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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Marvin Blake talks about his writing career and the inspiration behind his new release, Precious “In His Sight”.
Written by JJ Barnes
In interviewed Marvin Blake about his life and career, what inspired him to start writing, and the work that went into his latest book, Precious “In His Sight”.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I was born and raised in the mid-20th century, in Baltimore Maryland. At the time of my birth, and during my formative years…, 1940s, and 50’s, Baltimore was by law, a racially segregated…apartheid-society.
In 1954 the United States Supreme Court’s ruling, Brown v. The Board of Education, which declared that “Separate but Equal”, was unconstitutional, allowed me to be the first in my family—I was the eighth of ten children—to in 1957, attend, a previously All-White, high school.
After graduating from Baltimore’s Southern High School, I joined and served nearly six years in the United States Navy.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
Following my discharge from the Navy and subsequent graduation from Long Island University.
When did you take a step to start writing?
After my retirement as the Administrative Officer of the New York and Brooklyn, VA Medical Centers in October 2012.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Approximately two years (2013 – 2015).
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
Approximately two years (2020 – 2022).
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Precious “In His Sight”?
At book signings and during multiple venues publicizing my previous two mid-19th century Historical-Fiction novels; “Why” and its sequel…, “E. Pluribus Unum…From Many, One”, I decided to complete my 19th century American “Trilogy”, with my latest novel; “Precious (In His Sight”.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Precious “In His Sight”?
To ensure that my reporting of actual historical events, and/or persons, referenced in my Historical-Fiction novels, was accurate.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
My actual child-hood friendship, with Henry Wallace, a white boy, from the “other-side-of the tracks”.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
My experience being jeered and taunted in 1958, with racial epithets, by the parents of my white classmates, when walking from the bus-stop, to Baltimore’s previously all white, Southern High School.
What is the inciting incident of your book?
In my novel “Why”, the RAPE of the 11-year-old slave child Sadie, by her white Masters.
What is the main conflict of Precious “In His Sight”?
The purported and actual justification for the enslavement of 4million human beings, the color of their skin by; White Supremist.
Did you plot Precious “In His Sight” in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Both. “By the seat of my pants”, until the final chapters, at which point that “Plot” for the, for ending the novel was planned in advance.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Precious “In His Sight” need?
Yes. Spelling and grammar only. I suspect that the “Search Engine” used was created for spelling and grammar was designed for educated “White-Folks”.
Therefore the “slave-dialect”, which is essential for to the “feel” of the novel(s), was problematic.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Get started…Do it!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
No. Not at this time.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes…and it was absolutely worth the effort!
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