Dossier Q&A: Sharon McGriff Payne
Sharon McGriff Payne is the author of two regional books, including “African Americans in Vallejo.”
Here she gives us insight into herself by answering the Proust Questionnaire.
What is your favorite virtue?
Thinking back over my life I would have to say I’m courageous – even though I’m often reluctantly courageous.
What are your favorite qualities in a person?
Genuine kindness.
What is your chief strength?
My ever-growing faith and the fact that I’m not completely jaded by life.
What do you appreciate most in your friends?
Loyalty and a sense of humor.
What is your favorite pastime?
Right now it’s paper mache, but I also like creating junk journals. I also like listening to audible books, especially mysteries.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being content and having the company of my husband.
What is your idea of misery?
Constant worry.
If not yourself, who would you like to be?
I honestly can’t think of anyone. As a young person, I probably would have had a list of people but now that I’m older I truly can’t think of anyone I would want to be.
If not Vallejo, where would you most like to live?
In a house overlooking an ocean – somewhere near Bodega Bay.
What is your favorite flower?
Zinnias
What is your favorite color?
Sage or moss green
Who is your favorite prose or nonfiction author?
John Hope Franklin
Who is your favorite poet?
Langston Hughes
Who is your favorite fiction author?
Right now it would be Stacey Abrahms because I’m reading her latest book, “While Justice Sleeps.” But, I also like Dean Koontz.
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
Blanche White, a housekeeper/cook who is also a detective. She is fearless!!! Blanche is the main character in a series of books by author Barbara Neely.
Who is your favorite artist?
My late brother Michael was a great, self-taught artist. I also love the work of Judith Baker Montano, an incredible fabric artist.
Who are your favorite musicians?
My husband, Clarence. And of course Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, the Temptations, and on and on…
