Interview with memoirist Delicia Niami

Writer Delicia Niami is chatting with me about her new memoir (audiobook), Kissing Asphalt.

During her virtual book tour, Delicia will be giving away a signed special edition copy of the book to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Delicia Niami is an acclaimed memoirist and LGBTQ+ advocate, whose raw and edgy storytelling has touched the hearts of readers worldwide. Residing in Santa Cruz and an alumna of UCSC, Delicia draws inspiration from her own journey of resilience and empowerment. Through her memoirs, she fearlessly addresses topics such as sexual abuse, trauma recovery, and the importance of self-compassion. Delicia’s work not only sheds light on difficult experiences but also empowers others to find their voices and embrace their own resilience. Her passion for advocacy shines through in her writing, making her a powerful voice for change and healing in today’s world.

Welcome, Delicia. Please tell us about your current release.
In response to the overwhelming demand for Kissing Asphalt, Niami is thrilled to announce the release of the audiobook edition, narrated by the author herself. The audiobook promises to bring Niami’s story to life in a new and immersive way, allowing listeners to experience her journey firsthand.

As Niami’s inspiring memoir continues to resonate with audiences, she remains committed to sharing her message of resilience and empowerment with readers worldwide. For more information about Kissing Asphalt and to connect with Delicia Niami, visit www.delicianiami.com or contact kissingasphaltinfo@gmail.com.

What inspired you to write this book?
I have never considered myself a writer. I had been told by a variety of psychics to write my story and it would be turned into a movie. However, I never felt as if I had a positive message to share. Until I read The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der kolk and attended a workshop through him. After this workshop I realized that I didn’t just have trauma to share, I made it through my life. Not only that, I was happy and well-adjusted so I actually DID have a positive message to share. That was the weekend I started writing Kissing Asphalt.

Excerpt from Kissing Asphalt:
The family was celebrating in traditional style; food lavished the tables, and the youngsters were playing around the giant firepit in the backyard. As the night was coming to an end, the celebration began to wind down. Grandmother was telling the kids to “make it happen” in Arabic before going to bed. Encircling the large firepit, the children started blowing. At first, I was perplexed, but everyone looked like they were having so much fun, I wanted to join in.

Very eagerly pushing my way in between my cousin and my brother, I began to blow and laugh, having a good time for once. Suddenly, I felt heat on the right side of my face. I watched as my grandmother bolted up from her chair, screaming in Arabic and running straight for me. By this time, my brother and cousin had backed away. Feeling heat on my head, I hit my hair with my hand, which became hot. I cried as the high-pitched screeches got louder and louder until, after what felt like an eternity, my grandmother finally reached me.

What exciting project are you working on next?
The second installment to Kissing Asphalt, Not My Circus. This should be released no later than July of this year.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Delicia stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity whose story transcends the pages of her memoir series, ResilientAF. Delicia’s days are evidence that the enduring power of passion, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams continue.

In the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains, amidst the scars of the CZU fire, Delicia’s days unfold with purpose and ingenuity. As she meticulously edits the pages of her upcoming memoir, Not My Circus, Delicia pours her heart and soul into ensuring that her stories resonate deeply with her readers. But her talents extend far beyond the realms of writing.

With a newfound passion for woodworking, Delicia breathes new life into the charred remnants of her beloved trees. Each venture, from the cautious beginnings of cutting board experimentation to the audacious leaps into crafting kitchen countertops, reflects her insatiable thirst for knowledge.

In 2020, when her disability began, Delicia set out on a quest to teach herself Spanish by immersing herself in telenovelas with English subtitles. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains undeterred, refusing to let her disability hinder her pursuit of lifelong learning and exploration.

Amidst the tranquil beauty of her home, Delicia finds solace and joy in the company of her three beloved cats. Each feline companion brings a unique warmth and comfort to her life, filling her days with love and companionship.

But amidst this bond, Delicia carries a profound sense of loss. Having recently bid farewell to her cherished companion, Six, on 5/4/24, was more than heartbreaking for her. Delicia and Six were compadres for over 22 years!

Delicia’s property holds a sacred place in her heart. Despite the daunting challenges she has encountered, the arduous journey of building her home on this fire-ravaged land stands as a testament to the strength in both Delicia and the sacred land.

For two years, Delicia has called a 24’ yurt attached to a converted 1976 Greyhound Rambler bus her home. This unconventional dwelling serves as another testament to her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Her soon-to-be home is more than just a mere dwelling; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and the unyielding determination to forge a future brimming with love and possibility amidst adversity.

In Delicia’s world, every moment is an opportunity to embrace the beauty of life’s journey, to find solace in the midst of sorrow, and to craft a life filled with love, resilience, and boundless possibility.

Delicia wants the world to know that we are all ResilientAF and that we can make it through anything that life throws our way. Sometimes, we have to do the hard work, but in the end you can always find the light and joy.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
The way I write is unique since I don’t consider myself a writer. For example, I ended Kissing Asphalt with a cliffhanger. I had no idea that was a big no-no in memoir writing. I adapt as usual and now I call myself a “raw and edgy” writer.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an animation artist for Hanna Barbera. By the time I was old enough to work, they were gone.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
We are all ResilientAF and we can all make it through anything that life throws our way.