Denise Crittendon's "Where it Rains in Color"

Before making the big leap into the world of sci-fi & fantasy, Denise Crittendon held a string of journalism jobs. In addition to being a staff writer for The Detroit News and The Kansas City Star, she was editor-in-chief of the NAACP’s national magazine, The Crisis. Later, she became founding editor of a Michigan-based lifestyle publication for black families. After self-publishing two manuals that empower youth, “Girl in the Mirror, A Teen’s Guide to Self-Awareness” and “Life is a Party That Comes with Exams,” she entered the new-age healing movement as a motivational speaker for teens. These days, she fulfills ghostwriting assignments for clients and writes speculative fiction on the side. Crittendon divides her time between Spring Valley, Nevada and her hometown, Detroit, Mich.

Here she dreamcasts an adaptation of Where it Rains in Color, her debut novel:

After writing Where It Rains In Color, I couldn’t help but daydream about certain scenes and images appearing on the big screen.

The novel is picturesque and takes place on an idyllic world that’s actually bathed in fluttering, neon vapors. Tourists from across the galaxy flock to this vacation spot to get drenched in its brilliant mists, marvel at its high-tech underground city and gawk at Lileala who’s the Rare Indigo and considered the most beautiful woman in the galaxy.

That is until a surprise challenge shakes up Lileala’s life and transforms the entire planet.

Throughout it all, the colorful scenes and African culture put me in mind of an enchanting movie where the actors and actresses are dressed in elaborate garments by award-winning costume designer Ruth Carter (best known for the striking regalia in Black Panther and Coming 2 America).

Since the characters are descendants of Africa, if the book were adapted into a film, I’d love to see Lileala portrayed by an ebony actress like Lupita Nyongo or the Sudanese supermodel, Nyakim Gatwech (often called Queen of the Dark). When I finished my first draft of the novel, I began googling very dark black actresses and models. Nyakim mirrors Lileala, but there are also many other dark beauties who could be showcased as Lileala or members of her court.

As for Lileala’s bff, Zizi, I see the singer/performer Janelle Monae. It’s okay that she has a lighter skin tone than Lileala. On Swazembi, her mildly bronzed complexion would be labeled “Tawny Dramatic,” which is also held in high regard. Janelle would be ideal because she’s smart and sassy, like Zizi, and tends to explore Afrofuturistic concepts in her music and videos.

For the eccentric clairvoyant known as Cherry, I picture Whoopi Goldberg or Viola Davis. Sterling Brown of Black Panther fame could play Lileala’s dad, Pineal Crew chief, Kwesi, and Forest Whitaker would be ideal as the planet’s high order clairvoyant.

It would be great to see Ghanaian model, Philomena Kwao as the beloved Ahonotay and Denzel Washington’s son, John Washington, cast as Brian, a good friend Lileala meets while living on an asteroid. Meanwhile, Zendaya would be excellent as the biracial character, Martore. I’m on the fence about who would best be suited to play Lileala’s fiancé, Otto, possibly Hill Harper or maybe an unknown/ up-and-coming actor. For minor characters, Blair Underwood and Vanessa Bell Calloway (from the original Coming to America) are on my wish list to portray The Nobility – the royal rulers of Swazembi.

Visit Denise Crittendon's website.

Q&A with Denise Crittendon.

The Page 69 Test: Where it Rains in Color.

--Marshal Zeringue