Mr. Frisby
shares information with avid readers and fans! Thanks!
-The SCBC, Inc.
Where
are you from?
South Philly. I was born and raised in the Martin Luther King Projects
at 13th and Fitzwater. I moved to North Philly during my high school
years where I lived with my Godmother Mae Frances. I have five
brothers and sisters.
Tell us your
latest news?
I am excited to announce the release of my second novel "Wifebeater"
(March 1,
Riverhead, $14.00).
The book is about a single father who is struggling to make ends meet
and take care of his daughter. One day he comes across a scandalous
piece of evidence that could put one of the largest rapper's behind
bars. What he does next sends him and his daughter's life spiraling
out of control.
Also, I will be featured
in the April issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the finest leaders in
the nation under the age of 30.
(Comes out March 15,
2005)
When and why did
you begin writing?
I've been writing since was a youngster. I credit good teaching and
instruction from my elementary and middle school teachers. Especially
Mrs. Riley, Mrs. Ross, and Mr. Pietrafittia.
Who or what has
influenced your writing, and in what way?
I am most influenced by suspense writers and life. I love the
characters that are all around us. My mother exposed me to reading
early in life and I was hooked.
What inspired you
to pen your novel, "Blinking Red Light"?
I wanted a gritty urban thriller that also could have some sort of
Divine purpose.
And "Wifebeater",
what's the inspiration behind the book?
So much of what is written in black fiction is the same ole' story
revolving around single mothers and strictly women. I wanted to flip
the script a little and write a really suspenseful, off the chain
novel that revolved around a single father for a change. I love that I
can give a man's perspective while still writing a good book with a
intriguing plot that will have people talking.
How much of the
novel is realistic? What
mirrors my life in "Wifebeater" is the fact that I am a single father
like the main character. Other than that we are pretty different. I
would still be friends with him though. The main character in
"Blinking Red Light" I would probably not hang with.
Is there a message
in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
A constant message in my books is that getting money ain't all its
cracked up to be. It is truly the root of evil and can cause more
confusion and pain than people know.
Do you have a
specific writing style?
I would like to
say that I am known for putting together unpredictable plots and for
infusing my sense of humor into my writing even when the subject
matter is serious. I want my readers to feel the chapter and have to
ABSOLUTELY know what is going to happen next. I get so many
compliments from my fans who say that they stayed up later than they
wanted to at night just because they could not stop reading the book.
I'm grateful for that because that is what I go for when I write.
What genre are you
most comfortable writing?
Urban suspense. I'm not one for relationship books. If I read another
book where there's a wedding at the end I'll scream.
What books have
most influenced your life?
I love Angela' Ashes by Frank McCourt, The Color Purple, The Color of
Water, and all books by James Patterson and Harlan Coben. As a kid I
was most influenced by Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books. It jump kicked
my love for suspense and action.
If you had to
choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Karen Quinones Miller, for all she has done to help me through this
book selling process.
What are you
reading now? The Velvet Rope by Brenda L. Thomas. She is a good friend in
this business.
What new author
has grasped your interest?
Kenji Jasper is not new but he is off the hook and I recommend his
stuff if you want good urban books that are not cliché. Tananarive Due
is on another level. She had me twisted with My Soul to Keep
and the sequel, The Living Blood. Those are two of the best
books I have ever read because I was caught up in the plot.
What are your
current projects?
I am wrapping a motivational book for teenagers entitled, "Holla Back
But Listen First: A Life Guide for Young Black Men". It is a powerful
30-chapter book filled with wisdom and advice from black men from all
walks of life. I spoke with Boris Kodjoe, LaVar Arrington, John
Legend, Common, Jon Drummond, and Fatin Dantzler to name a few. It is
awesome and there is nothing like it out there for our young brothers
who desperately need guidance and motivation.
I am the head coach and
founder of PhatBack Athletics, an all boys track club and
mentor program in Philly. My ten years as a youth track coach has
certainly inspired this book.
Do
you see writing as a long- or short-term career?
Definitely long term. I got films to write and of course an
autobiography that will shut the game down one day. Currently I am
working on a screenplay for R&B singer Jill Scott. She really wants to
get back to acting and she wants challenging roles so I am trying to
make some things happen for her. Look out for that to make it to the
screen within the next few years.
If you had to do
it all over again, would you change anything?
Not one thing. I've had just enough great sex, just enough success,
just enough laughter, just enough tears, just enough defeat that I am
content to this point. I don't ever look back with regrets. Just
forward. I have big things coming up. I also have a daughter to raise
so I can't get caught up in the past.
Is there anything
additional you would like to share with your readers?
I want to thank all of you for your support and the word of mouth that
you give my books. That goes a long way. If you're in a book-club and
you want me to come through and chill with you for an hour or so let
me know. I love that part of this job the most. blinkingredlight@hotmail.com
Where
are you from?
