Deana Dean Anderson

by Jasminum McMullen 

Writuals explores how our city's rich literary heritage, cultural diversity, and iconic spaces inspire routines that fuel the work of local authors. 

Deana "Dean" Anderson has been a powerful voice for sisterhood since 2001, when she first began performing poetry. A community builder, she has been an integral part of creating several renowned poetry sets, and she is a vital member of the artistic community in general. Dean’s style is as smooth as it can be boisterous yet continually thought-provoking and refreshingly challenging. She has authored three novels, “Boy Crazy 1 & 2” and “Call me Toni…love in the Chi,” and a book of poetry and prose titled “Merrill Avenue….poetry, prose and magic,” all available on Amazon.

CLHOF: What are your “writuals,” and how have they evolved?  

Deana Dean: I’m not sure I have any.  Sometimes a line will come to mind, and I’ll write it down. I may not go back to it for a while, or I might sit down and write a whole piece; it depends.  The best poems write themselves.  Also, now that I’m a better writer, I sometimes rewrite some of my old pieces.  

CLHOF: If you could have coffee with any Chicago author, past or present, who would it be and why? How has their work or legacy influenced your writing?  

Deana Dean: Lorraine Hansberry.  It took a special brand of bravery to write the way she did, when she did.  It couldn’t have been easy.  Even now, it's difficult to speak about homosexuality in our community.  I’d love to read the material her husband suppressed. 
And of course, Mama Doc. Dr. Carol Adams.  She’s a walking, talking guide to Chicago and culture.  I learn something new every time I talk to her.  

CLHOF: Chicago is a city known for its activism and social consciousness. How, if at all, do these elements of civic engagement and social justice find their way into your writing rituals or themes? Do you feel a duty to reflect or challenge the city’s socio-political landscape in your work?   

Deana Dean: Anybody with any kind of awareness would feel compelled to write about the things that affect their community.  I don’t feel like it’s my duty, but it IS my ministry.   It’s just who I am.  I don’t think writers who are not compelled to speak about social injustices should be forced to.  Sometimes the art sheds light on issues, and sometimes art is an escape from issues.  Both forms of art are important and necessary. 

CLHOF: Name a movie shot in Chicago that best describes your writing style.   

Deana Dean: This is a hard question.  None of them.  I’m not really a movie buff.  

CLHOF: What advice would you give someone who wants to write and publish in the city?  

Deana Dean: Don’t overthink and don’t wait for the perfect time.  I wish I was brave enough to publish mine YEARS before I actually did.  It’s art, it doesn’t have to be perfect.  But be open to criticism.  Anything you’re presenting for public consumption is fair game for opinions, even if you don’t agree with them.  Present your work to people who DON’T already love you, who AREN’T already fans. You may get a different perspective.  Keep on writing. A poem, a short story, a blog, write something. Even if you have raw talent, the more you write, the better you’ll get.  Get a mentor.  Listen to the elders. And for God’s sakes, READ!!! Writers who don’t read are like athletes who don’t work out.  

Jasminum McMullen is an Associate Board Director at the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, interested in engaging writers from or living in Chicago about their writing rituals. Her writing has appeared in Black Joy Unbound, Mamas, Martyrs, and Jezebels, Past Ten, and is forthcoming from Brown Sugar Lit.