First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
As a young reader, when I read, I thought – I can do this. I can write a better story than this, and I knew when I read a horrible story. I started writing stories when I was around nine. What I enjoy most about being a writer is bringing characters and situations in my mind to life. What frustrates me the most is fighting against the systemic control of the publishing industry.
Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
I’ve written sixteen books – four mysteries: One Dead Preacher, One Dead Lawyer, One Dead Doctor, and One Dead Activist – four urban dramas: Urban Affair, Chasin’ it, More Boy than Girl, and Three Married Women and Her, two speculative novels: Street Possession and Melody Knight – a vampire’s tale, three young adult books: Fat from Papa’s Head, Almost Grown, and Chess not Checkers and three short story collections: Emotional Drippings, Acorns in a Skillet, and Pieces of the Hole. All these titles are available on the AALBC.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
My inspiration to write comes from life; I’ll see something that makes me think, or I’ll have a conversation that sparks an opinion, or I just want to express how I feel about a situation.
Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?
I do not have a schedule, but mornings are my most productive time. I have a mental outline first – then I wright it out realizing it will change a dozen times – the outline allows me to see a possible ending.
What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?
Donald Goines’ Whoreson was the first book that made me feel emotions while reading. Toni Morrison is my favorite author to read; her different perspectives on scenes always amaze me. I am currently Black Cake, Charmaine Wilkerson.
What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
Finding publishers – getting books to the market is significant work and good publishers are skilled in that area- finding a publisher is major. In five years I plan to be still writing novels along with movie scripts.
How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
Rejection for me, means I’m knocking on the wrong door, so I have to find other doors to knock on. The publishing process forced me to understand what is acceptable to me – I start out wanting the stars, but sometimes I have to accept a sunny day or a cloudy day with a slight sun. I always start the process with the highest expectations.
Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
I am truly creative – the business side annoys me – it always has; I enjoy a service that brings my work to new readers. My marketing includes doing literary events, art shows, and cultural affairs – I try to take my work to readers.
What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I write page-turners – readers want to know what will happen next in my books, and they get an idea as to why I wrote the book- they join my mental discussions. Readers think and wonder about what I am thinking and wondering about. I am a thinker, and I like thinking with others. Writing allows me to share my thoughts.
How can readers find you and your books?
My titles are on the AALBC.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble along with most online book stores, To reach me – send me an email writing.night@gmail.com or go to www.pen-4-hire.com
