Interview with Bahamian Author Chernecia Stuart

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Black Food Bookstore and Culture Shop sat down with Bahamian author Chernecia Stuart to explore the drive behind her new book, Island Folk's Lore: Stolen Songs And Secrets.

1. Caribbean Identity & Inspiration

Your book evokes a vivid sense of island life, mystery, and magic. What inspired you to root your stories in Caribbean folklore, and how does your Bahamian identity influence your storytelling?

Throughout the years, I’ve always been drawn to stories rooted in mystery, magic, and mythology. I noticed that while these themes were often recycled in mainstream media, there was a noticeable gap when it came to Caribbean voices telling those kinds of stories. I wanted to create the kind of story I wish I had as a teen, a world I could immerse myself in, feel proud of, and truly identify with as a Bahamian. It was important to me to bring deeper Caribbean and Bahamian folklore to life in a way that would resonate with all audiences. My Bahamian roots naturally shape the way I tell stories, they’re the foundation for how I use language and the
source of the subtle cultural undertones woven throughout my work.

2. Cultural Memory & Oral Tradition

Island Folk’s Lore feels like a tribute to the oral traditions passed down through generations. How important is it for you to preserve these ‘stolen songs and secrets’ through the written word?

A driving force behind my writing is the desire to create a legacy—one that inspires and empowers future generations. Preserving the ‘stolen songs and secrets’ through storytelling allows me to honor the oral traditions I grew up with, while also creating something lasting. It’s important for me to carve out a unique path that carries hidden truths, so others know our stories—and our voices—have value and possibility.

3. Representation & Imagination

Many Caribbean stories are left out of mainstream literature. How do you see your work contributing to broader representation of Caribbean voices in fantasy and folklore genres?

I’ve curated my work to offer a fresh perspective on older concepts, ideas, and traditional
stories. I’ve essentially built a world that nests Caribbean folklore within it—paying homage to the storytelling traditions I grew up with, while presenting them through a new lens. This approach allows me to preserve and elevate those stories, while appealing to a broader audience through universal themes, rich character dynamics, and intricate world-building. In that way, the story becomes both a voice for Caribbean people and a contribution to reshaping what’s possible in mainstream fantasy literature.

4. Ancestral Echoes

There’s a haunting beauty to the idea of 'stolen songs'; Can you share more about what that metaphor means to you in the context of our shared African and Caribbean heritage?

Stolen songs speaks to the idea of stolen identity and the erasure of culture. For me, it’s a
deeper reflection on the importance of not just establishing heritage, but truly understanding tradition and the deep desire to trace our roots. That’s not always possible when it comes to African and Caribbean heritage—but in Island Folk’s Lore, I explore what those possibilities might look like. The world I’ve created shows the strength, tools, and power that can emerge when we reconnect with what was lost or taken.

5. Black Feminine Power & Myth

Your book seems to center powerful island women, sea creatures, and ancestral forces. How does Black feminine energy shape the mythology in your stories?

Black feminine energy is deeply familiar to me—as a Black woman raised, reared, and taught by strong Black women. It was important to reflect that energy in my characters, showing the complexities, resilience, and unique strengths that come with being a Black woman. The mythology in Island Folk’s Lore is shaped by this foundation, especially the idea that our power is amplified when we come together—just as I experienced growing up in a community of women who supported and uplifted one another.

6. Island Lore vs. Global Lore

In what ways do you think Caribbean folklore challenges or enriches traditional Western fantasy and mythology?

Caribbean folklore challenges Western fantasy by shifting the focus from hardship and suffering to Black strength, resilience, and triumph. That shift is powerful—and necessary. Our stories aren’t just about survival; they’re about legacy, spiritual power, and reclaiming what was once lost. Caribbean folklore also enriches traditional fantasy by bringing in new rhythms, creatures, cosmologies, and ancestral ties that haven’t been widely explored in mainstream mythology. It adds new dimensions to what fantasy can be.

7. Youth & Cultural Literacy

How do you envision this book being used to spark cultural curiosity and literacy among young Caribbean readers, especially those growing up in a digital-first world?

I think the growing disconnect comes from young readers being more immersed in visual
media—they’re drawn to stimulation that’s fast, vivid, and immersive. My goal with Island
Folk’s Lore is to meet them there by creating a richly imagined world that sparks curiosity and encourages them to envision the characters and settings in their own way. I hope the book inspires a creative loop—where the story fuels art, and the art reignites interest in the story. Through that, I believe we can foster not just imagination, but a deeper cultural curiosity and pride in their heritage.

8. Resistance Through Storytelling

Would you say that your stories are a form of cultural resistance — a reclaiming of forgotten or erased narratives? If so, what are we reclaiming most urgently?

I would say my stories do act as a form of cultural resistance—not always through overt
defiance, but by challenging dominant perceptions of spirituality and social norms. They offer a deeper exploration of faith and identity, showing how different walks of life can intertwine in subtle, powerful ways. What we’re reclaiming most urgently is the complexity and diversity of our narratives—giving voice to experiences and truths that have often been overlooked or erased, while creating space for everyone to be heard.

9. Creative Process & Intuition

Was there a particular character, creature, or moment in the book that surprised you as you wrote it — as if the story revealed itself rather than being planned?

The character of Miss Emily was an unplanned surprise during the writing process. She
developed in ways I hadn’t anticipated, but by the end, her story and personality came together naturally—making sense not only to the other characters but also to the readers. It was a moment where the story truly revealed itself, showing me the power of intuition in storytelling.

10. Vision for Caribbean Literature

What future do you see for Caribbean speculative fiction and folklore writing? And how can bookstores like the Black Food Bookstore and Culture Shop help nourish that vision?

I envision a vibrant future for Caribbean literature—one that breaks the mold of typical novels by creating unique, immersive worlds across multiple media. I expect Caribbean stories to inspire other forms of art and storytelling, securing our place in mainstream culture alongside tales of vampires, werewolves, and Greek gods. Bookstores like the Black Food Bookstore and Culture Shop are essential to nourishing this vision by being platforms for our voices. They help amplify and promote Caribbean writers, guiding us forward and setting a powerful example as businesses committed to uplifting our stories and inspiring future generations.

To learn more about the book or to purchase a copy click here.