Lula Belle wears many hats. She is a mom, a writer and property manager. Her debut novel Expecting tells a thought-provoking story of a young woman’s challenges when Roe vs. Wade is revoked.
Melissa P. Gay, author of the blog This Common Reader, interviewed Lula about balancing her budding career with the rest of her life in May 2012.
When did you discover you were a writer?
I always wrote stories and poetry as a child and young adult. It wasn’t until I finished my English Literature degree at the University of Virginia, at the age of 28, that I had the confidence to pursue writing full time.
When did you begin writing, and what or who influenced you?
I began writing my first novel, Expecting, in late 2009 right after my daughter was born. I had just brought her into an America that is experiencing a step backward regarding women’s reproductive freedom, and wanted to say something about it. Further, Sarah Palin’s arrival as a vice presidential candidate in the 2008 election caused me all sorts of excitement and repulsion. I definitely checked in with J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye whenever I second-guessed my choice to write Expecting in the first person.
What kind of writing do you do, and why did you choose that topic or genre?
I think the political and personal, and how they intersect, is what I am most focused on right now with my writing. Women’s issues and race are important to me as well.
Do you have a job other than your writing activities?
Currently, I care for my two small children and work in property management. I try to keep a writing schedule for a few hours a day, which becomes nighttime writing when the daytime responsibilities overwhelm.
What tricks and techniques help you stay creative and productive?
When I’m caring for my kids, I spend a fair amount of time thinking about what I want to write about so that when I sit down to do it, I’m ready. Having a writing schedule is very important as well, as is treating it like a job — even when no one’s paying you for it.
What are your thoughts on the self-publishing vs. traditional publishing debate?
My book, Expecting, is self-published. I respect all forms of publishing and would like to eventually have an agent or publishing house and a solid editorial team to work with.
I chose to self-publish, after hiring an editor, in order to get my book out quickly, as many of the issues in it are very “of the moment.” I am becoming overwhelmed with my promotional duties and hope that my sales and audience response will eventually attract an agent or publishing house so that I can spend more time working on my next book.
What is the best thing that has happened in your writing career thus far?
First, I had two young readers of Expecting contact me for advice. One asked whether she should text naked pictures of herself to a boy in her class. (I told her not to do it!) The other told me about her friend who had been raped and asked whether to report it. (I told her to report it!) Second, I got a phone call from a librarian in New Jersey this week wanting to order copies of my book for her library.
As an author, where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to have finished my next novel and be nearly finished with another one. Also, I’m thinking about writing some non-fiction. I hope to be able to contribute to my family’s financial needs as a full-time writer.
Do you have any parting words of wisdom for other aspiring authors?
Remember to write for your reader — self-indulgent writing can alienate others. I’m always trying to find that balance between writing what I want to write and what I know a reader will want to read.
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