Why I Wrote GUESTLIST (Part Two) #GLIST

A few weeks ago, before the release of my novel GUESTLIST, I was having drinks with the lovely and amazing Emily Cavalier of Mouth of the Border and the conversation shifted to the topic of my novel.

Ms. Cavalier asked the question that everyone asks: “How much of it is autobiographical?”

“Twenty percent,” I said.

But you know, even that’s not true. GUESTLIST is most assuredly not autobiographical. The novel is not about me. And, despite what some will inevitably think, I am not any particular character in the story. In fact, the entire storyline is complete fiction.

With one exception.

And that exception, Dear Readers, is what inspired GUESTLIST.

Jay Fingers Discusses GUESTLIST on Hip-Hop is For Lovers Radio

On last evening, I was fortunate enough to have been the special guest on internet radio show Hip-Hop is For Lovers, hosted by two lovely, intelligent hosts, Uche and Lenee. The aim of HH4L is to create a dialog about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships in hip-hop culture.

Last night, the topic was slut shaming, defined as “the deliberate act of calling a woman a slut, a whore or impugning her character in sexual terms in order to embarrass, humiliate, intimidate, degrade or shame her for actions or behaviors that are a normal part of female sexuality.” I chimed in here and there, but it was certainly interesting to hear the dialogue that was being had between the two hosts and their legion of followers, who responded mostly via Twitter and email.

Uche and Lenee invited me to speak about GUESTLIST, and afterward held a book giveaway. (Congrats to the winner, @SnakesOnABoat!). All in all, it was a great time and I am super grateful to the ladies of Hip-Hop is For Lovers for having me on the show. You can check out the show in its entirety here.