What inspires you to write?
I got inspired by my elders. Whether it was my grandmother, W.E.B. Du Bois, or James Baldwin, they all influenced me to write and do great work. I get inspired every day also, and it shows in my writing. I am constantly writing things down.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I was a teenager. I loved writing poetry first.
Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?
My writing style is different. I literally write characters’ names and the chapter titles and just write. I write from my head and heart. I love how it talks about that in the movie Finding Forester. It explains how writing from the heart can be a great thing. I do not like to write a rough draft out and then write again. I love to just write and edit when I am done.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I have evolved by reading the greats! I constantly read and study authors. I try to study one a year and do research on them. I have been doing this for six years now. I try to take things from them that can help me. One of my favorites is Carter G. Woodson. He explains things so well. I try to use that way of thinking in my writing.
What have you written so far?
I have written seven books, six published. A Boy With a Dream, Sibling Strong, Chess Moves, The Voices You May Not Hear volumes 1 & 2. Chess Moves 2 is on the way!
Do you work to an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?
I plot sketch. I love writing the structure out and then just writing the story.
How do you market or promote your books and what strategies (e.g. social media, email, blog tours, etc.) have demonstrated the most success for you?
I use social media, word of mouth, and ads. I have seen the most success from word of mouth. You have to have connections. The internet is worldwide, once you find one, you can find one hundred.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
I would say to keep writing. Even on the days when you feel like you do not want to, just write. There are so many things in this world to get inspired by. We are only here for so long, why not write it down and build that legacy. Be Legendary.
Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?
YES! My new poetry books are out now. The Voices You May Not Hear.
What is your next project?
YES! I am actually working on Chess Moves 2. This is breaking news. I have not told anyone except my wife Briana and my brother Mark. Shout out to them! The cat is out of the bag. Chess Moves was number 1 on Amazon and a major success for me. I am having so much fun writing this book about Lamont Barker growing up.
If there was one thing you could do to change the world, what would it be?
The fact that people hate and kill. If I can spread more peace and joy I will. More positive and less negative.
Want to follow the author and learn more?
Waking Writer 