Featured Author Interview: Blaque Diamond

by | Author Interviews, Featured Authors

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Tell us about yourself.:
Her father left the family when she was six years old, so she was raised by her mother. Her dog died when she was 10 years old. She was tampered with as a child. She grew up with seven older siblings. Her dream of becoming an International Judge shifted gears when she was in high school. She contemplated suicide when she was 20. She was on the run after a hit was put on her and her family. Her husband’s body laid in the morgue for three weeks without being identified although he had identification in his wallet, which was in his pocket, and on his body before she found him. After relocating A murder was witnessed and she needed protection.

And with that said, Blaque Diamond never missed an opportunity to help children and families.

While still on the run, she earned a 3.5 GPA Bachelors Degree of Social Work and graduated a year later with a 4.0 Masters Degree in Social Work. Diamonds experiences took her on a journey to completing her first book, a memoir in 2010 in the event she did not survive, to 2015 when she published her first children’s book series.

In 2018 one month after National Foster Care Month Diamond walked the streets carrying a trash bag with her personal belongings to work and throughout the city. She stopped to speak to people who would speak to her and to those who questioned her. One was the security officer at a state building. Blaque Diamond entered the building with her colleague, who was able to walk through with her purse. As Diamond walked through she was stopped and asked to place her bag on the conveyer belt before she entered. Diamond asked why she was being asked to place her bag on the conveyer belt when her colleague did not. The response was; all bags that entered the building would be checked. The officer stated the bag her colleague was carrying was her personal bag with her personal belongings. Diamond explained that the trash bag she was carrying was her personal bag with her personal belongings. Diamond displayed the items in her bags as her personal items. Confused, Diamond asked again what was the difference in her colleagues Gucci bag and Diamonds Glad bag. Diamond was able to walk through, however, after her visit Diamond returned to security to explain the reason for the trash bag; it was a challenge to give insight to those who need a quick reminder that we are the mirror of one another and that Diamond had just stepped into reality. The officer simply replied with “thank you.  

In 2020 she released her book trailer and the novel “1380 Prospect Avenue “Not Another Bronx Tale.” During filming she noticed some of the young actors left the acting behind and stepped into reality. One asked “what typically happens to children who are in foster care when they reach 18 years old.” Diamond took that teachable moment to provide insight to the actors about what typically happens to foster care children who age out; homeless.

Diamond is a Life Time Achievement Award winning and multi award winning author. She has been speaking on several platforms about foster care/adoption and sharing an incessantly endless passage into her life while parenting herself. Her passion is grandparents rights and family reunification

She is also the author of the Stacey F series of Children’s book on Foster Care and Adoption, In My Mother’s House, and 1380 Prospect Avenue. She co-authored several books including one with her mother, Mama Forbes and several authors. Diamond also co-authored Amazon’s best seller- Open Your G.I.F.T.S vol II with Actress comedian Kim Coles.

Interesting that this Perfectly Imperfect Parent who was hurt as a child and during her journey in life does not hurt people, but parented 12 children 6 boys and 6 girls three of whom are her biological children.

Diamond could have chosen any walk of life, but instead life chose her to ensure what is in the best interest of a child and to keep families together. Diamond is a social worker and resides in the DMV area.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in NYC, my writing was influenced by life events

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Ideas come to me naturally, usually when I’m experiencing some sort if life change. I like to sit on the balcony or open porch and write.

What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in NYC, my writing was influenced by life events

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay in your lane when writing (in other words, if you are a children’s book author then be a children’s book author) Also, be your authentic self.


What are you reading now?
Cicely Tyson’s As I Am

What’s your biggest weakness?
My strength is my weakness

What is your favorite book of all time?
A Time to Forgive, Libby Edwards-Warner

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I often spend time developing other projects and spending time with family

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, Are You There God It’s Me Margaret. It was life changing, Not only did it help me through a phase in puberty it taught me that it’s ok to talk to God.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I don’t believe I have a particular writing style what ever happens; happens. I just put thought to paper and wherever it takes me I land

What are you working on now?
I am podcasting now Basic Blaque After Dark can be seen on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. We have relaxed conversations about family changes, cultural customs, and parenting styles. Now there will be other sensitive topics that arise based on the needs and expectations of the community, and from time to time we have guest and friends dropping by with other topics. 

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Social media, interview, podcast, networking, and word of mouth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a few projects in mind. I would like to turn the trailer 1380 Prospect Avenue : Not Another Bronx Tale. I’m also working on writing a television series. It’s a project I’ve been working on for a few years.

How well do you work under pressure?
I believe I can hold my own.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
There are times when I put my self into my characters shoes just to get the characters perspective ie I rewrite the scenario to see what best suits my character.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Thank you for being a loyal fan and supporting me on this journey.

Blaque Diamond’s Author Websites and Profiles

Blaque Diamond’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube Account

My Book Place

My Book Place

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