We caught up with the brilliant and insightful V. Steve Russell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi V. Steve, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on is the development and implementation of the Caribbean Literary Conference (CARICON). The backstory of CARICON stems from my deep passion for Caribbean literature and my desire to create a platform that celebrates and promotes the rich literary traditions of the region.
As an author of the Brer Anancy series of children’s books and director of the conference, CARICON holds a special place in my heart. I wanted to commemorate this significant milestone by organizing an event that would bring together Caribbean writers, scholars, and literature enthusiasts to celebrate the literary heritage of the region.
However, the journey to bring CARICON to life was not without its challenges. Gathering support, securing funding, and organizing logistics proved to be a daunting task. Nonetheless, with unwavering determination and the support of a dedicated team, we overcame these obstacles and held the first CARICON event in 2021.
Since then, CARICON has grown into an internationally recognized literary conference, attracting renowned authors, scholars, and industry professionals from around the world. The conference has become a hub for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and networking, providing valuable opportunities for emerging writers and contributing to the growth and development of Caribbean literature.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Certainly! I am V. Steve Russell, an author, director, and founder of Caribbean Literary Conference (CARICON). With a passion for storytelling and a mission to share the vibrant cultural heritage of the Caribbean, I have immersed myself in the literary world. My notable works include the beloved Brer Anancy series of children’s books, which draw inspiration from Caribbean folklore and traditions. These books not only entertain young readers but also instill a sense of pride in their Caribbean roots. Additionally, I am currently working on a captivating graphic novel titled “Echoes of the Ancients,” delving into the stories of the Caribbean’s indigenous peoples.
As the driving force behind CARICON, I am proud to lead a prestigious literary conference that celebrates and promotes Caribbean literature. This platform serves as a catalyst for knowledge sharing, networking, and cultural exchange within the literary community. By bringing together established authors, emerging talents, scholars, and industry professionals, CARICON fosters creativity, inspiration, and growth. We strive to address the underrepresentation of Caribbean literature by providing a space for authors to showcase their work, connect with industry experts, and gain international recognition. Our conference embraces the diverse voices and perspectives of the Caribbean, offering valuable resources and support to aspiring authors while promoting cultural pride and unity.
What sets CARICON apart is our unwavering dedication to amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the rich tapestry of Caribbean literature and culture. We have created a nurturing and inclusive community that empowers authors at every stage of their journey. Whether established or aspiring, authors can find support, professional development opportunities, and a welcoming space to connect with like-minded individuals. CARICON continue to play a pivotal role in the growth and influence of Caribbean literature, and I am honored to contribute to the recognition of our vibrant literary heritage.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Certainly! One of the most inspiring examples of resilience in my journey was the decision to transform our annual festival into a conference format in 2021, amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty and obstacles, we made the bold choice to adapt and prioritize the safety of our attendees and participants. This transition required meticulous planning, flexibility, and unwavering determination to provide a platform for Caribbean literature and culture.
The pivot from a festival to a conference proved to be a formidable task. We had to navigate ever-changing guidelines and restrictions, while ensuring a seamless experience for our participants. It demanded a high level of resilience from our team as we faced logistical challenges and made critical adjustments. However, fueled by our passion for promoting Caribbean literature, we persisted in our pursuit of delivering a memorable and meaningful virtual event for 2 consecutive years.
Ultimately, our resilience paid off as we successfully hosted our first in-person conference this year (2023). It was a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and overcome adversity. The conference provided a safe and engaging environment where authors, scholars, and literature enthusiasts could come together to celebrate the richness of Caribbean literature and forge valuable connections. This experience reinforced the importance of resilience in navigating uncertain times and demonstrated our commitment to supporting and promoting Caribbean literature, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely. The goal and mission driving my creative journey is to amplify diverse voices, particularly those from the Caribbean, and promote cultural representation through literature and storytelling. I believe that stories have the power to connect people, foster understanding, and celebrate the richness of different cultures.
Through my creative works, such as the Brer Anancy series of children’s books and the organization of the Caribbean Literary Conference (CARICON), I strive to showcase the vibrant heritage, traditions, and narratives of the Caribbean region. I aim to provide a platform for emerging and established authors to share their stories, promote cultural pride, and inspire young readers.
My mission is also to break down barriers and challenge the underrepresentation of diverse voices in the literary world. By creating inclusive spaces, fostering dialogue, and promoting diverse perspectives, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive literary landscape.
Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by the belief that storytelling has the power to shape perceptions, bridge gaps, and ignite positive change. I am dedicated to promoting cultural diversity, encouraging creativity, and inspiring others to embrace their unique stories and experiences. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breranancy.com | www.cari-con.org
- Instagram: @iamvsrussell \ @cariconla
- Facebook: @cariconla
- Twitter: @cariconla
Image Credits
Ashley Yang Photographer