Gina Cox
A Conversation with Gina C.
www.simplyme.tv
Fulls: In Vigil, you discuss a number of issues related to African-Americans, but the book contains universal themes (rebounding from tragedy, maintaining faith and the challenges in making right decisions). What would you pinpoint as a prominent message of the book?
Gina C.: For me, VIGIL focuses mainly on the concept of redemption. Initially, the main character Tora Dearborn acts without thinking. Eventually, she’s forced to look at her actions and ultimately, herself. Once she realizes her transgressions, she must struggle for redemption before she loses her soul.
Fulls: What types of experiences have you had during your teaching career (ie: working with emotionally disturbed youths) that influenced your writing?
Gina C.: One thing I’ve learned through teaching is, everyone needs to be understood. And we all have a tragic story to tell. Many students in economically-distressed areas come from households with so many challenges, it’s amazing the children can function at the most basic level. I’ve had students whose parents have died of AIDS, are strung out on drugs, incarcerated for life, etc. I once had a student whose mother showed up for a parent-teacher conference, dressed for her work as a hooker. I've learned to understand people a little better and not be so judgmental. As for emotionally-disturbed children, they are often the most intelligent, the reason they become so disturbed by their circumstances.
Fulls.: What personal experiences (if any) inspired you to write this novel?
Gina C.: I had an older brother who died tragically in 2002. The pain of losing him was the glue that held my ideas together.
Fulls: In Vigil, there are a number of strong, female characters. What qualities do you consider important for a woman to have in today’s society?
Gina C.: I think women should always remember the power of being a woman. This doesn't’ mean we have to adhere to anyone else’s standards; we just have to appreciate all God has given the female sex. For example, women are intuitive, caring and communicative. If we always use those qualities for positive reasons, we’ll always have positive results. Being strong doesn't’ necessarily mean being hard. I once read a Chinese proverb which said: the soft, flexible trees usually withstand the storm, because they know how to bend with the wind. That really resonated with me.
Fulls: Is there a little bit of you in your heroine, Tora Dearborn?
Gina C.: (Laughs) I get that question all the time, especially from men. I think they get a little scared and maybe turned on because they think I might be dangerous. To answer your question, I think all writers inject a part of themselves into their characters to make the characters more believable. If I had to compare myself with Tora, I’d say we’re similar in that we both believe in seeing justice served. In Tora’s case, it’s by any means necessary. I’m not like that. I’ve learned that sometimes, life takes care of people who do bad things; you just have to sit back and let God do His work.
Fulls: The cover of Vigil is both striking and controversial. Why did you choose such a bold image of a woman pointing a gun directly at the viewer?
Gina C..: I wanted the book to grab attention. By having such a direct message, it’s basically saying: Look at me; I have something important to share!
(Continues Below)
Author of VIGIL: You Never Know Who's Watching You
Fulls: Having been born and raised in Harlem, how do you feel about the changes you are seeing in your community? If you could make one thing happen in Harlem, what would it be?
Gina C.: I’I'm very disheartened by what happened in Harlem. Unfortunately, most Harlem residents didn't’ become involved with the planning for Harlem decades ago. The changes in Harlem were actually put into place 35-40 years ago. It was a long term plan that has finally come to fruition. Once people realized what was happening, it was too late. If I could make one change, I’d stop big businesses from abusing Eminent Domain and return seized property to the rightful owners.
Fulls: Why do you cite The Art of War consistently in the story?
Gina C.: I reference The Art of War because it's about strategy, not war in particular. The Art of War is studied by top executives in major corporations worldwide, in order to compete more effectively in the global market. I wanted the reader to see why Tora made certain moves; she was a careful planner and used ancient war strategies to achieve her goals.
Fulls: Your protagonist, Tora Dearborn is a complicated character—neither a heroine nor villain, both the victim and violent aggressor. What challenges did you encounter as you worked to develop this character? How were you able to make her sympathetic to the reader while maintaining her razor-sharp edge?
Gina C.. The hard part was making Tora human even though she had a tendency to act inhumanely. I tried to show the reader that Tora was making what she thought were the best decisions at the time, but her behavior wasn't’ really a reflection of who she was. She was just a victim of circumstance and trying to regain control of her life. Unfortunately, the wrong way.
Fulls: Your language in the book has been described as “harsh” at times. What was your purpose in using such harsh language?
Gina C.. I like to tell it like it is! (Laughs) No, seriously. I felt I had to use harsh language because the circumstances in the book were harsh. You can’t sugar-coat cold-blooded murder.
Fulls: While Vigil takes place in an urban setting, you maintain it is different from contemporary urban fiction. In what way does this book differ from others on the market today?
Gina C.: I think Vigil is different for a number of reasons. For one, my book provides historical references that are explained in a section at the back of the book. Also, my book has political and social commentary underlying the plot. I wanted Vigil not only to entertain, but also to inform. Maybe this is the educator in me coming out. Someone reading my book is given a lot of information they can research about black history and current events, if they’re interested. I haven't seen this in contemporary urban fiction.
Fulls: You present the overall theme that “love can offer redemption”. What purpose does love serve in a novel with so many violent situations?
Gina C.: The ultimate point of Vigil is that love can heal the spirit, no matter what we've been through. When Tora falls in love, she begins to realize how terrible she’s been behaving and she begins to look for a way to change. The question then becomes, does she deserve a second chance?
Harlem Book Fair: July 19, 2008
Excerpts from an interview with Independent Journalist Anita S. Fulls.
Conversation with Gina C. (Continued)
 | ||||
Fulls: What effect do you think this book will have on younger readers?
Gina C.: Vigil is an adult book. It was not written with children in mind. If a young person chooses to read Vigil, I hope he or she will understand that it is never good to act like Tora Dearborn. I also hope the reader understands that all problems can be solved without violence.
Fulls. If you could present this book as a lesson, what would your students learn from reading it?
Gina C.: I would focus more on the process of writing - how I put together the story, rather than the novel's content. That said, students would learn that everyone can write a book. And be successful at it. Students would be encouraged to think critically, question everything and not believe what they read simply because it's in print. I'd encourage students to investigate everything they see, read and hear. Most of all, I'd make it clear that violence is never the best solution, and that there are constructive ways to overcome life’s challenges, such as expressing oneself through writing.
Fulls: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has reviewed your book favorably. The review also states Vigil is: “Telling at times too much truth about the underbelly of black urban life.” What is your reaction to this?
Gina C: Truth is an interesting concept. If you think about it, it seems that truth can be relative. I guess that's why we all form individual opinions. In Vigil, I’ve told the truth about black urban life, based on my observations and experiences. These observations and experiences may not hold true for others. In any event, I believe you can never express too much truth. The real problem isn't in the telling; it’s in the receiving. It can be difficult to hear the truth, because the truth is often painful.
Vigil by Gina C.
You Never Know Who’s Watching You.
ISBN-10: 0-9652540-9-7/ISBN-13: 978-0-9652540-9-0. 408 Pages, Perfect-Bound, Trade Paperback. Retail Price: $14.95
© 2011 Gina Cox. All Rights Reserved.
Fulls: Some feel that in VIGIL, you have taken clear aim at prominent members of the Hip-Hop community. Were you directing certain messages at specific people in your book? What response to VIGIL do you hope to receive from members of the Hip-Hop community?
Gina C.: (Laughs) I will only say this: if someone reads Vigil and thinks of a particular member of the Hip-Hop community, then something in what they read held truth about that person. If any member of the Hip-Hop community feels I’ve spoken about them, he/she should wear the shoes, since they clearly fit!
Fulls: Finally, the ending of Vigil has been described as “a complete surprise” and “unexpected”. Is there a sequel and will we see more of Tora Dearborn?
Gina C.: I wanted Vigil to take the reader to exciting places, with no real sense of the final destination. Hearing those comments makes me think I’ve accomplished my goal. I didn't want Vigil to be predictable, so I worked hard at developing an unexpected ending. As for a sequel,... If readers want to see more of Tora Dearborn, I'd be honored to bring her back for more adventures.
Be entered to win a FREE iPad2 when you register with SimplyME's network. You'll also get to watch free movies, TV and More! There's no purchase necessary and joining the network is FREE! Terms & Conditions Apply. Visit network for details.
