5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, street lit, urban fiction, urban lit

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Ben, author of Up The Way

39 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Ben, author of Up The Way
(DC Bookdiva Publications)

(Three of the first ten people to comment on Ben’s author interview will win a FREE copy of Up The Way from JoeyPinkney.com)

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Up The Way?

Ben: The idea to write the story started as more of a challenge by a friend who I was incarcerated with. My inspiration was based on my previous experiences. A lot of it was loosely based on things that I witnessed while there.

JP: Many readers fantasize about prison culture without truly realizing the corrupt nature. What does Up The Way show about “belly of the beast” that has not been seen?

B: I believe that my book exposes the realities of what actually is taking place in most of the prisons today. It deals with corruption at the hands of the inmates, employees and our government. It also deals with homosexuality issues that affect our community.

Many individuals believe that prison life does not affect them because they are not in prison. However, most inmates will come home. There are issues that I deal with in the novel that directly affect us as a race from homosexuality to community unity.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Up The Way getting out to the public?

B: I first believed in my self. I wanted to change my reality and start to focus on myself as a man, for me first and my family second. I wanted to change my life and focus on recreating myself and my legacy. Writing was my outlet in prison and has been a my passion since grade school.

I wrote Up The Way as a form or entertainment for my fellow inmate friends and myself to laugh to keep from crying about the conditions we were in. I used the novel for entertainment and to also bring awareness to social issues within our community.

I shopped the book to several publishers who were not interested because my manuscript was not typed along with an outline of several other books that I was in the process of writing. We worked via mail and brief phone conversations to bring the project to completion, distributing over 1,000 copies in our first day of publication.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Up The Way?

Ben: There is no formula. I have a wild and vivid imagination, so it comes with ease. The actual book took me about three weeks to write.

JP: What’s next for Ben?

Ben: I plan to expand into several other genres. I am currently working on an erotica series, a children’s book and a motivational/self help read.

http://www.dcbookdiva.com/
http://www.myspace.com/authorben
http://www.facebook.com/authorben

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html.

Please click on the banners to learn more about each JoeyPinkney.com sponsor:












You need to advertise with JoeyPinkney.com! (Click here for more information.)

39 thoughts on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Ben, author of Up The Way”

  1. Great interview.I am looking for more of the author. I enjoyed “Up the Way” there was a lot going on I am looking to see what Ben can do when he horns his skills.

    1. SiStar Tea,

      I’d like to personally thank you for the comment and glad to hear you enjoyed my first book, Up The Way. I shall continue to horn my skills and bring you always something that will display growth and improvement. Have a Happy New years, and thanks again for the support and words of encouragement.
      Truly,
      BEN

    1. Thank you Vanessa A. Johnson for taking the time to comment on the interview. It’s most appreciated and I’d like to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe New Years!

      Thanks again,
      BEN

  3. Wonderful interview Ben. Seems like you have a very interesting read here. I am a very diverse reader and I really enjoy books I can learn from while also offering some realness as well. Good luck on future works.

  4. Intersting….a definite read. Looking forward to your next too as well….for me and my grand daughter.

    1. Hi Rhea Alexis M. Banks,

      I’m glad to have you on board, along with your grand daughter. I shall always do my best to give an interesting read. The next one may have to come with ice water because it’s really going to be hot-hot-hot!
      Happy New Years,
      BEN

  5. Let’s clean that up (getting use to using a laptop):
    Interesting….a definite read. Looking forward to your next two works in progress as well….for me and my grand daughter.

    1. Ms. Rhea,
      Since you took the time to clean it up and comment twice. I might as well thank you again. I appreciate the first effort as well as your second. Ice water on me for the next one! lol
      Thanks,
      BEN

  6. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Up The Way by Ben.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Vanessa A. Johnson
    3) Rhea Alexis M. Banks
    4) ???
    5) ???
    6) ???
    7) ???
    8) ???
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. Three of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of these books.

      1. Hi Katia,
        This is BEN, the author of Up The Way. I see that there was some type of mix up and you appear to be the third posted comment. I’ve personally resolved the issue and sent you out an autographed copy to enjoy. I appreciate all of you and I thank you.
        Truly,
        BEN

  7. Interesting interview. It sounds like your book provides a bit of humor and a much needed reality for those still left in the dark about what actually happens behind bars. Look forward to reading it and what you bring out next.

    1. Dear Vernee,

      Thank you for the comment, I appreciate the love. I think humor is good in a story because a laugh brings a smile.
      Happy New Years,
      BEN

    1. Hi Mari Walker,
      This is BEN stopping by to thank you for commenting on the interview. Your support is definitely appreciated. I hope you enjoy the book. I’m doing a lot of different things that I believe were missing in urban books.
      Happy New Years,
      BEN

    1. Thank you Daniel Williams for posting a comment. It’s mean so much to me and such a huge inspiration to keep on keeping on. I shall rise into a new reality and bring you the best that I have for your enjoyment.
      Happy New Years,
      BEN

  10. I am a student from Virginia State University and i have read a lot of erotic books by various authors and i believe that this book will be the best read by far. I truly can not wait to read this novel.

    1. Thank you Brittany for your comment. Your book order is in the mail. Your support is appreciated.
      truly,
      BEN

  11. Great interview!! Ben, I must commend you for keeping your mind occupied while incarcerated and for sharing your story. It is truly a testimony!! Wonderful outlet that you used to propel you in your journey. I would love to read your book. Good luck in all of your endeavors!!!

    Unika Howell-Molden
    “The Unique Reviewer”

    1. Thank you Unika for taking the time to post a comment. I would have gotten back to all of you on the same day, however responses are limited on a daily basis. Therefore, for you and everyone that has left a comment, don’t think you’re forgotten. Just stay posted and you’ll see that all of you , just as Unika are most appreciated. Order your copies today at http://www.dcbookdiva.com and come hang out with me at http://www.myspace.com/authorben

  12. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Up The Way by Ben.

    1) SiStar Tea
    2) Vanessa A. Johnson
    3) Rhea Alexis M. Banks
    4) Katia
    5) Vernee
    6) Mari Walker
    7) Daniel Williams
    8) Brittany Richardson
    9) Unika Howell-Molden
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. Three of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of these books.

  13. Ben, thank you for sending Katia out an autographed copy of Up The Way. I didn’t notice that I got Katia and Rhea out of order.

    The winners will be randomly chosen, so should I remove Katia from the list and get two more people to comment before I randomly chose the winners of the 3 books?

    Keep in mind, it’s not the first 3 people to comment that win. It’s 3 of the first 10 people to comment will win.

    1. Just to let everyone know, Katia as well as all of you are very special to me. I don’t have fans, I consider all of you friends. There was an oversight and I took it upon myself to get back in touch with Katia and send her a book. Yes, in the freezing Connecticut cold, I physically went to the post office, waited in line like everyone else and did what I had to do. I don’t say I care, I show it. When I go on my book signing tour, I hope to meet all of you.
      Thanks Joey for making this all possible. Everything happens for a reason, and your mere oversight was just an opportunity for me to interact directly with those I write for.
      Happy New Years,
      BEN

  15. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Up The Way by Ben.

    [Editor’s Note: Katia received a copy from Ben due to my mix up. SiStar Tea asked to be removed from the list due to her already having this book.]

    1) Vanessa A. Johnson
    2) Rhea Alexis M. Banks
    3) Vernee
    4) Mari Walker
    5) Daniel Williams
    6) Brittany Richardson
    7) Unika Howell-Molden
    8) Jennifer C
    9) ???
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. Three of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of these books.

  17. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Up The Way by Ben.

    [Editor’s Note: Katia received a copy from Ben due to my mix up. SiStar Tea asked to be removed from the list due to her already having this book.]

    1) Vanessa A. Johnson
    2) Rhea Alexis M. Banks
    3) Vernee
    4) Mari Walker
    5) Daniel Williams
    6) Brittany Richardson
    7) Unika Howell-Molden
    8) Jennifer C
    9) Monte
    10) ???

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview. Three of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of these books.

  19. Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Up The Way by Ben.

    [Editor’s Note: Katia received a copy from Ben due to my mix up. SiStar Tea asked to be removed from the list due to her already having this book.]

    1) Vanessa A. Johnson
    2) Rhea Alexis M. Banks
    3) Vernee
    4) Mari Walker
    5) Daniel Williams
    6) Brittany Richardson
    7) Unika Howell-Molden
    8) Jennifer C
    9) Monte
    10) Kisha Green

    Three of the first ten people to comment will win a FREE copy of these books. A winner will be chosen momentarily.

  20. THE INTERVIEW WAS A COMPLETE SURPRISE SINCE I HAVE HIM AS FRIEND ON FACE BOOK I REQUESTED HIM AS AN AUTHOR BECAUSE I’M WRITING A BOOK I DIDN’T THINK HE WAS IN PRISON FROM HIS PROFILE PIC(HE’S OUT NOW I’M GUESSING) THAT GOES TO SHOW YOU DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER I’M INTERESTED TO READ HIS BOOK ABOUT PRISON LIFE ON THE INSIDE BECAUSE BELIEVE IT OR NOT I HAVE A PERSON THATS ON THE IN SIDE OF PRISON THATS COMMUNICATING WITH ME AT FIRST I WAS DUMB FOUNDED ABOUT HIM TELLING ME THIS SO HE ENDED UP BACKING OFF I WOULD LOVE TO UNDERSTAND HOW PRISON WORKS SINCE THIS PERSON HAS CONTACTED ME….UMM THE BOOK SEEMS LIKE A GOOD READ FROM THE GET GO SINCE ALOT PEOPLE INCLUDING MY SELF WHO DON’T NOW WHAT GOES ON ON THE INSIDE IT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW…

  21. And the winners are…
    * Monte
    * Vanessa A. Johnson
    * Unika Howell-Molden

    I’ll email you all for the mailing info.

    Thank you everybody for participating. Thank you DC Book Diva and Ben for providing the prizes.

    To Everybody: Join my newsletter to stay up to date on the next book giveaway.

Comments are closed.