What did you want to become when you grew up? Was acting always in the plan?
I wanted to be a baseball player. My favorite position was shortstop, but I could have played centerfield also. My love for baseball remains to this day. Acting was always in my master plan (lol), and still is, if the opportunity presents itself. I've adapted "The Cackling of the Crows" into a screenplay, so who knows what the future holds?
Would you like to share the story of your becoming a Hip Hop junkie? How did it happen?
In the late 70's, early 80's, a phenomenon we know today as rap exploded after gaining traction in the Bronx at house parties, park jams, recreational centers, and club, The Fever. Mix tapes of groups like The Cold Crush, The Fantastic Five, The Treacherous Three, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, and many other pioneers not mentioned here but instrumental in shaping Hip Hop circulated all over New York City. My cousin and I would listen to as many as we could get our hands on. It was new, it was fresh, and I fell in love with the music, the style, and Hip Hop culture. The Sugar Hill Gang released "Rappers Delight" and the rest of the world was introduced to what would become a global institution. And I've been a hip hop junkie ever since.
When did you write your first poem?
I wrote my first serious poem, March 3, 1989 at 8:30am. I titled it "Some Thoughts From The Vault."
Can we learn to write poetry, or is writing poetry a natural ability that can't be taught?
Absolutely! You can learn to write structural poetry. I believe we all have the ability to express ourselves. Some develop this ability quicker and better than others. You can be a free spirit and write whatever and however your heart desires. Poetry is not limited to definition. It is an expression of feelings and thoughts through song, writing, spoken word, and even visual art.
As a practicing attorney, how often do you find yourself working with or relying on paralegals?
Paralegals are often unacknowledged heroes that generally make attorneys look good. I've worked with paralegals throughout my legal career, and I'm thankful to have worked with some exceptional ones!
Does writing poetry put you more in touch with life?
I believe poetry puts you more in touch with yourself. Your life dictates what you might focus on with your poetry.
How did you begin writing the book, The Cackling of the Crows?
Every book starts with an idea. Then, the courage to put that idea on paper and expound on it. The idea turns into a story, and the story can turn into a book. I had an idea, and I continued to think about the idea. That concept led to an ending, how I envisioned the book ending. I developed an outline, which included developing interesting characters with interesting personalities. The outline also contained topics that the characters could expand on. Fitting topics with characters is not easy because there has to be believability from the character conveyed to the reader. For me, that believability is achieved through research on whatever topic the character is talking about. Even if it's just one sentence. Authenticity is appreciated, I believe. My story took shape with a beginning and the journey was set in motion connecting the dots to the end.
Who was the first person to try your "perfect" banana pudding?
My mother, God bless. She taught me how to cook, and she taught me, what is still in my eyes (and taste buds) her "perfect" banana pudding.
How did you get back to acting in high school?
I was simply asked to audition for a part in a school play (lol).
As a parent, what habits have you tried to teach your kids?
I've always wanted my children to value family, instilling integrity and honesty within, and love for each other, themselves, and other human beings ... even though that love may not be reciprocal.
What is the most wonderful compliment you've received and who was it from?
The most wonderful and fulfilling compliment that I have received, is that I was a great father to my children. I was fortunate to have been told that by a few different people.
Do you ever plan to release your own music album?
Yes! The wheels are in motion for that dream to be reality. But I have 2-3 great artists ahead of me that deserve album releases of their own. I've written songs and I'm in preparation for producing those albums.
What are some gift ideas for a cigar lover, other than cigars?
Great gift ideas for a cigar lover include humidors, torch lighters, cigar ashtrays, cigar travel cases, a cigar cutter, and last but not least, a great drink to pair with your cigar.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
There are as many plot ideas as the mind can formulate. The trick is to make it interesting. Whatever genre you choose to write, remember that the reader wants to be entertained. Also when you write, remember you are inviting the reader into your world, so be a great host (lol). As for telling you about any upcoming plots? Yeah ... that's not gonna happen (lol). I will say that my next book is a memoir, and the hope is that it will be helpful to someone else.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about AllAuthor ... except that I have not won Cover of the Month yet (lol). AllAuthor has been a great vehicle for getting my book, The Cackling of the Crows out into the world. The basic promotional plan is great, but the "pro" plan is exceptional in my opinion. The posts to Twitter keep me in rotation, you have materials that you can develop or get help in developing for all formats of social media posts. You can link to your personal media sites from a profile page they give you on the site, including my personal website, nealsellers.com to Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon. They want to see you win, providing all the tools to help, because when you win, they win ... and that's good business.
