Women Writers of Color: Stephanie Rose Bird

Full name: Stephanie Rose Bird

Birth date: August 25th
Location: Oak Park, in the Chicago area

Website/blog: Stephanie Rose Bird, Authors Den: Stephanie Rose Bird

Genre: Alternative Spirituality/African American/Mind, Body and Spirit

WiP or most recently published work: The Big Book of Soul: the Ultimate Guide to the African American Spirit: Legends & Lore, Music & Mysticism, Recipes and Rituals (Hampton Roads, 2/5/2010)

Writing credits: A Healing Grove: African Tree Remedies and Rituals for Body and Spirit (Lawrence Hill Books, 2009), Light Bright and Damned Near White: Biracial and Triracial Culture in America (Greenwood Publishers, 2009), Four Seasons of Mojo: an Herbal Guide to Natural Living, (Llewellyn Worldwide, 2006) Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones: Hoodoo, Mojo and Conjuring with Herbs, (Llewellyn, 2004). Published in The International Journal of Aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Today, The Beltane Papers, The Oracle and Sage Woman.

How frequently do you update your site? Frequently

Is your site designed for reader interaction? People can contact me through both websites and comment on my blog at authorsden.com. I also tweet at Twitter@stephanierosebi.com

100 words or less how would you describe your work?
The Big Book of Soul explores the phenomenon of soul and the rise of soulful practices in African diasporic cultures through the lens of an herbalist and practitioner of Earth-based Spirituality. "The Big Book of Soul" examines the major features of ancient African spiritual wisdom--a connection to nature, the power of prayer, self-determination, and respect for the past--to show how these beliefs and practices have been passed on and adapted from one generation to the next. My work is built around artful healing.

100 words on less please share your thoughts on writing and activism:
Out of necessity, over the years, my work has become increasingly activist in terms of supporting sustainability, green living and environmentalism within my genre of earth-based spirituality directed at an African American audience. I also find that I have been championing the role of African Americans and Africans of the diaspora in the area of environmentalism because our place within that movement has been somewhat ignored by the mainstream media.

Ashe, ashe!