Exploring Identity, Representation, and the Indie Author Journey
Darlene Cunningham discusses writing deeply flawed yet resilient characters, addressing anxiety and fatphobia, balancing history with storytelling, navigating independent publishing, and ensuring authentic Black representation while embracing the rewards of self-distribution.
Darlene Cunningham is a storyteller with a purpose. As an indie author, she weaves compelling narratives that confront societal norms, embrace vulnerability, and amplify voices often left unheard. A graduate of the illustrious Howard University, her literary journey is shaped by a deep understanding of creative writing, poetry, and scriptwriting.
Her works explore themes such as anxiety, fatphobia, and cultural authenticity, drawing from lived experiences to create characters who challenge conventions and find strength in their struggles. With a gift for integrating history and social mores into her storytelling, she ensures her readers not only connect with her characters but also gain a richer understanding of the world they inhabit.
In this exclusive conversation for Reader’s House Magazine, Darlene opens up about her creative process, the rewards and challenges of independent publishing, and the power of authentic representation. Her insights are a testament to the resilience and passion that drive indie authors in today’s literary landscape.
What inspired you to explore topics like anxiety and fatphobia in your stories, and how do you approach them within your characters’ journeys?
Most Authors add a little of themselves in each story they write. One word. Trauma. When a creative has had issues, they’ve battled or are battling, we usually work them into our bodies of work. I’m unsure if it’s because we’ve healed and want to share or are trying to heal and need to be seen. I usually show my characters in the healed stage of their issue(s) and the support they receive from the characters in their lives.
How do you balance educating readers about city histories and social mores while maintaining engaging storytelling?
I tend to weave the history and social mores’ in the settings. When setting the scene before dialogue, I’d mention an area and go into detail. Or I’d have the character share the information in the story with another character. It helps to guide a slower scene with information that is intriguing to the reader. A few of my readers stated they’d booked ski trips after my description and history of the ski resort in Black People Don’t Ski.
What challenges have you faced as an independent author, and what advice would you give to others looking to take the same path?
The two challenges that affect me the most with being an independent author, finance and publicity. Everything associated with my book is paid for with disposable income. From programs to write and edit, editors, book covers, marketing, promo packages, book events and narrations are all paid for by me. In addition, I don’t have the large following or publishing house fighting to get me in brick and mortar to attract a larger audience. I rely solely on reviewers and social media. I would advise other Authors to do what you can until you can do more. Meaning find ways of publishing your book with the resources and money you have until you generate more. Have family members, friends and beta readers edit your book. Create and market your book on social media, have friends do the same. Publish ebooks on KDP until you can publish physical copies or do royalty share with a narrator if you can’t afford their rates. Every dime you earn should be put back in your craft until you have enough to save and invest back into it. Stay on social media. If you have more time than money, flood the industry with your time.
How do you ensure that your representation of Black speak and cultural nuances remains authentic and resonates with readers?
Black speak is how everyday Black Americans converse with each other daily. It’s the same regardless of caste or economics. Certain phrases, looks and mannerisms have been, are and will always be a part of Black culture. It can be appropriated but never fully replicated by any other culture. It will always resonate with Black readers. With regard to readers from other backgrounds, it’s up to me to ensure the story has enough commonalities that anyone from any background can relate to the conflict, plot or storyline.
What do you find most rewarding about offering your books directly through your website rather than relying on third-party platforms? The pay. A physical copy of my book on Amazon is $15. I only receive $5 of that. KDP pays $0.005 for every page read and Audible only gives the reader 30% of every audiobook sold. I can offer my audiobooks and books for less on my website and see all the profit in addition to passing the savings on to the reader with lower cost.
Can you share more about your creative process—how do your characters “wake you up in the middle of the night,” and how do you bring their stories to life?
I’m a natural storyteller. I learned in college to eavesdrop on conversations and always listen. The stories will resonate later as I’m relaxed mentally, usually in my sleep. In addition, when readers want a story told or a second book, they have no problem messaging me. I listen and if it comes to fruition in my relaxed state, I write it. Basically, being an observer of life and thinking as you observe how to weave it into a story. Change it, add to it or write it as you see or hear it.