I just got off the phone from a press teleconference with one
of my heroes — Alice Walker, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color
Purple, and most recently Anything We Love Can Be Saved: A Writer’s
Activism. Oh, the wonders of modern technology! As we press types huddled
at our desks across the nation, Walker freely answered our questions on topics
ranging from the Heaven’s Gate cult (“Why would they think anybody else would
want them? They couldn’t make it here on this planet, why should they impose
themselves on Martians?”) to her crusade against female genital mutilation.
Ms. Walker, a Messiah-like figure to liberal women everywhere, will be reading
from and signing copies of Anything We Love Can Be Saved on May 2, at
Huston-Tillotson College. The event is co-sponsored by BookWoman and
Folk-tales, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Out Youth Austin, John
Henry Reading Express, and Women’s Access to Electronic Resources (WATER). As
this is her only appearance between L.A. and New Orleans, her devotees (um, I
mean fans) will flock from all over the Southwest to sit at her feet. I know I
will. — Leah Welborn
Usually we don’t see the term “black writer” except during
February and June, so it’s a treat to see that not only is Alice Walker
appearing in town but so is Robyn Williams. In the emerging genre of black
female authors exploring the realm of romance and life, Williams’
self-published novel Preconceived Notions has attracted acclaim and
attention usually reserved for peers like Terry McMillan. Williams will appear
at Folktales bookstore on Sat. April 26, to read and sign her book. —
Margaret Moser
This article appears in April 25 • 1997 and April 25 • 1997 (Cover).