Dee Latson-Graham: From Criminal Justice to Creative Storytelling – The Journey Behind 'The Hand Life Dealt

Author Dee Latson-Graham is one of the dynamic vendors who will be at the Book Boujie Shop and Read Event on October 26,2024 at My Milk And Money 2 in Conyers, Ga. She is a native of Atlanta, GA, and is a graduate of Georgia State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Dee later earned her Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Management with a specialization in Public Administration. Her passion for creative writing was ignited in her teenage years, leading her to various writing projects and ultimately to her first novel, The Hand Life Dealt. Dee’s early literary recognition and her brother’s artistic influence continue to inspire her writing journey.

What inspired you to start writing?

I've been an avid reader since childhood. My love for reading started with young children's books, and from there, I fell in love with Judy Blume's stories. My favorite is "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret," which is on my bookshelf today.  As a teenager, I engrossed myself in First Love from Silhouette collections and spent most of my free time reading those stories. But it wasn't until I was given a writing assignment in high school that I discovered my passion for writing. I had to write a creative story, and I remember the story just coming to me as I started to write.  My English teacher was very impressed with the piece and submitted it for a national high school creative writing contest. I didn't win the competition, but I did receive literary recognition for the story, and from there, the spark was lit. I joined the newspaper staff at my high school, learning news writing and journalism techniques, and creating interesting and informative articles. I selected journalism as my major when I started college, but over time, I went in a different direction and, instead, chose to follow my love for law, ultimately majoring in criminal justice.

How would you describe your writing style in five words? What do you appreciate most about your writing?

The five words I would use are captivating, emotional, soul-stirring, relatable, and inspirational. What I appreciate most about my writing is its genuineness. My writing comes from a place of deep emotion, compassion, and motivation—all of which have been a part of my life's journey. I write from the heart and show vulnerabilities in my characters that readers can understand and relate to. There is also always a message or lesson to be gained from each character or their situation.

Where does your creativity flow? How do you avoid burning out? My creativity flows from a place of peace and calm. I'm at my best when I have a clear mind and a calm spirit. When the environment around me is quiet and still, my creativity is at its peak. My life experiences and the people who have been a part of my journey all manifest during my creative process. I avoid burnout by not forcing myself to write when my environment or state of mind is unsettled or not conducive to creative expression. I allow my mind and spirit to dictate when I write. At times, it may take a while before I feel ready to write; other times, it may happen sooner. I still tend to set timelines to accomplish my goals because of my Type A personality, but I remind myself to give grace and reasonability to my writing process, allowing myself permission to ignore those timelines if necessary.

Tell me about your latest book? What do you want readers to get from your story? I started writing "The Hand Life Dealt" several years ago. I sat down to write a song, but the words for the book began to flow immediately. For the next few years, I set the book aside to complete graduate school, and other life events caused more delays. Ironically, throughout those years while the book was on hold, I received so many confirmations by encountering people or situations that had similarly been written about in the book. It was an amazing testament for me to know I was on the right path, which motivated me to finish the project. I finally saw the process through to fruition, and I'm elated to offer readers Dawn's story of trauma and despair while highlighting her resilience and the possibility of overcoming adversity so she can find her place in the sun. Dawn's relentless pursuit of happiness amidst a sea of trials and tribulations delves into the complexities of human emotions, the challenges of overcoming addiction, and the courage it takes to seek redemption. I want readers to take away from the story that, just like Dawn, we too can fight to overcome anything. Her journey of resilience and redemption reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, there is always hope. I hope Dawn's story inspires us all to keep pushing forward and never give up.

Budding authors face many challenges that can be overwhelming and, at times, complex for them to handle. What advice would you give to encourage them? Let your heart be your guide. Timing, lack of focus, and writer's block are just a few challenges we face. What I've learned on my book-writing journey is that, no matter what your story is about, there are emotions behind it. Whether those emotions stem from your own experiences or arise indirectly, they give purpose to every story. These emotions and that purpose work together to form a message that someone needs to hear. Keeping in mind that there’s purpose and that someone needs to hear your story can help you stay motivated and inspired as you continue on your journey. Find what was asked earlier—"Where does your creativity flow"—and tap into that source. Above all, remember that the darkest nights produce the brightest stars.

A woman who can write is mighty. What does that power mean to you?

I think of this statement in greater terms. To me, being a woman is mighty; being a woman who can write is truly limitless. The power of being limitless lies in the absence of boundaries and the belief that nothing is impossible. Being a woman equips her with the strength and endurance to withstand the toughest challenges, along with the caring nature to be delicate and nurturing at the same time. The ability to write provides her with the knowledge that gives birth to ideas never thought of, stories never told, and dreams never formed. There is nothing greater on Earth.

What can we expect next from your dynamic pen?

I'm anxious to start my next writing project and will soon decide whether to continue Dawn's story, which will undoubtedly come with more twists and turns, or to pursue something entirely new. I make it a point to take my own advice, especially when it comes to letting my heart be my guide. With that said, I've given much consideration to writing a young man's story. The thought has me excited to see what message he has for the reading world.

Purchase Her Book Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Life-Dealt-Dee-Latson-Graham/dp/B0DHYHXH5V