Bryan D. Jackson Author Q & A, Part 5
Sometimes the magic of a story lies not just in what happens, but in how it’s told, and the quiet power behind each character’s journey. Delving into the intricacies of storytelling, this Q&A weaves together scene construction and character development in the new novel, Cherokee Afternoon. Reflecting on crafting emotionally resonant moments, the deliberate choices that shape his characters, and even the surprising connection (or lack of one!) in the world of mixed martial arts.
What is your favorite type of scene to write?
Those that combine high emotionalism and thoughtfulness. That is, the juxtaposition of a highly charged character or event, tempered by thoughtful details and/or responses or consequences. Equally, humor is fun to write. There is simply not enough laughter in today’s world, and if I can add to that, I’m a happy camper. If a key character is in the throes of an emotional dilemma yet addresses their situation with a significant degree of thinking versus feeling, the story becomes stronger. The thinking character brings us hope and wisdom uncommon in a world filled with emotional regression and unchanging stagnation and fear.
You present Molly as a candidate for the Remember the Removal Ride, an important event in Cherokee culture. Why did the story not follow that path?
That was a result of prayer and meditation and a conversation with the wonderful Alexis Watt, a 2015 rider and alumna. Alexis, a Cherokee Nation citizen, enhanced my impression that this ride is a sacred journey that is profound and lasting and not superficial. Listening to her describe some of her experience, and after much consideration, I sensed that I could not do the story of Molly doing the ride justice without having either observed or participated in one myself.
Just as important is the reality of the 1838-39 chapters of the book, which do in fact cover the story of the Trail of Tears as it pertained to one of the specific routes.
Many people do not follow the UFC or MMA. Yet I found the fight scenes interesting and believable. Do you have a background in mixed martial arts?
No. I have a background in the traditional martial arts, and there is a difference. Strictly speaking, martial arts are rooted in tradition, and the artist is expected to live a life of budo, where martial arts principles such as honesty, integrity, respect for elders, and protecting those unable to protect themselves are practiced. MMA is a sport. Most MMA or UFC fighters are not martial artists as such—though some are—and they are highly conditioned professional fighters who use a mixture of things like martial arts, boxing, and wrestling. They are often roided up and use foul language, project arrogance, and hyper self-indulgence to promote themselves and the UFC.
Emmy is a combination of these things, and I painted her as a traditional martial artist who entered the MMA as a professional in every sense—a standout. But due to the nature of the UFC and other MMA organizations, she is still an entertainer in many respects. And that’s okay. She’s much more than that. She is a warrior based in part on being the recipient of intergenerational trauma. It is an emotional process, and each family member in every generation must decide how they will deal with that. In my mind’s eye, Emmy encountered the right teacher at the right time and produced power and precision in a fearless manner and absent regret and reconsideration.
