An In-depth Conversation with Levy Lee Simon, Author of “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1”

Literary Spotlight . . .

Levy Lee Simon’s life has been filled with landmark achievements, from gracing Broadway to earning accolades in playwriting and acting. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the inspiration behind his memoir, Odyssey “Towards the Light: Book 1″, exploring the challenges, revelations, and catharsis of penning a life’s journey. Unveiling the intricacies of his writing process and the emotional resonance of recalling his experiences, Levy Lee shares profound insights for aspiring memoir writers.

As Simon’s memoir takes its place in the literary spotlight, we witness his powerful gift of storytelling through his eyes, an artist-activist. Take a trip with us, where the performer becomes the storyteller, and the memoir unfolds as a testament to the complexity and beauty of a life lived with purpose and passion. With a Master’s in Playwriting, he has crafted plays that have garnered high acclaim, find their way to the realms of television and film.

Born in the heart of New York City and raised in Harlem, Levy Lee’s journey is one of rich experiences, overcoming challenges, and amassing a staggering amount of accomplishments. Having known Levy Lee for over three years, I am proud to have played a role in editing his memoir and facilitating its publication through my company. The book, titled “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1,” was unveiled on December 8, 2023, at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles.

Reflecting on the journey to bring this memoir to fruition, I sat down with Levy Lee to gain insights into the writing process, particularly for a work of this magnitude. His responses shed light on the intricacies of penning a memoir, providing a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes effort that led to the celebration of the finished book and the anticipation of the next phase in the process.

“Odyssey Towards the Light” proves to be a fitting title for his memoir, encapsulating the essence of a life lived with purpose and passion. The Performing Artist magazine is honored to feature Levy Lee on its cover, making him the inaugural cover story and the ideal poster child for a magazine called The Performing Artist.

Interview by Kaylene Peoples | Responses by Levy Lee Simon

Kaylene Peoples: Levy, what inspired you to write your memoir “Odyssey Towards the Light?” Was there a specific event or moment that motivated you to share your story?

Levy Lee Simon: Not really. My sister told me years ago that I should stop what I was doing and write my autobiography because I’ve had such a wild and crazy life. At the time, I was a long way from writing it or thinking I could write it.

Kaylene Peoples: Can you describe your writing process for the memoir?

Levy Lee Simon: I got into a memoir writing workshop out here in LA, conducted by Jill Schary Robinson. Jill is a writer who is now 87. When I met her, I think she was 80.  She’s a writer of note who specializes in memoir writing as she has written several.  Her most famous book is Bedtime Stories. She is one of the women that was involved with the women’s movement with Helen Gurly Brown, Gloria Steinem, and others. Her father was Dore Schary, former head of MGM. Oh, she’s got amazing stories. Writers meet at her place in Beverly Hills every Sunday and bring pages in to read. That got me started on my memoir.

Kaylene: Did you follow a specific routine or method? How did you decide on the structure and the timeline of “Odyssey Towards the Light?”

Levy Lee: I think that was it. Going to Jill’s every Sunday for about seven years gave me a structure. I knew I had to have pages every week. The timeline is my life.

Kaylene: Were there any particular challenges you faced while writing “Odyssey Towards the Light?” What impact do you hope the memoir will have on readers?

Levy Lee: No challenges because I enjoy writing and recalling things that occurred in my life. I hope people will be inspired by it, maybe change some lives, or give insight into something they relate to.

Kaylene: Were there any surprising revelations or insights you gained during the writing process?

Levy Lee: Writing it was somewhat of a catharsis. Going back and looking at my life’s journey gave me a view I had not anticipated. It was helpful for my own journey towards the light so to speak.

Kaylene: How did you navigate the balance between honesty and protecting the privacy of yourself.

Levy Lee: I don’t know if that’s possible. You are either going to be honest or not, transparent or not. I was non-compromising in that regard.

Kaylene: In what ways did the act of writing help you process your experiences?

Levy Lee: I was able to see my life from a distance, though the emotional part was somewhat surprising. I kept getting drawn into the emotions of writing when recalling difficult times in my life, humorous things, sensual things, everything.

Kaylene: Are there particular emotions or experiences you hope readers will relate to?

Levy Lee: Not really. Readers will have their own experience reading it, and hopefully they will identify with or learn from, and be entertained. You can’t make this shit up. Life can be stranger than fiction.

Kaylene: How have readers responded to your memoir so far? Have there been any unexpected or particularly meaningful reactions to your book?

Well, it’s just come out, so a limited amount of people have read it so far. I hope that changes soon and fast. Those few people that have read it have raved about it. And I have true friends that tell me the truth about most things. Most say they laughed and cried and learned a lot about me that they didn’t know. It triggered things about themselves that they had not looked at.

Kaylene: What advice do you have for first time memoir writers?

Levy Lee: Write, write, write. Get into a good writing workshop. It’s very helpful. Don’t be afraid and don’t hold back.

Kaylene: Levy, please elaborate, and if there is anything you’d like to add that wasn’t addressed in this Q&A, feel free to add it.

Levy Lee: I just feel happy that Book I is written, and I’m excited to see the response. I actually feel lighter and I’m still processing the accomplishment. Ready to get Book II done. I have most of it written . . . the first draft anyway. Writing a memoir is a new experience, much different from writing a play or a movie script.

Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” is available for purchase, just follow this link, and get your copy today.  It is a wonderful read! Visit: KL Publishing Group

About:

Levy Lee Simon, the multi-award-winning writer, actor, director, and producer, traces his theatrical journey from Harlem, USA, to the prestigious University of Iowa Playwright’s Workshop, earning an MFA. With roots in acclaimed theaters like The Negro Ensemble Company, Circle Repertory LAB, and the 127th Street Repertory Ensemble, Levy Lee’s acting career includes Broadway, Off-Broadway, and international productions, notably The Kentucky Cycle and Ms. Evers’ Boys. A hiatus led to his return with a Best Supporting Actor Nomination for In the Upper Room at Denver Center for the Performing Arts and a solo show, Odyssey Race and Racism, in the Hollywood Fringe Festival, receiving glowing reviews. Levy Lee’s writing prowess shines in his award-winning plays, notably the NAACP-nominated “For the Love of Freedom” trilogy and the Kennedy Center Lorraine Hansberry Award-winning The Bow Wow Club. His screenwriting achievements extend to options with FOX Searchlight and 40 Acres and a Mule, while his directorial credits include productions like The Last Revolutionary and Breathe. As a proud member of the Actor’s Studio – Playwright/Directors Division and the Tent Playwright’s Collective, Levy Lee Simon maintains his commitment to creating impactful, entertaining, and transformative work, embodying the essence of an artist-activist.

Read the article “Stage to Page: The Art of Playwrights Crafting Memoirs in a Tapestry of Diversity and Equity”