Adrian Petty, author of a new comic book series, shares himself with readers. We thank him for participating 

SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from?
-I am residing in Dallas, Georgia. Yes, there is ANOTHER Dallas in the US. I was raised an Air force brat
so I have lived all over the world.

Tell us your latest news?
-We recently published the first issue of our new sci fi/drama comic book entitled, Ms. Johnni about a woman who goes to search for her kidnapped child. The response has been very good!

When and why did you begin writing?
-The first story that I ever wrote was for a third grade writing assignment about a baby penguin fighting off a vulture at the south pole (I used LOTS of creative license). Since then, I can’t fathom not writing. I didn’t choose writing, it chose me.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
-When someone bought a book from me for the first time back in 2001. Nothing says validation like someone paying for your work.

What inspired you to pen your first project?
-As with many writers, real life experiences gave me that inspiration. Plus I had a lot of free time at work.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
-I’ve always been into sci-fi and comic books. From being the quiet observing kid, I took note of people and their behaviors. People and characterization always interest me more than the storyline.

Do you have a specific writing style?
-Some writers aim for the mind. Others aim for the heart. I aim for the throat. I want to grab your attention from the start and never let go.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?
-While I write mainly sci-fi, I've dome poetry, romance, stage plays, film scripts, etc. I can’t say that I have a preference of one over the other.

How did you come up with the title for your projects(s)?
-This book, Ms. Johnni, was somewhat inspired via the old “Peanuts” strip. You’ll have to read it to understand why. ;)

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
-I write about people who happen to be black. We should identify first as people, not as a skin color.

What books have most influenced your life?
-The book of Isaiah from the Bible and the Tao of Pooh.

What are your current projects?
-Ms. Johnni is a four part mini series and we have only finished the first book. The next one is due later this year.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
-My crew on the book. They believed so much in this project that there were instances were they refused to cash my checks for their work!

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
-Writing is a way of life. Retirement or career change is not an option.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
-I'd learn from my mistakes quicker.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?
-Yes, check out our website, http://www.jerichoprojects.com, and get your copy of Ms. Johnni, Issue 1. It’s not like ANY comic book that you’ve ever seen.

Self-Publishing Questions:

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?
-It’s truly a love/hate relationship. Nothing can prepare you for what it takes to make a mark in this business.

What do you feel is one major benefit to self-publishing your book?
-You have the final say so in all creative and business decisions. That is also a bad thing if you don’t know what you are doing. And invariably, at some point, you
won't know.

Would you encourage or mentor someone to become self-publish?
-I would encourage them to do what they see working best for them. Self Publishing is NOT for everyone.

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