Delva M. Harvey Baker and new book, “Maryland, My Maryland”

Delva M. Harvey Baker tells us about Maryland, My Maryland, her new book of cultural tales and traditions.  

Please briefly describe your book . . .

My book, Maryland, My Maryland, delivers an entertaining account of perspectives, beliefs, customs and plain duppy stories from areas of Jamaica and Mexico. It provides an informative yet amusing look into the cultural and religious customs of two countries and serves up some historical background to colonial life in Jamaica. Each story immerses the reader in ideas, words and experiences that are unrealistic in some ways but forms part of history for many.

And can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Harvey River, Hanover, Jamaica.  It was named after the Harvey family. I have been a classroom teacher and Principal for over 40 years. I am a graduate of Moneague Teachers College, Jamaica; Jamaica School of Dance, Jamaica; University of the West Indies, Jamaica; and Eastern Connecticut State University , USA. I have been the recipient of awards which include: The Governor General’s Award for Model volunteer service to the people of Hanover, The Golden Torch Award from the Jamaica Teachers Association, from the Ministry Of Education for over 40 years of service, from The Jamaica Cultural Development commission for outstanding contribution to the development of Traditional Folk Forms, outstanding contribution to the performing arts and most outstanding teacher of traditional folk forms. I have been married to Charles Baker for 48 years. I am a mother of three children and grandmother of nine.

Do you have any particular literary influences?

I have always valued the oral tradition as the best way to tell a story. All the stories in my book were either told to me as a child or influenced by storytelling experiences that I had. I try to capture that same feeling in Maryland, My Maryland. The whole idea of Ghosts, or duppies, as we call them in Jamaica was very prevalent in my childhood. Probably because it was a time of limited electricity or electronics. I have always liked stories that capture the essence of the times in which they were written. As a reader, I enjoy feeling as if I am sitting around a fire, or on a veranda, or on a back porch, or in an outdoor kitchen listening to the words on the pages being told to me. That’s when you know the story has really stayed true to its time and space. I have tried to write the stories in my book in that way, where the context is fundamental to enjoying the experience. Maryland, My Maryland is very contextual in structure.

What is one message you would like to convey to your readers?

That every place has a culture and subculture that can be explored, celebrated and appreciated.

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

I think yes, I have not begun to tell the stories of Maryland itself. Living in Maryland for so many years prompted me to write many stories that were lying lazily in my head but many colorful ones are still there to be told.

Are there any events marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book?

I plan to hold book signings in Jamaica and Florida. I don’t have specifics. I plan to market through social media of course, not much else is planned but I am open to ideas.

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with iUniverse?

I love the idea that iUniverse believed that someone other than me would think my stories are worth reading. They believed in me.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Act on your aspirations. I spent years envisioning myself as an author before I finally became one. Don’t just dare to dream, dare to act.

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