fact that the complexities of life, emotions, relationships, etc. are boiled down without being trivialized, that a poem can unfold a whole world in the same way that a 200-page book can.

Who influenced you to become a novelist?

My mentor and professor at NYU, Edwin Diamond, encouraged me to write a novel during a midterm evaluation. It was his words of support that finally stopped me from being one of those people who just dream about writing a novel. A few weeks later, I started writing my first unpublished book that was loosely based on my late grandmother’s early life.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

For writers or any artist, you have to persevere through the rejections and naysayers. Everyone won’t believe in your work, but you have to believe you have something to offer regardless. Basically, it means to keep writing, keep sending your work out and, if you get tired of rejection slips, publish yourself. Releasing your own work has worked for musicians; it’s time that more writers take that route instead of waiting for others to validate you. Many of the same opportunities I’ve been afforded are the same ones as authors with major publishers. Readers just want to read good books. They don’t care who publishes them.

For more information on purchasing “Coloring Book” or any of boice-Terrel Allen’s novels, check out www.rattlecat.com.