Amber McBride has made room for another release in her literary catalog. I recently spoke with her about The Leaving Room.
Tell me about your latest release.
The Leaving Room is a book about a girl named Gospel who is the Keeper of a room that all young people must phase through when they pass away. As the Keeper, Gospel makes the children who enter her room a meal and keeps their most precious memory in a mason jar. Everything seems to be going smoothly until some rules of The Leaving Room are broken, cracks begin to form and another Keeper named Melodee arrives.
Why did you decide to write it?
As a very spiritual but not religious person I am always interested in looking at death and dying from different perspectives. In this case, I was thinking about how much loss we have seen, specifically with young people, over the last several years. After some devastating events, I started to think about how death would be startling for anyone, but especially for a young person filled with so much life. I hoped there was a place they got to rest before whatever happened next and thus, the idea for The Leaving Room started to form.
What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
This is such a great question! I loved collecting all the family recipes that appear in The Leaving Room. I think making a meal for someone offers a certain kind of care and collecting and sharing the recipes made me hope that readers felt “well fed” while reading this book.
What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I keep bees! I have four hives, and they each have a name. One of my hives is a bit sassy, the Beyhive, and they tend to be very grumpy when you open the hive to check on them!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Puzzles! I also practice Hoodoo, an African American folk magick system, so I like to collect herbs and talk to trees. I am always dancing, I was a ballerina for over 18 years! I read a lot too!
What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
I feel so grateful to be in a position where my books are published and on bookshelves for people to read. It’s a dream come true so I don’t know that I find anything in the process difficult. Yes, deadlines can be challenging, but I enjoy the process.
Gatekeepers in publishing can be difficult. As a Black queer woman in a space that is not always pushing for diversity, it can be tiring feeling like you have to “prove” you belong. I hope we continue to push for diversity in publishing so all marginalized writers get the opportunity [to] write the stories that resonate with them.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
I am a huge Toni Morrison fan; I’ve read all of her books. I also adore the poet Terrance Hayes who wrote Lighthead and several other poetry collections. In fantasy, I really enjoy Samantha Shannon’s books!
What’s next for you?
I am moving into the adult space! I am in the process of writing an adult gothic novel which I am very excited about!
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you for having me!
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Leaving Room by Amber McBride.
To learn more about author and folklorist Amber McBride, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: amber-mcbride.com
All social media: @ambsmcbride