When Marita Golden writes, she throws herself into her
work-literally. The author of 11 fiction and nonfiction books is known
for such works as A Woman's Place, The Edge of Heaven
and Long Distance Life, a best-seller.
Golden's career spans more than 20 years, and her work
includes novels, essays and memoirs. In April 2004, her nonfiction book,
Don't Play in the Sun, One Woman's Journey Through the Color Complex,
was released. The book deals with Black America's preoccupation with skin
color.
Golden lost her parents when she was in her early 20s.
Because the writer has gone through most of her adult life without parents,
family and identity are dominant themes in her writings. "I write
a lot about families in crisis, I think because both my parents died when
I was on the brink of adulthood," she said in an interview on her
official Web site.
"Often I feel that with every line I write I am searching
for them, talking to them. And so the impact of death weighs very heavily on
my work."
Many of her writings have been used in various college courses.
In addition to lending her words to teach others, Golden has served as an instructor
at American University, Emerson College, George Mason University, Roxbury Community
College, The University of Lagos (Nigeria) and Virginia Commonwealth University.
"Faith in oneself
moves mountains, makes
miracles and turns dreams into reality."
The founder of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard
Wright Foundation, Golden is helping to develop, nurture and sustain the world
community of writers of African descent. Since 1990, the foundation has been
committed to preserving the legacy and ensuring the future of black writing.
Golden is the 2002 recipient of the Authors
Guild Award for Distinguished Service to the Literary Community. She also
received the Barnes & Noble 2001 Writers for Writers Award and an honorary
doctorate from the University of Richmond and was inducted into the International
Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. She serves her community as a
board member of the Girl Scouts of America and The Authors Guild.
Motivation from her parents is what makes Golden
believe that "faith in oneself moves mountains, makes miracles and turns
dreams into reality."
