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Emanuel Xavier
"Author of Note"
Summer/Fall 2005
Name, Gender, and Birthplace:
Emanuel Xavier, Male, Brooklyn, NY
Current or Recent Project:
Bullets & Butterflies: queer spoken word poetry
Basically, I wanted to publish a collection that recognized the contributions of queer voices to the spoken word movement. It's important for mainstream America to acknowledge we have been writing about more than just sexuality for a long time. The challenge was that people immediately associate spoken word with Hip Hop, which is definitely an influence in the presentation, but in the end it is about the poetry.
What is your earliest memory of being a writer?
When I was a little boy, I would often write letters to my grandfather in South America. It probably sounds silly, but even then I felt the need to somehow document my life.
When were you first published?
Before the novel, Christlike, the main character of Mikey X. was first introduced in an erotic short story published in Best Gay Erotica 1997. Being a former hustler, it seemed like the most natural and provocative way to get my foot in the door. But then, once inside, it was poetry that kept me in the room.
How do you identify and nurture ideas for new projects?
I'm most creative when I challenge myself. I feel most comfortable with poetry but, I suppose because I was never formally educated as a writer, I enjoy exploring different literary styles. I've written fiction, non-fiction and even edited a collection I had wanted to publish ever since I first discovered life as a spoken word artist. I'd like to think I'll continue expressing myself in different ways.
Who are your influences?
I don't honestly think I could mention one single spoken word artist because I've been influenced by so many. I was often compared to Miguel Piñero, which would annoy me, until I actually read his work and found it as a compliment. I certainly saw the comparisons in his life to my early history- the drug use, the hustling, the self-destruction. In the end, Miguel was a victim and I'm not. Besides, his sexual deviance was rumored and I've always been real and up front about myself. When I first started writing, I was inspired by writers like Sapphire and Willie Perdomo. But it was Sarah Jones that first saw me read at an open mic and encouraged me to continue writing.
Name 3 books that you believe should be part of everyone's book collection.
ALOUD: Voices from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe edited by two guys I sincerely have a lot of love in my heart for, Miguel Algarin and Bob Holman. Down These Mean Streets by another man I simply adore, Piri Thomas, and Last Exit to Brooklyn by the late Hubert Selby Jr. However, I must also mention Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg.
Do you believe LGBT authors have an obligation to the LGBT community?
It's important for us to keep it real for the sake of queer youth. They need to see that they could be themselves and be respected and admired for their contributions to the world at large. They need to see that identifying as queer is not just about sexuality.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
It's all sounds so cliché but it's important to always believe in yourself. As someone self-taught, I would encourage as much reading as possible. It's important to go to readings and poetry events because you learn a lot from others and motivate one another. And always have a pad and pencil on you because inspiration is everywhere. Having passion, ambition and determination besides talent are the only things that will get you and your work out there.
Can you share some thoughts on your upcoming project(s)?
I'm working on some new poetry which would most likely add up to a new collection. I have a deal with Suspect Thoughts Press for a 2007 publication. They've been a total God-send. After publishing Americano, they picked up Bullets & Butterflies almost immediately after my deal with another small press fell through. Focused mostly on publishing erotica when we first met, they've since expanded to publishing novels and picked up other poetry collections by writers such as Justin Chin and Thea Hillman. I'd also like to pen another novel somewhere along the way. I suppose I've been jaded to the idea since I had a bad experience with Christlike. The publisher went out-of-business and I made absolutely nothing from that publication. However, there may be the possibility of a reprint with another publisher and someone is currently trying to option it off as a major film project ;)
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Emanuel's Favorites
Color
I'm a Taurus so shades of green and earth tones provide lots of comfort.
Food
To the dismay of my family and Latin heritage, I don't eat any pork or red meat. Even more disturbing to them, I am a total sushi freak. I've often been threatened with one-way tickets to Japan.
Gadget
My manager gave me an i-Pod for my birthday to keep me quiet during long trips together. I loved it but it didn't work . . . he's currently on sabbatical.
Drink
I love appletini's but let me tell you . . . I discovered frozen Hurricane's down in New Orleans and on the first night, I woke up in bed with a pirate. Argh!
Movie
Anyone who really wants to get to know me must see I Like It Like That , Paris Is Burning and Party Girl . . . somewhere in those films lies the story of my life.
Singer/performer
To the surprise of absolutely no one, I am a true Madonna fan. I love Madge but have no plans to go horseback riding with her anytime soon.