Storyteller Tackles Historical Fiction, Celebrates Real Life Black Prima Donna

Tiffany L. Warren, a Maryland-based storyteller draws attention to Black joy in her forthcoming historical fiction novel, “The Unexpected Diva.”

“This novel is about the rise to fame of the first Black prima donna, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, more widely known by her stage name ‘The Black Swan.’ The time period it covers is from about 1850-1854 through her first tours of North America and Great Britain,” said Warren. 

Taylor Greenfield was a real historical figure born on a plantation in Mississippi, manumitted during childhood, and then raised by her former enslaver’s widow in an abolitionist community in Philadelphia. Greenfield took music lessons and discovered her three octave voice that went from a deep baritone to an ear-splitting soprano, according to Warren.

She added, “When Eliza’s inheritance, left by her guardian, was contested, she was left penniless with few options. During a time when the Fugitive Slave Act allowed slavers to kidnap free and fugitives alike, she did the unthinkable and launched out in pursuit of her vocal gift. A chance encounter with a socialite on a steamship on the way to Buffalo set things in motion, and Eliza sang all the way to Queen Victoria’s salon at Buckingham Palace. The story is so rich with intrigue, danger, romance, and, of course, all the courage Eliza needed for this adventure. I had the time of my life writing this story.”

Warren explained that she came up with the idea for her debut historical biographical fiction novel while  researching for a future novel that will be released in 2026. During the process, she discovered W.E.B. Du Bois’ record company, Black Swan Records. It was named after Taylor Greenfield.

“When I found that it was named in honor of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, I purposely chose this story because it’s joyful and not traumatic. We’ve had quite enough trauma and attacks on Black bodies and Black psyches. This is the story of a Black girl who chases her Black art, experiences Black love, finds Black joy, and exists in a world with many white people who love her and support her—true allies. She still finds strength in her Black community. She gets to have it all, and everything is right about that,” Warren confidently remarked.

Warren, a working mother of five adults, grandmother, and the wife of Brent Warren, a husband who is a huge supporter of her endeavors, has penned various fiction genres, screenplays and stage plays. 

She added, “I even dabbled in poetry as a teenager, and I rapped a little too. All ways of storytelling. Executive producing the films is another aspect of the storytelling as well. It’s making sure you have the resources to tell your story on screen. The actors, locations and what not. It all works together.”

Writing is what Warren has loved since childhood. To date, she has penned over thirty published books.

“I started reading at the age of four, according to my mom. And as soon as I learned how to write, I started creating my own stories. I don’t remember not being a writer,” she remarked.

The novelist shared a tip for individuals who aspire to land a traditional publishing deal. She recommended that they should chase their gift and the story, not what’s trendy, whatever is selling or what they believe publishers want.

“Write the story your heart tells you to write,” Warren affirmed.

Warren decided that during the promotion of her novel, and perhaps even beyond that point, to spotlight today’s unexpected divas that stand on Taylor Greenfield’s shoulders. After putting out a social media call to action for young, Black opera singers, Warren said the response was overwhelming. Respondents sent videos of themselves singing and essays sharing how Taylor Greenfield’s legacy impacts their lives. Warren will be attending the Morgan State University performance of Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha” https://events.morgan.edu/event/scott-joplins-treemonisha  to give some unexpected divas their flowers later this month. 

“There are too many triumphant stories of Black joy that have yet to be told,” Warren said. “‘The Black Swan’ [Greenfield] was ‘the Beyonce of the Antebellum.’ She moved through her life with audacity, purpose, and I’m sure she did it afraid, but she was triumphant!”

The official publishing date of “The Unexpected Diva” is January 7, 2025. Warren noted that pre-order sales are underway. A book with large pre order amounts make publishers and distributors notice that there is a bigger demand for the book than they anticipated. Visit https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-unexpected-diva-tiffany-l-warren?variant=42471083343906 to order “The Unexpected Diva” and www.tiffanylwarren.com to obtain more information about Warren.