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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Jaree Francis, author of Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jaree Francis, author of Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss
(self-published)

Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss. The tale focuses on a band of brothers, Reznor, Lando, Chase $ and Nimrod, who are being pulled apart as they embark on the road to their individual destinies. They have been friends for many years, but things are changing. Metra City is ridden with gang violence, drug trafficking and poverty, yet some see a ray of light through all of the darkness. While some embrace wretched paths, others seek refuge.

This story is very fresh and introduces you to interesting characters such as the femme fatale Regalia, the ever prayerful Forever, a young and untamable vixen known simply as Tara, and also Chase’s children’s mother, Lara. Definitely worth the read, and it is also absent of profanity.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss?

Jaree Francis: I would have to say that it’s pre-programmed in my DNA. I drew inspiration from a higher realm. I’m not great, only God is. So I simply went beyond myself and wrote a story that gives you multiple angles of street life.

JP: What sets Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss apart from other books in its genre?

JF: Cursing is outlawed in Metra City. They have their own slang, their own gangs. You may say that I built the city from the ground up. I’m not familiar with urban fiction books having an atheist as one of the main characters, so that may be different as well.

Basically, the book is a unique read. I highly recommend this to someone who wants something different. If you don’t want to read a book tied up with typical elements, then check this book out. I’m not at all afraid to go against the grain. You can’t predict what’s going to happen in this book. It’s very unpredictable.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss getting out to the public?

JF: I would attribute this to research, patience and not being afraid to ask for help. I’ve been able to talk to dedicated authors who are already published like K’wan, Keith Kareen Williams, KR Bankston (That’s a lot of Ks; I know.) and Teresa D. Patterson. Most importantly, you have to believe in yourself. If you don’t, then you’re most likely wasting your time as well as the readers.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss?

JF: My writing process is to write when I have something to say. I don’t force my writing hand. I started this novel about the time that the Twin Towers dropped. The main reason why the release took so long was because all of my books are connected.

I have been working on multiple releases which all coincide with each other. So you have Metra City, surrounding cities, and all of the characters from within interacting. When people read the books they can feel at home and expect to be a part of the world being constructed with every page. I don’t play any games with the writing, and I think my readers will grow to truly appreciate that.

JP: What’s next for Jaree Francis?

JF: Drama My Favorite Nephew is next up. It’s a hard hitting urban fiction novella that will be released via Kindle. A lot of people have asked me about making Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss available through Kindle which I have no plans to do at the moment. But I don’t like to deny readers, so this is what it’s come to. I don’t want to talk too much about it, but like I said, it’ll be on Kindle. .99 cents. If you want something with that fire, slippery wet dreams, and of course…Drama, be on the look out. May 1st, 2010.

You can view alternate trailers for Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss plus the teaser for Drama, My Favorite Nephew at http://www.youtube.com/MetraCity

For updates on current as well as future releases, be sure to check out mcx2011.blogspot.com

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18 thoughts on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Jaree Francis, author of Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss”

  1. Looking forward to reading this JF, wishing you the best on your writing journey. My first time on this site and thank you, I plan to frequent this because I am an avid reader.

  2. Thanks so much for reaching out to our book club Mr. Francis and Mr. Pinkney thanks for all you do to get the word out about books. We as avid readers, reviewers and book collectors might not otherwise have choosen.

    As a result of this interview I will be reading and reviewing this book in the very near future.
    It sounds refreshing with an edge which I could use right now.

    Thanks Missy
    Readers Paradise

  4. Wow, definitely looking forward to this. Especially with graduating this year, it feels like my friends and I are going in all directions and it’s tough, so this kind of hits home a little bit. Also, can’t wait to read more of your work. God bless you on your writing journey.

  5. Hey Jay can’t wait to read your book! It’s definately on my to-read list. Very impressed with the fact that there is no profanity in the book and I like the fact that your future releases will coincide with each other. Gives me something to look forward to. =)

  6. WOW..Omg. I read your interview and I see that you are doing big thangs. I am so proud of you. Where can I get a copy. Love the cover. Very inviting

  8. Hey There! I just wanted to let you know that I loved this interview. Jaree has a real personality that I believe will make his writing even more off the hook! Congrats on all you’re doing and the trailer was hot too! Peace

  9. Thank you so much for sharing this interview with Jaree. He is one of my favorite writers that I have had the pleasure of working with. I certainly want to read the book because the story line is very unique and intriguing. Also, I appreciate the lack of profanity. Another great interview Mr. Pinkney 🙂

  10. Congrats Jay on publishing your first novel. I cant wait to finally read it, I know you have been working your butt off trying to get it published. Cant wait to see what else you have en-stored for us. Good luck Jay! 🙂

  11. Ahem* Hey ladies & my buddy Allan! How’s it going? Thanks for commenting!

    talk about first at bat! @Fredericka

    I would appreciate an honest review! Definitely put me down 4 that! @Missy ‘Drama, My Favorite Nephew’ is underway. Believe that

    Thanks for your warm words and yes, this is something that a lot of ppl go through @Maelys

    Greetings from the East =) Thanks for staying up 4 me, mami @Roxana

    Thanks for your words; the cover just works 2 me as well @Patrice

    I definitely appreciate you for checking out the interview. Will be seeking you for advice in the near future! @Allan

    Hey! @Shalonda They say if you build it they will come 😉

    Yes, no cursing! Not sure if it will make PG-13 rating though… @Toya

    What’s going on? @Nikki Definitely have a lot more coming. It’s been a long journey but I’m just getting out of the drivewaayyy

    Thanks all for commenting and giving your opinions because they most definitely matter!

    – Jay

  12. Hi Jaree, I wanted to tahnk you for invited me to listen to the inview and IM glad I read the chapter of the book wow I told you to always put God frist and look at you now IM so glad I met you on goodread. May God Bless you.

  14. ONE of the first FIVE people to comment on this author interview will win a free copy of the book.

    Here is the list of people who are in the running for a FREE copy of Metra City: Destiny’s Kiss by Jaree Francis.

    1) Fredericka C.
    2) Lavergne (Missy)
    3) Maelys
    4) Roxana
    5) Patrice

    Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.

  17. J, congraulations and continue success. Of course, I read your book. I found it to be very intriguing and just different. I liked that and can’t wait to read more. Metra City: Destiny Kiss is fresh and every time I thought that I knew what was going to happen, WRONG! Great work!

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