Wanda Lloyd will be Georgia Writers Museum’s “Meet the Author” presenter at noon on March 14, (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Her comments via Zoom will be about her memoir, Coming Full Circle: From Jim Crow to Journalism.
Lloyd will be interviewed by Rexanna Keller Lester, a former executive editor and columnist for the Savannah Morning News. Georgia Writers Museum recently conducted a short interview with Lloyd.
Was there an event or person in your life that led you to become a journalist?
I took my first journalism class in the 11th grade. My journalism teacher appointed me as editor of the school newspaper in my senior year. I’ve been an editor ever since.
What attracted you to write a memoir about your amazing life in journalism?
I was influenced by some of my students at Savannah State University. They would ask me about my newsroom career, and they encouraged me to write some of my career stories. At first, I was reluctant, not sure anyone would care to read my stories, but friends encouraged me to stay the course.
Who is your favorite writer?
Maya Angelou. I’ve read all seven of her memoirs (some multiple times).
Tell us a bit about your writing process.
I write at home in my sunroom. It’s bright and cheerful, surrounded by some of my art collection. While writing Coming Full Circle, I often wrote late into the evening, sometimes until 3 or 4 a.m. I didn’t even feel the lateness.
What, for you, is the most difficult part of the writing process?
Getting started and trying to avoid distractions—such as Google, email, text messages and my dog, Bella, who knows I keep treats in my bottom desk drawer.
What advice would you offer someone wanting to write their own memoir?
Interview as many people as you still have available to you, verify information through research, focus on the story you want to share (you can’t include everything you’ve ever done), and use an outline to stay on track.
What advice have you gleaned from another author that you consider helpful as a writer?
Make every word count.
Is there another book on the horizon?
I have an outline, which may become an extension of my first memoir, this one more personal, less about my professional life. I just need to start writing. Please pray for me.
What do you like most and least about being a published author?
My memoir came out in February 2020, just before the pandemic, so I missed being on my planned national tour (and a lot of book sales); I love inspiring emerging writers.
Bring your friends to this special GWM event that will be available on Zoom, with free admission! Contact Georgia Writers Museum or visit GWM online at georgiawritersmuseum.org for tickets or to pre-order a copy of Wanda Lloyd’s book.