+process.

gordon manning.
writer. playwright. musician

Sometimes things come together so sweet. Nat Creole has been looking for people, who like to create things, to share their process with us. And wouldn’t you know we didn’t have to look far. It turns out that artist, playwright and author Gordon Manning, who is also a recurring Nat Creole contributor, does just that in his new book Niggas Where Are Your Anthems?. So we asked Gordon to go into his head and tell us how he makes it all make sense. And here is the recipe - Literally speaking of course. Selah.

On Artistic Development
+ You've move between artistic mediums very easily. Did you grow into each form at an equal pace? Or did you develop one and then move to another?

Truth is, I get bored very easily.   At the same time my mind craves stimulation.  Constantly.   So it's always like this trade-off between the current project I'm working on and what's next.  It's only been recently that I've been able to kinda control the voices in my head, which I'm really excited about.  As far as the particular medium, pretty much all depends on what type of mood I'm in.  I just love expression, in all its shades.  And I believe we all have a specific tribal instrument, or something that feels natural or inbred, it's just up to us to recognize and harness it. 

On the Daily
+ What is your daily schedule like? How do you spend the majority of your time?

I got a new routine.  Lately I've been gettin' up earlier.  So I'll stretch, and then run a couple miles to keep my head together.  Sweat a little bit.  Head back to the crib and drink a juice, shower and go about my business.  I find I usually feel better when I eat a decent breakfast.

On Process and Patterns
+ Tell us about your process for writing. Is there a pattern? How do you come up with an idea and then bring it into existence?

There's really no set pattern.  It's more like binges, or stretches where I find that I'm very productive, so I try to go as hard as I can when I catch that wave.  Sometimes I'll write a phrase that sounds catchy to me and build off that, but usually it's a recurrent theme that sticks with me for a while, months sometimes.  So even when I forget to write it down, I don't stress because it always comes back.  Music inspires me.  But I'll go stretches where I don't listen to anything.  But I always hear it.  It's like whenever I'd take a shower and the stereo was playing all I would hear is the bass 'cause the water muffles the higher frequencies.   But I could always recognize the song strictly from the bassline so it became like an exercise. That's when I became a bass player.

On Nigga Where Are Your Anthems
+ What are you communicating with your work? What theme, influence or event, in particular, led to the birth of Niggas Where Are Your Anthems?

Well, to be honest with you "Niggas, Where Are Your Anthems?" was initially just a challenge to myself.  Like, Hey man, I know you got somethin' to say!  And if you're like me you reach a point where you just wanna finish what you start.  That's very important.   But then it was like, okay, this is bigger than just me.  It's about evolution in a sense.  Even with the word “nigga” itself, how it's blossomed and matured (or not) through the course of time.  It's definitely become more accessible to the masses, that's for sure.  So it's no longer black and white, it's sorta gray if you follow me.  And the concept is really an ode to the power of words in general.  'Cause I think a lot of people don't understand how powerful words really are and how transforming as well.  So when I ask you "Nigga, Where Are Your Anthems?" it's like asking you to go inside, maybe a little bit deeper.  Plus I just like the way it sounds...

On Future Forms
+ What forms and areas of creativity are you looking to explore more in the future?  

Children.

excerpt. niggas where are your anthems?
gordon manning

PYREX DISH
(HOW TO FINISH THAT BOOK YOU'VE BEEN WRITING)

INGREDIENTS:

1lb (450g) pure, undiluted vision
1gal (4qts) spring water
3 heaping teaspoons blood, sweat and years
2oz knowledge
1 3/4 cup raw talent and natural "game"
1pt good intention
2 cloves guts
1 1/4 tbs forgotten memories
8oz (225 g) mama's voice
touch of writer's block
1lb green herbs (optional)
good music (essential)
high quality thoughts
3 hours sunshine
a little help from friends
3/4 cup ambition
and a whole lotta heart

More on Atlanta based author, playwright and musician Gordon Manning can be found at www.whereareyouranthems.com