- Thursday, April 23, 2009
Heroism for the Soul
Written by: Nicole Celestine
The hero's of today are those who envision a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow. They must understand
that people are more than character but products of the content and conditions that create character in
order to help others envision what they do not believe is possible. Heroes are not just those who you
can see doing the work, they are also those creating, organizing and developing platforms for change.
Not merely changes you can see, but the changes one can feel.
Author Brandelyn Castine is heroism for the soul, mind, and heart. As an African American woman who’
s educated, intelligent and profusely introspective, her writing manifests profound insight of inner
thoughts by transcending them into emphatic experiences. Her works are intense and infused with depth
and meaning. Reoccurring themes of freedom, love, and spiritual growth taps into readers' humanity
aiming beyond the mind and shooting straight into the heart. She encourages, inspires, and challenges all
who engage in her creations to be less of the expected and more of themselves. Castine critically
addresses the standards of mainstream society without completely denouncing one's innate desires to
want love and
acceptance, speaking to the universal in all.
Brandelyn Castine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2004. Her first novel
Everybody Plays the Fool was released in 2005, followed by a book of prose and poetry Spoken
Silence in 2006. Her latest novel, titled U.G.L.Y. was released in late 2008.
Where gives you the inspiration to write?
I write for myself. To get things off of my chest, to flush ideas out. I aim to change people’s minds about
certain things and to bring things that may not be spoken about into the light.
What do your books lend the world?
My books lend positivity, a voice for the voiceless. I talk about things that are considered taboo and
expose them for what they are, common issues that everyone faces, but are often too timid to talk about.
When did you first discover your voice?
My first real poem was in 2002. I performed it at Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles. The reaction was
incredible. That day I realized that I could reach people with my words.
In one line how are each of your works a change agent?
My works are an agent for change because they expose truth about everyday life that isn’t normally
talked about and bring relief from those truths.
What is your concept of freedom?
Being able to use my creative gifts like painting, drawing, poetry, singing and of course, dancing in my
living room lol. All of that keeps me balanced.
How long did it take to write your first novel?
9months
What is “real” to you?
Honesty is real. People being honest with themselves about what they want and what they want to do
with their lives. All of what we want is possible but we must be real about what those things are, then
strive to make them happen.
2 favorite songs?
Slowly surely Jill Scott, my personal anthem and my current feel good song is Yellow by India Arie, I
love that song!
Where do you see yourself in 2 years?
Another novel out, a major publishing deal and still spreading positive messages.
What advice would you give aspiring writers and novelists?
Write! People often forget that detail. Sitting around thinking about what you want to do will only
produce more thoughts. Artists stay motivated by creating. If you want to write, sit down get your pen
and pad and make it happen! You must be passionate and keep pushing despite the hardships and
adversities that come with the process because it is that much sweeter when you get to celebrate your
success!
BE BOLD AND SUPPORT BRANDELYN CASTINE
HTTP://WWW.BEENCEE.COM
posted by Leandrew Robinson, President
