Sunday, December 11, 2022

"Where it Rains in Color"

Before making the big leap into the world of sci-fi & fantasy, Denise Crittendon held a string of journalism jobs. In addition to being a staff writer for The Detroit News and The Kansas City Star, she was editor-in-chief of the NAACP’s national magazine, The Crisis. Later, she became founding editor of a Michigan-based lifestyle publication for black families. After self-publishing two manuals that empower youth, “Girl in the Mirror, A Teen’s Guide to Self-Awareness” and “Life is a Party That Comes with Exams,” she entered the new-age healing movement as a motivational speaker for teens. These days, she fulfills ghostwriting assignments for clients and writes speculative fiction on the side. Crittendon divides her time between Spring Valley, Nevada and her hometown, Detroit, Mich.

She applied the Page 69 Test to Where it Rains in Color, her debut novel, and reported the following:
From page 69:
“You probably know more about them too. More than you’re willing to admit.”

“No, just Tnomo.”

“Oh, the star man from nowhere.” She thought about their lunch with The Nobility. “There’s some pretty big secrets being hidden around here. One day, I’m going to figure out what they are.”
Page 69 of Where It Rains In Color is the end of a chapter and only contains seven sentences. However, those closing sentences offer a powerful foreshadowing of events to come. The passage also captures the novel’s essential mystery. As the main character, Lileala suggests her home world, Swazembi, is hiding a few mysteries. She doesn’t know it at the time but, true to her vow, she will eventually uncover the truth.
Visit Denise Crittendon's website.

Q&A with Denise Crittendon.

--Marshal Zeringue