[Interview Edited]
Where are you from?
I’m from Maryland and live in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
When and why did you begin writing?
I have been writing for many years, all of my life in fact. However, I
did not have an interest in publishing anything mainly because I did
not have the time due to work, family, and all of the things that
involved living, which consumes our lives. I wrote this book because I
believed it was a story that had to be told.
When did you first consider yourself
a writer?
I probably considered myself a writer all of my life because my life’s
work has always involved writing, be it proposals for work, my college
career both as a student and teacher to include the necessary writing
requirements involved in my business endeavors. But it was not until
the conception of “Just a Season” that I made the decision to become a
published author. I felt this was a must read story that needed to
shared with the world.
What inspired you to pen your first
novel?
The novel “Just a Season” was born out of a dreadful horror and from
it I am seeking to achieve a far-reaching noble purpose associated
with the books success. About five years ago I lost my only son due to
a tragic automobile accident. It was without question the worst thing
imaginable for my wife and I, and most certainly my darkest hour.
Adding to the terrible sadness of this situation was that my son’s
death occurred on his own son’s first birthday. Elijah, my grandson is
now six years old.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Life is precious regardless of your circumstance – you can overcome
life’s challenges. All of us endure milestones, mountains and valleys
as well as the multitude of events and changes that occurred over time
affecting what we know as life. Never give up. You only fail if you
quit. I hope the readers will come to the conclusion that we only have
a minute, just a tiny little minute but an eternity in it. Live your
life to the fullest.
What are you reading now?
I am currently rereading “A People’s History of the United States” by
Howard Zinn. It is a coherent version of the United States from the
perspective of the oppressed people from 1492 – the present. It is an
eye opening look at America.
Do you feel more African Americans
are reading?
Yes, I do believe more African Americans are reading, which is
delightful because knowledge is power and reading enhances the ability
to gain wisdom.
Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
I would hope that I could write for the remained of my life. However, I
will say with certainty that I plan to write as long as I have the
inspiration to reach the souls of man with my words.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?
This is the easiest question you have asked - ABSOLUTLY NOT!!!
This phenomenon called life that we endure is being controlled by
someone greater than myself. Therefore, if it is his will - thou will
shell be done.
Self-Publishing Questions:
How do you feel overall about self-publishing?
Overall, I have a very positive opinion of self-publishing. It provided
me with the opportunity to publish my work when mainstream publishers
would not.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published
authors?
The only way I can answer this question is this way; you MUST acquire
the services of a firm/company/source with the integrity and capability
to provide quality support to the marketing of your project. Publishing
is a business and as such, it requires a considerable amount of research
to achieve successful results. If you do not due the work it will
introduce you to all of the weaknesses.
What do you feel is one major benefit to self-publishing your book?
The major benefit of self-publishing from my perspective is that I own
and control the rights to “Just a Season”, which was very important.
Would you encourage or mentor someone
to become self-publish?
Yes, I would encourage and mentor other writers to self-publish. It
will allow the author to gain an all encompassing awareness of the
publishing business leading the new author to the satisfaction and
rewards of personal accomplishment.
Is there anything additional you
would like to share with your readers?
I would like to suggest that the readers do as the character in “Just
a Season” has done and take a look at their dash in order to ensure a
legitimate legacy that will remain long after we are gone. We only
have a minute - just a tiny little minute but an eternity in it.
