Interview with Larry Ford

Author of C is for Colored

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

From- Albany,GA, I live presently in Havre de Grace, MD, which is the setting of my book.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My family moved from Albany, GA, to Aberdeen, MD, in 1956, after my step-father left the Air Force. Getting out of Georgia at a young age was the second-best thing ever happening to me. Being my mother’s son was the best thing.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I wrote the book because of its historical value and point of view. My first-person account is of an American story many do not know and probably many who do not want to know. I wrote the book for others who have experienced aspects of this story personally or wondered from afar what it is like to be treated as “colored.” Who are the people who run this system, and why it took so long to desegregate a school system this far North?

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It is a historical memoir detailing my education in legally segregated school just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, In Maryland. It talk about what it is like to controlled educationally solely by the color of your skin. It shows how racism and segregation worked and talks about the designer and benefactors segregation: White Christian people.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People who grew up in the 60s will connect to my story through the significant events and the music that I talk about. They will also recognize some of the pressing fears and concerns of that era.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

When I returned home to finish my book, four years ago, I found out that I was a legend.to many in the community, Black and White.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would want to make a greater effort to understand my brain problem. I did not know about my ADD until 8 years ago.I woould have been helpful to know the name of the problem.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible, but my target group is young people of school age, of all races.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest problem was my health caused by a rare disease. I could not have finished the book with treatments from the National Institutes of Health. But in the extra time I took to write, the world seemed to catch up to my rather extreme and unique educational story.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) My memory, imagination, and love of words. B) I am new to publishing but quickly learning.things..C) My personality, as people say frequently they have never met a person like me before.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Since this is my first book, there was a learning curve to all three. I have needed to learned and teach myself about all three.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I think I will produce another book in about 2 to 3 years if my health allows.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self published.