Author Miriam K. Center on Writing, Spirituality, and a Song-man Named Johnny Mercer

[Author-Poet Aberjhani]

CTI member and author Miriam K. Center (photo by John Zeuli).





Already a dedicated advocate for the empowerment of women, a world traveler, successful real estate agent, and author of the scandalously irreverent Scarlett O’Hara Can Go to Hell, Miriam K. Center recently added the title of playwright to her list of things to accomplish while living on earth. Center has long been a fan of theatre who lists Edward Albee, Neil LaBute, Sam Shepherd, “and of course Tennessee Williams” among some of her favorite playwrights. Curtains are currently scheduled to go up on her own first play, Johnny and Me, at the Landings’ Plantation Club in Savannah, Georgia, July 16 and 17, 2009; and at the Exhibit Hall in the Savannah Civic Center on July 11. Ms. Center recently took a few minutes out of her schedule to talk with me about the play, her old friend Johhny Mercer, and what it means to be Miriam K. Center.



Aberjhani: How would you describe your journey as a writer up to this point?

Miriam: Writing has brought up every insecurity I could imagine. Some I didn't know about. I have never felt that I know anything at all about writing, just that I have something to say, and this is a way to say it. To regurgitate my feelings if you will.

Aberjhani: You say you have never felt that you know anything at all about writing, yet you have been a journalist and authored the novel Scarlett O'Hara Can Go to Hell . Does your statement mean that despite these accomplishments you do not consider yourself to be a writer, or author, per se?

Miriam: I feel that I don't know the techniques of writing or what the books tell you when you study journalism or anything that has a formula or technique to follow. I did take some courses but I never feel that I have been trained academically in the field of writing. Journalism is my favorite form because it is succinct.

Aberjhani: What is the most important thing this specific mode of communication, writing, has allowed you to say to the world thus far?

Miriam: My truths about what I have seen or experienced in the world. I have had amazing comments and feedback from people who have read my book or a particular article that has been published.

Aberjhani: What role does spirituality play in your pursuits as an author and human being?

Miriam: As an author I feel that truth, which is spirituality, is necessary. Even when writing fiction truth is the most important element. As a human being spirituality is the core of who I am, even though it scares many who were always a part of my life. However, I am true to that core and if others don't want to cross the bridge to freedom with me, I go it alone, because I always have spirit.

Aberjhani: What would say are some of the sorrows and what are some of the joys of "going it alone" spiritually?

Miriam: The sorrows are that on a spiritual journey I have to leave so many and move on because they are not ready to cross the bridge to spiritual freedom. I want to extend my hand and pull them with me, but all I can do is go my way and wave to them when I've arrived. The joy is knowing in my heart where I have been and how far I have come to be me and to claim myself as a full woman.

Aberjhani: A number of tributes in honor of the Johnny Mercer Centennial have been staged in New York, Los Angeles, and elsewhere, plus more are scheduled. What makes your play, JOHNNY AND ME, different from, or more unique, than these others?

Miriam: Good question. I knew Johnny in his later years when he too was struggling to be free and just be himself, a real wonderful spirit. We sat for hours ideating and philosophizing and just laughing like hell. We shared our thoughts on humanity, politics and families. In my play I attempt to show him as a multidimensional person, not a plastic person. He was wonderful and I cherish that I can recall some of our times together in my play, Johnny & Me!


For more of the interview with Miriam K. Center, please click the following link: http://www.redroom.com/blog/aberjhani/author-miriam-k-center-writin...


Aberjhani

[Dixie Dawn Michelle]

Thank you for the introduction of Author Miriam K. Center and her new work. "Author Miriam K. Center on Writing, Spirituality, and a Song-man Named Johnny Mercer" is an outstanding interview.

I will read more on this great American. I am impressed with her answers in this interview.

Every time I read an article, interview, and book review by you, I have a feeling of spiritual and intellectual enrichment; and a thought flashes my mind: WHEN AMERICA AND THE WORLD GET FAMILIAR WITH THE WORKS OF THIS AUTHOR AND POET ABERJHANI, LITERATURE WILL HAVE ITS TRUE MEANING.

Blessed be your creative soul.

In respect, gratitude and admiration,

Dixie Dawn Michlle