Every now and then, I like to ask writers, “Is there a question you’d like me to ask?” I’m always surprised by the types of questions they’d want to ask themselves, so I decided to take the idea of the self-interview and give writers some restraints.
One. Use Who/What/When/Where/Why questions.
Two. Have fun.
Our latest Debuti-Self Interview features Keeonna Harris, author of the debut memoir Mainline Mama, which explores self-resilience, family, and community. Prior to her memoir, she was awarded numerous honors, including a 2018–2019 PEN America Writing for Justice Fellowship, a 2021 Tin House Summer Residency, a 2023 Baldwin For The Arts Residency, and a 2023 Hedgebrook Fellowship as the 2023 Edith Wharton Writer-in-Residence.
But enough from me. Let’s turn it over to Keeonna Harris.
Who are the authors that have influenced you the most?
Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is forever etched on my heart. I fell in love with the way she captures the complexities of Blackness. It will forever be my gold standard. Sister Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever is the first book where I saw myself clearly. Winter is mean, loving, loyal, family oriented, and cunning, the most beautifully flawed character on a page. Lastly, Kiese Laymon’s Heavy; the way he uses language, every sentence feels crafted with purpose, almost sacred in its rhythm and depth. He doesn’t just write; he shapes thought and emotion with words in ways that are both startling and deeply moving. It’s like watching a master sculptor work, but with language. Honestly, there are moments I have to pause just to take it in—my God.
What was the first meal you ate after turning in your manuscript?
After I turned in my manuscript, all I wanted was a home-cooked meal (that I did not have to cook, lol)—something that reminded me of my childhood and my granny’s kitchen. I went to Communion, a soul food staple in Seattle and had butter beans, neckbones, and hot water cornbread. It was so good; it felt like a warm hug from home—deeply grounding and exactly what I needed.
Why is the book important?
My book is important because it captures the complex and often overlooked experience of being forced into a relationship with the carceral system to stay connected to a loved one. But more than that, it’s a celebration of the resilience and strength I found in women like me—women who, in the face of adversity, formed deep bonds, built community, and taught me about love, care, and self-discovery. At its core, this book is a love letter to Black girls and women, encouraging us to unmask, be seen, and be heard. It’s a powerful reminder of the beauty and strength in our shared experiences.
How did you make time to work on a book while being a mom?
Balancing creative work with family and a job requires serious scheduling. I dedicated a couple days a week to the project and made rest and grace non-negotiable. As a parent, your mind is always on, so learning to listen to my body and honor my own pace was crucial. If I only wrote for two hours on a writing day, that was enough. I had to shift my mindset—rest isn’t laziness, it’s self-care, especially as a Black person navigating chronic health issues and a culture that undervalues our need to pause and heal.
When did you start calling yourself a writer?
I started calling myself a writer about a year ago. It feels a bit crazy, honestly, because I’ve always struggled with “imposter syndrome”. I didn’t come to writing through traditional paths like an MFA or a childhood spent writing stories, so I used to shy away from claiming that title. I ran from writing for much of my life. But when I finally accepted that writing is what I’m meant to do, I was able to step into it fully. Even though it still feels a little uneasy when people ask what I do, I’m learning to embrace this new journey, and I’m enjoying it more than I ever expected.