We would like
to thank Michael and his publicist for making this interview possible!
-The SCBC, Inc.
1. When did
you consider yourself a writer?
When I finished Son of A Rooster, which is the prequel to
Dumb As Me. It’s hard for me to explain but the light just came
on. I think my readers will enjoy this book too.
2. What
inspired you to pen your first novel?
I ask myself that over and over. It was a combination of things. Part
of it was the failure of a magazine I planned to launch. Well, failure
is harsh. The magazine was an experiment that ultimately was
abandoned. My first novel was me just trying to embark on this new
journey. It was all blood and guts.
3. How did
you come up with the title of your books?
I pull a catchy phrase out of the text, toss it around to a few of my
friends, and boom I have a title.
4. Is there
a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, there is a message in all of my work. The major message I’m
trying to convey is there are consequences to the decisions we make,
good and bad.
5. Are
experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
This is an excellent question. This is actually one of the book club
discussion questions. I believe it is a combination of the two, but
ultimately the power of decision is up to the individual.
6. What are
your current projects?
Wow, I don’t know where to start. I have three books coming out this
year. One Life, Son of a Rooster, and Same Ugly.
I may try to squeeze in another one. I’m currently putting the
finishing touches on what will be the first release of 2005, Queef.
7. Do you
feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another
renaissance?
African American writers are here to stay. We had pioneers that were
able to put their foot in the door which offered an opportunity for
authors like myself to kick it down. We are definitely here to stay.
8. Name one
entity that supported you outside of family members.
To name one would not be fair. Book clubs and the black book stores
have supported me tremendously. I have to give thanks to them. I have
gained so much information from talking and listening to each of these
entities. Without their support, it would be almost impossible for a
self published author to make any power moves
9. Do you
see writing as a long or short term career?
Well I don’t have a 9 to 5. This is it!
10. If you
had to do it all over again would you change anything?
Yes. I wouldn’t make the mistake of thinking I know everything and can
do it by myself. That was a hard lesson. Dumb As Me was my
first title. I love that book because it’s raw. It’s Michael Gainer
just going for it. But, if I had to do it again I would. Not change
the content, but I would seek assistance in bringing the best possible
product to the public, which is my aim for every book.
11. Is
there anything you would like to share with your readers?
The best is yet to come. Thank you for supporting and guiding me
through this journey. I hope that you are entertained when you read a
Michael Gainer novel. And when you see ya boy, show me some love.
Don’t extend your hand, hug my neck!
Self
Publishing Questions
1. How do
you feel overall about self publishing?
I love it. I’m self published. For many of us there is no other route.
We have to prove ourselves and the self publishing approach is a great
option.
2. What are
the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self published authors?
A strength is it’s all on you. Personally I love the responsibility of
putting my books out there. But! There is always a but. Research, find
out what works and what doesn’t. Wrong decisions can hurt you.
A weakness is money. Money is the biggest weakness. Well, maybe this
isn’t a weakness, but more of an obstacle that must be managed.
Experience is also a weakness.
3. What do
you feel is a major benefit to self-publishing your book?
Creative freedom. It’s mine, it has not been manipulated. It’s the
true expression of the author.
4. Would
you encourage or mentor someone to become self published?
Oh most definitely. This business is constant critique. If you find it
difficult come to Plutonium Publishing. My home is your home.
