Black Book Chat with Zaji (Book: When We Were One)
Written by RAWSISTAZ · April 20, 2010 · 770 views
Today we are chatting with Zaji about her speculative fiction novel, When We Were One. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments for the author or discussion points you’d like to address. We’ll be here throughout the day, so if you haven’t finished or didn’t have time to download the book when it was originally offered at the announcement of our E-Book Challenge, you can GET A FREE COPY now. We’ll be here until 8PM EST, so get to reading and come back to join us. 
If you’d also like a print copy of the book, visit http://thezaji.com/words.html to 
order.
When We Were One by Zaji
February 2009
Synopsis: A race of women have lived in relative peace for centuries. But
strange forces have come through the ages to finish what was started.
Visit the author’s website at: http://zajiwrites.com.
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group was founded in 2000 to support and promote the work of African-American authors. The groups, on and offline, represent close to 600 readers, writers, aspiring writers, and others interested in literacy and the impact on our communities.
Hello everyone and my apologies for the delay. I had a few technical difficulties, but we are a go! Thanks so much for joining us today as we chat with Zaji.
To start, Zaji, please tell us more about you and your other writings. Then, elaborate on why you chose to write in the speculative fiction genre. It’s one of my favorites, so it’s great to see another African-American delve into the theme.
-Tee
Thanks so much for having me, Tee. It is a pleasure.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I have written as a journalist and as a poet. I have a poetry book that took about 5 years to compile. It is a collection of poems that began back in 1999. I then began a novel, Arroya’s Memories, which is still unfinished. It is strange that the idea for When We Were One came along and then ended up being completed before Arroya’s Memories. LOL.
I finished When We Were One around January of 2009. It was an adventure.
I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction. I grew up watching Twilight Zone, which to me is the epitome of speculative fiction. I’ve watched many other sci-fi shows, but the Twilight Zone for me was the end all. It truly “speculated”.
Then, I discovered Octavia Butler. I was hooked. She’s such an amazing writer and truly a pro at writing speculative fiction and science fiction.
Writing in speculative fiction allows me the freedom to do almost anything. That is why I love it. I can speculate. LOL. How much more fun can a writer have? I can be in the past, present or future and speculate on all these things. I can bring in social issues that speak to what we know about history and our current human condition. Speculative fiction does not trap me in a box. I can delve into every other genre through speculative fiction.
This is the exact reason I love speculative fiction. It is so fascinating to read about things in a fresh, new light, even when they leave the “that is kinda weird” thoughts or “wow, that would be cool.” I’ve read some really fascinating (yet unpublished) books in this genres and all I could think was “how did they come up with this.” Throwing in pieces of history as we know it and have been taught, but then throwing a twist into it?? I love it!!
I know I am slipping too, but I own quite a few of Octavia Butler’s books and have not read them. Every time I try something else comes in that has to be pushed to the top, but now I really want to go and check them out.
Now…you’ve done a lot in the industry and I love your site(s) too. How do you balance it all and with this book, why did you chose to write it as Zaji?
Also…I will not say what I want to say about Arroya’s Memories, but just know I’m waiting. This is one of 3 books that has been in the works that I can not WAIT to read. Are you almost done yet? ROFL.
-Tee
Balance? Who told you I am balancing it? I’m hanging onto the rope with my pinky. LOL.
It ain’t easy. I feel like there is too much to do and no time to do it in. I want to write so much more than I do, but I am pulled in so many directions physically and mentally.
Zaji is the name I will be using permanently at some point. So it is not just a pen name for me. It will be my new name. I had been searching for a name for well over 3 years. I took my search very seriously. Zaji is a name from the Tappa of West Africa. It means, woman.
Oh goodness. I know I’m gonna get a beat down for Arroya’s Memories. EVERYONE who has read the first three chapters is asking me about that one. I’ve actually been working on it. Mostly by way of concepts and unfolding the remainder of the story. My goal is to get it done this year. No more foolin’ around.
A few questions for those who read the book:
- Is speculative fiction a genre you normally read and if so? Why or why not?
- Did you see the genre and decide not to read this book and read it anyway? If so, were you surprised by your like (or dislike) of the book?
- What did you think of the overall concept of WWWO?
I read the beginning of this novel and it captured my attention immediately. I do not usually read speculative fiction but I enjoyed this.
I have read other works by Zaji..including her blog. I remain in awe of her talent. I’m moved by the delicacy of words chosen by this artist. Indeed, it inspires me.
I’ve had the opportunity to converse with Zaji and the dialogue was enlightening and just as encouraging as her written words. I wanted to send out a thank you to Zaji.
As you can tell, I am a big fan!!
PS loving this set up RAW. Continue to make it happen. Loving it!
Welcome Zaji,
I have not read much speculative fiction. I have not read the book yet due to being overwhelmingly busy the past two weeks, but I plan to read it, I love being introduced to different types of books. I do love Ms. Butler.
angelia
angelia´s last blog ..Getting Started…
Hey angella. Thanks for rolling through.
It is always exciting when I discover new types of books as well. Books are like nuggets of gold to me.
I have read the book (have an autographed copy) and thoroughly enjoyed it. What would make you write a book that is so outside the norm? A group of women only? Parthenogensis? What the heck? Someone born with the appendage? Woman, were you trying to start a gender war?
Yeah the shock amongst them when one was born with an appendage was too funny.
And I was glad that didn’t just wack it off.
Wack it off? Oh heck no. I imagined that if the visitors got over, they mighta needed it later on. LOL.
Seriously thought, as I write, I don’t know where the story is going to go. I let the universe guide me along. So I already knew that there was nothing spiritual about having the characters do that.
LOL. Ah, Ms.Kai.
I can only write what I am. I’m sure that should make sense to you. You know I’m crazy. Outside the status quo, or the “norm” is where I live and will continue to live. I don’t like sheep writing. I write what I want to read, something different, unique.
Yeah, the women-only thing always throws people. I try to challenge people to imagine differently. Imagine something more, something beyond even what people are comfortable imagining. What if what we think is the greatest experience and feeling we’ve ever had, isn’t? What if there is something that feels 100 times better, but we are too afraid to explore the possibility in our minds. And too far removed from our ability to experience it that we don’t even bother to think about it? Maybe we can re-find that experience? Maybe?
Parthenogenesis. Wow. I’ve done a lot of research in this area. But I don’t want to give away too much where the story is concerned. What I will say, for those who are curious, parthenogenesis is to reproduce from self. To spontaneously gestate without the need for a sperm. As it is with single cells. They simply split…self creating self. That is parthenogenesis. Certain sea life, such as shark, have reproduced this way. There is even some history of other mammals reproducing this way…in a long time ago. But the most basic and simple way to understand it is the splitting of cells.
:: in a creepy voice :: The appeennnnndage. LOL.
No gender war necessary.
The work honors men in a way that some may not even imagine. It is actually a way to bring us together, if one looks deeply. My story is an acknowledgment of our oneness. It shows how men and women come from the same source. We are one in more ways than we can imagine.
Greetings! I just found out about this book talk via twitter. I downloaded a copy and can’t wait to read and review it. When We Were One has a very interesting premise. I can’t say I’m yet a fan of spec. fic., but ever since reading Octavia Butler’s Parable series, my interest has been piqued. Zaji’s book sounds like it might make me officially a fan of the genre. Best wishes Zaji!
BrownGirl´s last blog ..The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow
I do hope you enjoy it BrownGirl!!
Just popping in to say how much I love When We Were One. The concept is awesome. I was interested in reading it because of the concept of sisters living and growing together, and because I knew the book would touch on other topics I studied regarding human origins, race, gender, and anthropology. I don’t read much speculative fiction because many of the books and movies by popular sci-fi and fantasy authors did not move me. However, WWWO is different. I connected to the story by being a black woman who appreciates the sisterly connection the story depicts, as well as the concept of women being “first,” and the concept of the meddling “visitors.” I appreciate authors who will “go there” like Zaji did. She says a whole lot in very few words, which is a sign of a skilled writer!
-FSD
Thanks for stopping in, Freedom. I’m really glad you enjoyed WWWO.
I always incorporate the things I’ve learned over the years, whether it be through experiences, reading or other people’s oral stories. I read in every area, from anthropology to biology to general science and everything in between. I read fiction that has something meaningful to say. It doesn’t matter if it is something that makes me laugh, cry, angry or pensive, it must have something to say.
Everything that flows through me, flows into and through my work. Including my notions of sisterhood.
Hey Zaji, thanks for joining us in the chat. I enjoyed when When We Were One. Your concept was very interesting and I like that it is easy to read and visualize. Sometimes while reading speculative fiction, it is hard for me to visualize some things.
- Is speculative fiction a genre you normally read and if so? Why or why not? I do read speculative fiction.
- Did you see the genre and decide not to read this book and read it anyway? If so, were you surprised by your like (or dislike) of the book? I would not be turned off by this genre. I was not surprised that I liked the book either because I do enjoy this genre. I was appreciative that it was not complex that I could not understand what was occurring.
- What did you think of the overall concept of WWWO? The concept was cute. I like how the parthos (is that what they are called?) bonded together as though they were really one. When there was a birth, that child did not just belong to the mother but to everyone. And I like their oneness with nature.
Hey Paula. Nothing like an easy read, huh?
I don’t normally read speculative fiction. I’ve been a fantasy fan, which I see as a cousin to speculative fiction. I think the concept of WWWO is HOT! I love Twilight Zone, too, so I’m sure this is a genre that I can really delve into. I am downloading and reading now…but I’m working and I’m not a fast reader….oh Lord!
Hey there D.J. Can’t wait to read what you think once you’re done.
The concept was actually born primarily from a book I mention in WWWO. The Great Red Dragon by Hilton Hotema. While it is a short read, much of what is mentioned requires the reader to delve deeper and do side research in possibly unfamiliar territory. It prompted me to create something that spoke to his ideas about our beginnings, and the notion that everything comes from the feminine.
I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction, fantasy, or sci fi books. We Were One by Zaji was a good quick read filled with subliminal messages that touched on a number of things biblical with Tiye’s pregnancy so very late in her cycle of life, to going beyond hope and projecting an attitude of knowing, a message that really rings out here. Also to the inadequate feeling some born with birth defects as Nzingha must feel. While strength in numbers is not a new concept, in WWO, the author really breaks it down as it applies to men, women, our environment and how we must all work together to not only preserve our existence, but to enhance is ten fold. In speaking, about a drizzle, or simple rain drop, that together with other raindrops create floods is so on point. She really connects the dots, by her inclusion of even the significance of the smallest particle..light, or any portion of any of the many things we fail to ever consider being an intricate part of the bigger picture.. the we are one factor. You simply can’t walk away from this read without feeling acutely aware of your individual impact, or conscious decision not to participate in ‘we are one’ mentality.
Her statement in the end really draws you in to the sincerity of her work , and the purity of the purpose of her work with her insistence that she will never copyright the work.. and you come to respect her reasons why. I hope I have mis interrupted the true message in the author’s work .
Looking forward to book 2. Hope I haven’t shared too much, or any real spoilers. Did want to ask the author if Makeda was based mostly on a person she knows. She has the most personality..it seems, than the other characters.
Hey there Vanessa. It’s nice to see folks getting into the story.
Your interpretation is yours. No one can take that away from you. What I can say is that what you see is very much in alignment with what I intended. I like to allow readers to get what they need to get from a book without too much interjecting what I meant. There are times when my meaning can become bigger than what I even intended, and I learn something from folk’s views of my work. Now that for me is what is most amazing.
Makeda, as Ethiopians know her, is the name of the sister who people now call the Queen of Sheba. Like she didn’t have a name. LOL. So while not someone I know directly, she is a sister I know in spirit.
Book two is coming. I’m a slow writer, so just follow my turtle trail. You’ll see me coming.
Hi Everyone,
Is speculative fiction a genre you normally read and if so? Why or why not?
I just printed the book. i havent read speculative fiction before. This group is opening me open to books that nprmally would not read. Frim reading everyomes comments , I am sure that I will enjoy it. look forwardimg to reading it.
Hi Barbara. Can’t wait to read your thoughts once you’ve finished reading WWWO.
Hi Barbara. I love speculative fiction.
Zaji,
I have read When we were one and the depth of your understanding of things not spoken or written but purely intuited was awe inspiring. Reading you responses here only adds to the enjoyment I received from your work. TY sista for being a Griot in this time of Normalization of ignorance.
Thanks for the support, Edward. As I recall, you were one of the first of a small group of folks to read my book back in Feb-Mar of 2009. Your feedback was welcomed. You and several others pushed me to do a part two of WWWO. It is now on the burner…still young, but at least in the works.
I am looking forward to part two with bated breath.
I’m so excited about part 2!
Haven’t read the book , just stopping by to say hello.
Hello Freedom.
I’m equally excited.
I can already hear the characters whispering to me. I’m anxious to know where they will take me…and their story…or what I consider OUR story.
Sorry..was out ALL day. Welcome and I hope you enjoyed the chat my friend !
Thanks for the welcome! It was fun.
Zaji…it is always a pleasure, my sista! Your voice is definitely distinct and I enjoy how you’re able to make us think with your writing. Please keep it up, and hurry up with AD.
A special thanks to each of you for participating in our chat with Zaji! I’ve been running all week, and was not able to get on from my BlackBerry as planned, but I will be back to check out the comments and add my own.
It was a pleasure being a part of this chat.
I’ll peek in to see what you have to say and answer any questions that may arise.