Author Discusses Something Infinite and Something Intimate in African American Community

Sunday, 08 January 2012 19:52 Written by  Iya Bakare

Eddie S. Pierce says what started out as a cathartic exercise turned into a creative work of fiction that grew a life of its own and evolved into his first published novel.

Written in fiction prose, Eddie admits the novel is a compilation of reflections in his life.

“This was an outlet for many things going on in my mind, and getting things on paper was a way for me to process it and deal it,” he says. “The more I wrote, the more it took a life of its own. The more I paid attention to the world around me, I noticed how someone might need to read it.”

Originally titled A Cautionary Tale, the Chicago native’s book tells the story of a young man (Seron) who revisits his hometown after receiving news a former love interest is ill. The novel narrates the thoughts, reflections, memories and scenes from the central character’s past and present relationships with friends, family and lovers. Between the chapters, the novel features original poetry written by the author. Eddie says the emotional dialogue and a majority of the action scenes in the book are based on conversations he engaged in and events he experienced.

Eddie says the novel doesn’t tap around, but dives into issues prevalent in the African American community such as homosexuality, self-esteem issues, depression, dealing with an HIV positive status, religion, family, but moreover, how all of these issues affect one person at the same time. The novel explores romantic love, love of one’s self, the love of one’s God and the love of one’s friends and family. All of the issues center around self-acceptance, a recurring theme throughout the novel.

“We as people put a great deal of effort to gain the acceptance and approval of others,” comments Eddie. “If we really think about it, in many cases, those perceived to have the sought after acceptance seeks to fill the same desire.”

The author admits with the proper warnings and insight on certain decisions such as unsafe sex practices that resulted in an HIV positive status, addressing the signs of chronic depression that led to suicide attempts and exploring himself as a homosexual before he embraced it and surrounded himself with a support system, he could have avoided such circumstances and others.

Growing up in a Christian household, Eddie says his sexuality was something he struggled with.

“I couldn’t deal with myself being gay because I didn’t love myself,” admits Eddie. “It wasn’t natural or normal to me.”

Following a suicide attempt during Easter weekend of 1998, Eddie says he unintentionally “came out” to his immediate family and pastor. A few years later, he opened up to friends about his sexuality. Through the recent release of the novel, Eddie says members of his church family gained a deeper understanding of him.

“It was a matter of living my dream or being scared, and I’d rather live my dream, versus continuing to hide who I am,” he adds.

Eddie says his path of self-acceptance began in the midst of his current relationship with his partner, who he has been with for over five years.

“When love is in the proper portions and perspectives, they feed into each other,” says Eddie. “You fully accept who you are and get the self-actualization while reaching your full potential. With self-acceptance, so many things can blossom.”

Eddie says there are plans for another novel, in addition to virtual and face-to-face meet and greets that discuss the central themes in his book, in efforts to reach out to the community.
“Seron hasn’t reached self-actualization yet, but he’s on the path,” says Eddie.

 

To get a copy of Love: Something Infinite, visit www.rainbowroompublishing.com.

Iya Bakare

Iya Bakare

Iya Bakare, GMO's managing editor, earned both her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in print journalism. She earned her B.A. from Delta State University with a minor in English and graduated with a M.A. degree from Columbia College Chicago. In her spare time, the Chicago native continues to freelance and ponder ways to both inform and improve her community one story at a time.

She can be contacted at Iya@glossmagazineonline.com
Follow her on Twitter: @ibakare

Website: www.iyabakare.com