Can you tell us more about your journey from New Jersey to North Carolina and South Carolina?
For the most, part I grew up with my Grandparents in Bennettsville, SC before we started moving around. How have these places influenced your writing? It opened my eyes and made me multicultural orientated meeting different people.
What sparked your deep love and intense study of Urban Fiction?
I can only write about what I know or see and hear. So my environment inspired me because their were a lot of people in their on right inspiring our community with their triumphs! Older people & younger people in our communities provided inspiration! When we see one family move to a newer neighborhood it inspired us! When people from our community dressed nice, drove nice cars or had nice businesses! That inspired us all! Were there any specific authors or books that inspired you? Absolutely! Kwame " Dutch" Teague The Author of The Dutch Series & The Dutch 1 & 2 The Movie's. John " Shakim" Bio. The Author of The Last Illest. The Book & True Story of his life that Inspired The Highly Acclaimed Crime Movie Belly. Featuring DMX, Nas & Method Man. Also, Tony McQueen. The Author of Coke Rush, Illegal Luxury Life & The Art of the Hustle. As we speak Lux Life The Movie is out in October! We stay building dreams! ( Smiling)
Can you share the inspiration and story behind your debut novel? What was the process like from idea to publication?
The Inspiration came from watching the hustlers, players and pimps become these urban legends. Becoming rich! All enthusiasm! I put the Pen to the pad, then my creative juices start flowing! Like a Journalist or Newscaster I record things mentally. That's a habit and hobby as a Writer.
Your next three novels tackle significant issues in urban communities. What motivated you to focus on these topics, and how do you approach writing about them?
Well, Urban-organized Crime Reality Lit Novels are based on the social, economical, political & the mental illnesses that continues to plague the urban communities. This is where my topics come from. The highs & the lows. Seeing drug dealing on corners, prostitutes, gun violence and those traumatizing things.
How do you create and develop your characters to reflect the complexities of the mental, political, economic, and social issues in your stories?
I make use someone's character that I know but may use it for a different female or male in the story! ( Lol)
You’re working on bringing your stories to cable, network TV, and movies. What has that experience been like, and what challenges have you faced?
Absolutely! Yes, I want to be on a few different networks! We are currently waiting for Lux Life The Movie to come out in October! So, please go and support that. Shout-out to Dana Dane & DefbeatsEnt!
You’re a huge supporter of Autism and Breast Cancer research, and Black Girls Rock! How do these causes influence your work and personal life?
I have had friends or knew of someone that had friends or relatives to pass away from this disease so my heart was touched for the families so I got involved.
How do you balance your career as a Health Care Professional with your writing and media projects?
A miracle! Nah, I just have to make the time. But most of the time it works out from the beginning to the end. All the way through the Team! Shout-out to The Hip Hop Professor Terry Benjamin. He's a great Editor! We've been working together for some years. I've put out 5 Novels that he did a great job of editing! My Novels The Baking Soda Gang, Open Secrets & Smarter Than Money first in line for the bright screen!
Can you walk us through your typical writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you stay productive?
Nah, no rituals just inspiration. High off life.
How do you hope your novels will impact urban communities and bring awareness to the issues you explore?
My books are a premonition of the game. I hope my books encourage, inspire but deter people from wanting the street life. Live fast die fast!
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about and can share with us?
Yes! Support Lux Life The Movie! It's from My Publishing Catalog from The Rather UniQue Publications Brand! More movies and sitcoms to come!
What advice would you give to aspiring writers, particularly those interested in Urban Fiction?
Don't stop writing or reading! In order to be a great writer You have to be a great reader!
What has been the most challenging aspect of writing “The Baking Soda Gang”, and how have you overcome it?
It's always like the research that's the hardest. You don't want anyone thinking that You are talking about them or their mishaps so I say research. That's how I overcome that type of obstacle though there can be many. Depends on the topic.
How has writing and publishing your novels influenced your personal growth and perspectives on the issues you write about?
I've become more aware more continuous. I want to paint more pictures, you know?
How did you first learn about AllAuthor? In what ways has this website helped you as a writer? Is there anything you're not a big fan of?
Always been a huge fan & supporter of http://AllAuthor.com ! Great services plus, this is like my 5th time in my Career and I am going to continue. AllAuthor has helped me reach a broader audience in a short amount of time! I recommend AllAuthor to Writer's from all walks of life! This has been my pleasure! You guys are great & I look forward to doing another interview after The Movie Lux Life is released in October! Around the same time The Baking Soda Gang will be in post production! Thanks guys!
