Good literature of any kind appeals to me. As a writer, I reach out to a diverse and universal audience. In my own work, I try to appeal to the intelligence of the reader--giving them enough information to feel grounded in the story, yet leaving as much as possible to the imagination. The exploration of creativity is a recurring theme in two of my novels--TANNER BLUE and PAINTED DESERTS. MUSIC FOR THE DREAM is an eclectic collection of seven short stories. MEMBERS, my latest novel, is about a black girl from the projects on Manhattan's Lower East Side who receives an elite education. She struggles to resolve her roots with her new academic surroundings. I try to write stories that are thought provoking and leave readers wondering about characters after the story ends on the page. I believe MEMBERS will appeal to those who appreciate THE BLUEST EYE by Toni Morrison and COFFEE WILL MAKE YOU BLACK by April Sinclair.