A CONVERSATION WITH HANNAH DRAKE (Interviewed By The RBM)
The RBM: I've read where you said "I am honest and exposed, but I feel that exposure for the sake
of freeing someone else that is bound is worth all it costs". How do you feel your subject matter
helps those who read your work and are experiencing the same situations as your characters?
Hannah: My subject matter in Views from the Back Pew and all of my poetry collections deal with real life
issues. I always say, “I do not write about red roses, I write so that people can survive.” I feel if people read
through my work and discover that everyone has issues and everyone has problems they will truly be able to
see that any day is another day to begin again. Often we keep our pasts to ourselves fearing what people
would think if we exposed it. I am a firm believer that you may possess the key to someone’s mental lock if
you share your story. So if I can be exposed to free someone, then their freedom is worth the cost of my
exposure.
The RBM: You've also said that you've experienced "many ups and downs that have laid the
foundation for your writing". How has writing helped you through the healing process?
Hannah: If it was not for writing I would not be able to overcome the hardships in my life. I have been
molested, physically abused, neglected. I was a teenage mother, I drank everyday, I smoked weed, played
musical beds and when I WOKE UP and realized my worth. I knew I had to tell that story. Writing has
allowed me to release that pain and find victory in the pain. I am a firm believer that in all pain there is
purpose.
The RBM: I've read excerpts from your new novel "Vies From The Back Pew" that you've made
available and I was caught up in not only the imagery my imagination created while reading them,
but also the story itself. For our Community Members and visitors who are unaware of the book,
can you provide an overview of what your novel is about?
Hannah: Views From The Back Pew is a novel about three women, Charmayne, Victoria and Alexandra,
who are childhood friends, all brought up in the church. Circumstances of life separate them and they each
begin to live their lives struggling to define who they are. Some of them have affairs, abortions, sleep around
but when they decide it is time to face their pasts, they all come together and try to make sense of the hand
that life has dealt them. The theme of story is DO YOU WANT TO BE WHOLE? IF SO PICK UP YOUR
BED AND WALK, meaning, whatever it is that you are going through, learn to face it and deal with it, so
you can truly be free. I also wanted to reflect that all of these women come from different walks of life, yet
ALL of them are still broken. We need to always remember that from the trash collector to the CEO,
everyone has issues.
The RBM: This novel touches a very sensitive issue and a lot of writers would shy away from writing
about negative things that happen in the Church. Why did you decide to write this book and what
has the general responses been like?
Hannah: I wrote this book because I have worked in the church for the last seven years and I KNOW
CHURCH. What I needed to know was the Lord. I knew when to clap, when to shout, when to dance, but I
WAS STILL LOST. A lot of people “hide” in the church and after the benediction they go home to a life of
hell. I wanted to expose that and say IT IS TIME TO COME CLEAN! No more pretending, no more hiding
in the choir, no more hiding on the usher board, it is time to BE REAL WITH OUR ISSUES SO WE CAN
TRULY BE DELIVERED!! The response has been good because people are finally saying AMEN!! They
have been struggling and in fear of what “church folks” would think of them. They are happy someone has
FINALLY said, “this is my struggle!”
The RBM: You also have two other books available: "In Spite Of My Chains" and "Hannah's Plea
Poetry For The Soul". Can you talk about those two publications and what they are about?
Hannah: Hannah’s Plea is my first book and houses different pieces of a soul that is lost. I am pleading to
find my place, my destiny, my purpose. That piece came from a place of being lost and wondering in the
wilderness. In Spite Of My Chains was written with LIBERATION in mind. I had been to the Apollo and
within 20 seconds of hitting the stage, I was booed. Me, who has spoken on radio. Me, who has been on
TV. Me, who is requested to speak all around the country. I was booed and in my shock but I refused to
stay down. I had to recognize that I made it to a stage that many poets will never have an opportunity to see
and I took that experience and came back from New York DETERMINED to continue what I knew was my
purpose. I knew many people had chains that bind them but my theory was, “Are you going to quit because
of the chains?” Was I going to quit because I had been booed NATIONALLY at the Apollo Theater? Not a
chance. That was just another link in the chains and I will CONTINUE to fight no matter what because in
spite of the chains I am still free. I also have finished another poetry collection called Life Lived In Color. I
wanted to show many facets of my work, finally sharing my erotic side to the world. I was afraid to share
that side but I am learning that to deny it, would be to deny who I am. I am a woman with many arcs that
make up my rainbow of a life lived in color.
The RBM: For you, what is the difference in writing poetry versus in other genres like fiction? Do
you enjoy one more than another?
Hannah: Writing poetry for me means placing your heart on the pages in limited words. It takes skill and
effort to compact emotions, thoughts, feelings into a piece that may not be more than 20 lines. In fiction, the
world is my canvas and I can write as much or as little as I desire. I simply LOVE to write be it novels or
poetry. If it can help someone else, I will write it.
The RBM: How long have you been writing and do you remember what initially inspired you to put
pen to paper?
Hannah: I have been writing since I can remember. What made me start writing is my mother taught me
how to read at age 3 with Marvin Kay Mooney Will You Please Go Now by Dr. Seuss. I was caught up
from that day forth and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
The RBM: I first read your work a few months ago on our sister site The Black Poetry Cafe. How
important do you believe underground sites like the BPC are for writers and their development and
confidence?
Hannah: Poetry sites like The Mecca Lounge and The Black Poetry Café are highly important because they
allow artists an environment to showcase their work, gain positive feedback and at times constructive
criticism. I also believe it allows artist to remain humble because it reminds you that there are many others
that possess this gift and that we must all support one another. I have been exposed to many different styles
that I would have never attempted before I stumbled on the site. Places like The Mecca Lounge and The
Black Poetry Café should be a prerequisite for any writer that dares to take pen to paper.
The RBM: Who are some of your personal favorite writers/authors and why?
Hannah: I would be amiss if I did not say Maya Angelou. Her styles, her words, her tone all paint a lovely
picture. J. California Cooper is a fabulous short story writer who I am personally reading to help with my
style since I am working on my new short story collection called In Between the Pews. Eric Jerome Dickey.
I admire him because he stepped out on faith and has the success he does. Last but certainly not least ANY
POET that calls themselves a poet should read the Bible. The Bible possesses the most poetic phrases, styles
and words I have ever read.
The RBM: Finally, how has the process of writing "Views”, publishing it, and promoting it been for
you? Any tips for any aspiring authors reading this interview?
Hannah: Views From the Back Pew was a 2 year process. I was sitting in an office at church and my
friend said, “You should write a book about 3 women.” And I said, “Okay”. I ALWAYS sat on the back
pew in our church so I said, “I will call it Views From the Back Pew”. The idea was simple. The work took
diligence. Writing is not a quick process and it takes work. Write about something that you know and that
you love. People love emotions and the TRUTH. Readers are smart and they know when you are not coming
from a real place. I would also advise any aspiring poet READ, READ, READ and THEN READ SOME
MORE, ATTEND ALL OPEN MICS, POST YOUR WORK EVERYWHERE and get your NAME OUT
THERE!! NO event or venue is TOO SMALL. DO NOT ACCEPT DEFEAT. You may be knocked down but
GET BACK UP AGAIN! And when you get up, keep on writing and market your work everywhere. And
when it is all said and done KEEP WRITING!!
You can read more about Hannah Drake by visiting her official website: InSpiteOfMyChains.com
The RBM: I've read where you said "I am honest and exposed, but I feel that exposure for the sake
of freeing someone else that is bound is worth all it costs". How do you feel your subject matter
helps those who read your work and are experiencing the same situations as your characters?
Hannah: My subject matter in Views from the Back Pew and all of my poetry collections deal with real life
issues. I always say, “I do not write about red roses, I write so that people can survive.” I feel if people read
through my work and discover that everyone has issues and everyone has problems they will truly be able to
see that any day is another day to begin again. Often we keep our pasts to ourselves fearing what people
would think if we exposed it. I am a firm believer that you may possess the key to someone’s mental lock if
you share your story. So if I can be exposed to free someone, then their freedom is worth the cost of my
exposure.
The RBM: You've also said that you've experienced "many ups and downs that have laid the
foundation for your writing". How has writing helped you through the healing process?
Hannah: If it was not for writing I would not be able to overcome the hardships in my life. I have been
molested, physically abused, neglected. I was a teenage mother, I drank everyday, I smoked weed, played
musical beds and when I WOKE UP and realized my worth. I knew I had to tell that story. Writing has
allowed me to release that pain and find victory in the pain. I am a firm believer that in all pain there is
purpose.
The RBM: I've read excerpts from your new novel "Vies From The Back Pew" that you've made
available and I was caught up in not only the imagery my imagination created while reading them,
but also the story itself. For our Community Members and visitors who are unaware of the book,
can you provide an overview of what your novel is about?
Hannah: Views From The Back Pew is a novel about three women, Charmayne, Victoria and Alexandra,
who are childhood friends, all brought up in the church. Circumstances of life separate them and they each
begin to live their lives struggling to define who they are. Some of them have affairs, abortions, sleep around
but when they decide it is time to face their pasts, they all come together and try to make sense of the hand
that life has dealt them. The theme of story is DO YOU WANT TO BE WHOLE? IF SO PICK UP YOUR
BED AND WALK, meaning, whatever it is that you are going through, learn to face it and deal with it, so
you can truly be free. I also wanted to reflect that all of these women come from different walks of life, yet
ALL of them are still broken. We need to always remember that from the trash collector to the CEO,
everyone has issues.
The RBM: This novel touches a very sensitive issue and a lot of writers would shy away from writing
about negative things that happen in the Church. Why did you decide to write this book and what
has the general responses been like?
Hannah: I wrote this book because I have worked in the church for the last seven years and I KNOW
CHURCH. What I needed to know was the Lord. I knew when to clap, when to shout, when to dance, but I
WAS STILL LOST. A lot of people “hide” in the church and after the benediction they go home to a life of
hell. I wanted to expose that and say IT IS TIME TO COME CLEAN! No more pretending, no more hiding
in the choir, no more hiding on the usher board, it is time to BE REAL WITH OUR ISSUES SO WE CAN
TRULY BE DELIVERED!! The response has been good because people are finally saying AMEN!! They
have been struggling and in fear of what “church folks” would think of them. They are happy someone has
FINALLY said, “this is my struggle!”
The RBM: You also have two other books available: "In Spite Of My Chains" and "Hannah's Plea
Poetry For The Soul". Can you talk about those two publications and what they are about?
Hannah: Hannah’s Plea is my first book and houses different pieces of a soul that is lost. I am pleading to
find my place, my destiny, my purpose. That piece came from a place of being lost and wondering in the
wilderness. In Spite Of My Chains was written with LIBERATION in mind. I had been to the Apollo and
within 20 seconds of hitting the stage, I was booed. Me, who has spoken on radio. Me, who has been on
TV. Me, who is requested to speak all around the country. I was booed and in my shock but I refused to
stay down. I had to recognize that I made it to a stage that many poets will never have an opportunity to see
and I took that experience and came back from New York DETERMINED to continue what I knew was my
purpose. I knew many people had chains that bind them but my theory was, “Are you going to quit because
of the chains?” Was I going to quit because I had been booed NATIONALLY at the Apollo Theater? Not a
chance. That was just another link in the chains and I will CONTINUE to fight no matter what because in
spite of the chains I am still free. I also have finished another poetry collection called Life Lived In Color. I
wanted to show many facets of my work, finally sharing my erotic side to the world. I was afraid to share
that side but I am learning that to deny it, would be to deny who I am. I am a woman with many arcs that
make up my rainbow of a life lived in color.
The RBM: For you, what is the difference in writing poetry versus in other genres like fiction? Do
you enjoy one more than another?
Hannah: Writing poetry for me means placing your heart on the pages in limited words. It takes skill and
effort to compact emotions, thoughts, feelings into a piece that may not be more than 20 lines. In fiction, the
world is my canvas and I can write as much or as little as I desire. I simply LOVE to write be it novels or
poetry. If it can help someone else, I will write it.
The RBM: How long have you been writing and do you remember what initially inspired you to put
pen to paper?
Hannah: I have been writing since I can remember. What made me start writing is my mother taught me
how to read at age 3 with Marvin Kay Mooney Will You Please Go Now by Dr. Seuss. I was caught up
from that day forth and I cannot imagine doing anything else.
The RBM: I first read your work a few months ago on our sister site The Black Poetry Cafe. How
important do you believe underground sites like the BPC are for writers and their development and
confidence?
Hannah: Poetry sites like The Mecca Lounge and The Black Poetry Café are highly important because they
allow artists an environment to showcase their work, gain positive feedback and at times constructive
criticism. I also believe it allows artist to remain humble because it reminds you that there are many others
that possess this gift and that we must all support one another. I have been exposed to many different styles
that I would have never attempted before I stumbled on the site. Places like The Mecca Lounge and The
Black Poetry Café should be a prerequisite for any writer that dares to take pen to paper.
The RBM: Who are some of your personal favorite writers/authors and why?
Hannah: I would be amiss if I did not say Maya Angelou. Her styles, her words, her tone all paint a lovely
picture. J. California Cooper is a fabulous short story writer who I am personally reading to help with my
style since I am working on my new short story collection called In Between the Pews. Eric Jerome Dickey.
I admire him because he stepped out on faith and has the success he does. Last but certainly not least ANY
POET that calls themselves a poet should read the Bible. The Bible possesses the most poetic phrases, styles
and words I have ever read.
The RBM: Finally, how has the process of writing "Views”, publishing it, and promoting it been for
you? Any tips for any aspiring authors reading this interview?
Hannah: Views From the Back Pew was a 2 year process. I was sitting in an office at church and my
friend said, “You should write a book about 3 women.” And I said, “Okay”. I ALWAYS sat on the back
pew in our church so I said, “I will call it Views From the Back Pew”. The idea was simple. The work took
diligence. Writing is not a quick process and it takes work. Write about something that you know and that
you love. People love emotions and the TRUTH. Readers are smart and they know when you are not coming
from a real place. I would also advise any aspiring poet READ, READ, READ and THEN READ SOME
MORE, ATTEND ALL OPEN MICS, POST YOUR WORK EVERYWHERE and get your NAME OUT
THERE!! NO event or venue is TOO SMALL. DO NOT ACCEPT DEFEAT. You may be knocked down but
GET BACK UP AGAIN! And when you get up, keep on writing and market your work everywhere. And
when it is all said and done KEEP WRITING!!
You can read more about Hannah Drake by visiting her official website: InSpiteOfMyChains.com
Check out our other
exclusive Spotlighted
Author interviews!!
June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
exclusive Spotlighted
Author interviews!!
June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
THEMECCALOUNGE.COM
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When we announced our Spotlighted Author for the month of May to our
Community Members here in Mecca, the response was one that I had yet to see since
we started our interview series last June. There were public praise and there were
emails sent to me advising of the quality of the pick and her talent level. Seems that
Hanna Drake has made her mark on the underground writing scene.
Ask any owner of a website similar in any way to Mecca and they'll tell you that
maintaining a site is difficult enough, so improving it requires exceptional focus,
dedication, selfishness, and sacrifice. It's an ongoing competition between sites to
attract new writers and keep current members, so when sites team up together to
show unity and allow their members a broader networking base, its truly something
rare.
Community Members here in Mecca, the response was one that I had yet to see since
we started our interview series last June. There were public praise and there were
emails sent to me advising of the quality of the pick and her talent level. Seems that
Hanna Drake has made her mark on the underground writing scene.
Ask any owner of a website similar in any way to Mecca and they'll tell you that
maintaining a site is difficult enough, so improving it requires exceptional focus,
dedication, selfishness, and sacrifice. It's an ongoing competition between sites to
attract new writers and keep current members, so when sites team up together to
show unity and allow their members a broader networking base, its truly something
rare.
It was because of this rarity that I was made aware of Hanna back in 2006, and though we had never
officially met, we ran with the same writing circles and I had the opportunity of reading some of her work.
So it was no surprise when I was brought to my attention that Hannah had just released a new novel entitled
"View From The Back Pew" and the praise it was receiving from her peers. Those peers are the next great
writers, the ones who looks to underground writing sites like Mecca, The Black Poetry Cafe, and Realistic
Illusions to enhance their own skills, gain visibility, street credibility, and build a fan base. As you will read in
the very open and honest interview following this introduction, it can sometimes take years to accomplish
your goal of being a writer so in the meantime, getting your name out here to others is essential, and being
admired for that work is a blessing. Hanna Drake has managed to do both, so it seemed obvious to select her
as our Spotlighted Author for the month of May.
officially met, we ran with the same writing circles and I had the opportunity of reading some of her work.
So it was no surprise when I was brought to my attention that Hannah had just released a new novel entitled
"View From The Back Pew" and the praise it was receiving from her peers. Those peers are the next great
writers, the ones who looks to underground writing sites like Mecca, The Black Poetry Cafe, and Realistic
Illusions to enhance their own skills, gain visibility, street credibility, and build a fan base. As you will read in
the very open and honest interview following this introduction, it can sometimes take years to accomplish
your goal of being a writer so in the meantime, getting your name out here to others is essential, and being
admired for that work is a blessing. Hanna Drake has managed to do both, so it seemed obvious to select her
as our Spotlighted Author for the month of May.