Interview with Author Seven – The Urban Therapist

Seven is a published author, poet and activist. Her passionate writing has not only transformed her own life, but also transformed the lives of others.

Growing up in the projects of Richmond, Virginia, Seven experienced many difficulties in her childhood including numerous deaths in her family. Through her writing and her outreach, she has drawn on her experiences to help others.

Seven writes on her website, “For some reason, I’ve always been intrigued by the power of words. It may have something to do with the fact that as a child growing up, my Mother used to tell me all the time that I didn’t have to fight (physically). She would always tell me that I could whip a person’s butt with my mouth (my words). She often reminded me that violence wasn’t necessary, unless absolutely necessary!”

Seven has her BA degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice and is currently working towards her Masters in Public Administration. Her books include “Gorilla Black,” a contributor in “Street Chronicles: Tales from Da Hood” and a compilation of poetry and prose called “Broken Flowers.”

During our interview with Seven, we discussed her goals, her writing, and activism.

Urbania: You are now published with Random House, which is fantastic. Was it a difficult path to get to this point? Can you tell us a bit about how this unfolded?

Seven: I had a short story published in Nikki Turner’s first installment of the Street Chronicles Series. My short story, “Big Daddy”, was the lead story in Street Chronicles/Tales from da Hood. After the anthology was published in Jan 2006, I was then asked to submit a story for Nikki’s line of full-length novels. My novel “Gorilla Black” was then also chosen to lead the Nikki Turner Presents line of hard-hitting street fiction.

To have been selected to lead the series of short stories and then later chosen as the lead author in the book line was such a double pleasure. Ironically, I never set out to write urban fiction. I was living and working in the D.C Metro area when an old friend (author LaKesa Cox) heard I was writing poetry. She introduced me to Nikki Turner. Nikki and I spoke over the INTERNET through email. I submitted a short story before the week was out and the rest is history.

Urbania: What advice would you give young writers who are struggling to get started?

Seven: I would encourage young writers to stay true to themselves and to write what’s in their heart. The pen doesn’t have an eraser. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. Be yourself and do not try to imitate anyone else.

Urbania: Can you tell us more about your activism?

Seven: I am a volunteer member with R.A.I.N.N (Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network). I am a member of RAINN’S Speaker’s Bureau. As members, we speak out, disseminate information and interview when needed. We attend events like Congressional Hearings, rallies or any affair that speaks or advocates for victims of sexual abuse and assault. I am 100% committed to my activism with the organization and often share my own personal experiences as a survivor. I encourage other survivors both known and silent, to take advantage of our toll free hot line, which is 1-800-656-HOPE.

Urbania: Do you see your writing and your activism being one and the same? Tell us about how they are related.

Seven: Writing is therapeutic for me. It helps me to deal with some of the horror I’ve seen (growing up in the hood, etc) and have also endured. In fact, some of my writing is reflective of my own personal experiences. My poetry/prose compilation entitled Broken Flowers is centered on many of my own personal experiences (sexual abuse, physical abuse, betrayal, etc.) Warning: The language is strong in this poetic bramble as the pain is very real. Broken Flowers can be purchased from paypal through my website at sevenspeaks.com

Urbania: You also go by the name of “Seven, The Urban Therapist.” What exactly does that tag mean?

Seven: I’ve been coined the Urban Mercenary or Urban Therapist by others in my genre because of my therapeutic style of writing. If you noticed on the back side of my novel Gorilla Black, Chunichi, author of the Gangster’s Girl series, is quoted as saying, “Seven is the new urban mercenary stealing hearts. You gotta love her!”

When I read Chunichi’s blurb, I was ecstatic, as I had heard that she was reviewing of the book but had no idea what her thoughts were until the book’s release. Ironically, the tag Urban Therapist had already followed me- so there you have it. Great minds think alike. To have such a tag placed on me by those writing in the same genre is an awesome feeling. Much love and respect to Chunichi (always) for such an appropriate and on point blurb! Chunichi, I’ll take that! (smiling)

Urbania: This question ties into the last one a bit… Have you gotten a lot of direct feedback over the years from people who have felt your work helped them?

Seven: By no means am I claiming to be a licensed therapist. In fact, my undergraduate degree is in Sociology/Criminal Justice. I am currently working towards my MPA (Masters in Public Administration). However, I have worked in the field of counseling as a crisis counselor, in addition to working with at-risk youth. I completed my undergraduate internship at the Richmond City Jail as a Jail Counselor, as well as worked as a volunteer at the Daily Planet Homeless Shelter.

While I have an extensive background both professionally and personally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that my personal experiences, and not my BA degree, make me a subject matter expert. I am an advocate of counseling because it is my belief that so many people are hurting. Men and women, boys and girls from all walks of life have confided deep dark secrets to me. Some after reading my work and or from just having open and honest communication with me.

Make no mistake about it, people are living in shame and fear about things that have happened to them, things that many of them have had absolutely no control over. And, while God is good all the time, it is my opinion that there are times where we need to be strong in our faith. But with faith, many of us still need counseling to go along with prayer. It is through my work that I attempt to reach hearts and save souls, one message at a time.

Based on the amount of feedback that I have received over the years from friends, family, co-workers, acquaintances and readers; the answer to your question is without question, yes. Helping others is part of my make up. I’m often criticized for wanting to help others but quite honestly, this is who I am and I know of no other way to be. However, again, I am not a therapist by profession. I encourage those who need help to seek it and to not depend on family, friends or books that you read to heal you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to sit on the “couch.”

Urbania: We read that you are working on something new. Can you tell us more about it?

Seven: Yes, I am writing another novel. I typically do not give out many details, as I like to surprise my readers. What I will say is that it is another meaningful work; one that I hope will steal the hearts of my readers, one chapter at a time!

For more information on Seven, please visit www.sevenspeaks.com or follow her on Facebook under Seven Speaks!

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