Do you have a simple childhood memory that you could never forget?
My first day at my new elementary school made a huge difference when my family moved from a predominantly blue-collar neighborhood to the suburbs. My clothes, a pressed flannel shirt, heavy corduroy pants and study black-soled shoes, were not only inappropriate but laughable. But it wasn’t all appearances. My new classmates were more well-to-do children, unaccustomed to hand-me-down clothing and the necessity of packing a bag lunch to school, making sure to keep the sack clean so it could be used through the week. They belonged to tennis clubs and some even went horseback riding. Their families went skiing in the winter time (a “rich man’s sport”, my father scoffed.) And they went to a barbershop to get their haircuts: I spent a miserable week being ridiculed when I stupidly confided to a classmate that my father cut my hair at home.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
I had just been in the neighborhood for a few weeks and already found myself invited to a birthday party for a boy who lived down the street. My father dropped me off in front of the Sacramento Racquet Club to attend his swimming party. But the man at the counter pointed to a sign above the chalkboard behind him that said, “The Racquet Club does no admit Negroes, Mexicans or Orientals.”
I walked home, too ashamed to call for a ride. When I reached my house, I sneaked into the backyard and hosed myself down with water. As I entered the house, my mom asked, “Did you have a good time?” You’ve been gone so long.”
“It was lots of fun,” I said. She looked at me but didn’t say anything. Later I heard her tell my father that I couldn’t have gone swimming. My trunks didn’t smell of chlorine.
For the first time in my life, I encountered blatant racial discrimination. It was an inevitable lesson of time, hurried along by a childhood introduction to the world outside. I would never again feel so unreservedly at ease or at home.
What is the earliest experience you had with books/writing that you remember?
On weekends when I was a kid (@ ten), I would take the bus downtown to the City Public Library. There I could spend all day undisturbed sitting in the nearly empty stacks reading all kinds of books, especially poetry.
What was the most fun thing about attending the University of California, Berkeley?
When I was an undergraduate, I was often re-directed by my professors to English-As-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes because they thought I had mistakenly entered their English Literature classroom. I eventually applied to every poetry competition Cal offered (which were anonymous) and won nearly all of them, including the highest award in English, the Eisner Prize.
Which was the first of your work to appear in an anthology?
When I was a high school student, I submitted work to publications without indicating my age. One of my poems was published in a national magazine at the time and later reprinted in a poetry anthology published by Reader’s Digest. My poem was juvenilia, but it was the first time my parents approved of my writing; only because I was paid a $100.
How did you come up with the idea for your book, Best Evidence?
Best evidence is defined as something that gives proof or leads to a conclusion. A written instrument is itself always regarded as the primary or best possible evidence of its existence and contents. I meant my title to be ironic.
What kind of cultural value do you think reading and writing have/brings?
The written word and literature have been essential in expressing and teaching cultural values since the invention of printing. Unfortunately, this historical supremacy is now being supplanted by popular culture media.
In your opinion, is Rap music poetry, and why/ why not?
Yes. Rap music is a form of poetry. It is a popular art form that slightly resembles Spoken Word, but is very different in its sound and culture.
If you could improve one thing about your writing, what would it be and why?
My productivity. While always a slow and careful writer, disability and age have significantly impaired my creativity and output.
What was your reaction when you received your first award for your poetry from the Academy of American Poets?
I was overjoyed because I entered the competition solely because the judge was Leonard Nathan, considered one of the finest contemporary poets. I met him through receiving the award and he later became my mentor and dearest friend.
Criticism, whether constructive or otherwise is part and parcel of any art form. How do you deal with reviews of your books- both positive and negative?
As a former editor of books, poetry journals and general audience magazines, I have a relatively good understanding of the purpose and practices of literary criticism. I appreciate positive comments when the reviewer is a discerning reader. Criticism of craft is constructive and welcomed. I agonize over criticism that I feel is unfair or biased. For example, one reviewer of accused me of "a problematic tendency to portray women in a negative and inferior light… (perhaps because of) “an unconscious disparaging of women – due to patriarchal culture, which has a relatively stronger influence in traditional Asian society.”
In addition to being a racist comment, I was profoundly offended because I have devoted much of my professional life fighting for gender equality as well as working in numerous battered women's shelters and DV organizations. During my stint as the national editor of the Pacific Citizen (Japanese American Citizens League), I was a strong voice in the Asian community against any patriarchal culture, sexism, racism and anti-LBGT discrimination.
What are the wisest quotes you've ever heard or read? Have you ever explored the quotes collection on AllAuthor's website?
Though perhaps not the wisest, one of my favorite quotes is a Japanese proverb:
“We’re fools whether we dance or not.
So we might as well dance.”
I find the quotes collection on AllAuthor’s website an indispensable resource.
What is one message that you try to impart through your books?
That the disposed, the marginalized and the heartbroken have a voice.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
I am working on my second book of poetry; a central poem is about a philosopher and courtesan of Classical-era Athens, entitled, “ASPASIA, IN HEAVEN”.
Are you enjoying your experience with AllAuthor so far? Would you recommend this platform to your author friends?
I have recommended the AllAuthor website to my friends. At present, it is still undiscovered country and I am just beginning to build contacts with fellow writers and learn about new books. AllAuthor is the new Amazon site for writers and people who love books.
