JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Wakiem Freeman, author of Down Low Sistahs
(Apricot Books International)
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Down Low Sistahs?
Wakiem Freeman: The idea came from an ex-girlfriend who confessed to me that she was sleeping with her cousin who was a female. Years later, I was going through old photos. I ran across her picture and was inspired to tackle the touchy subject.
JP: What sets Down Low Sistahs apart from other urban fiction novels?
WF: Down Low Sistahs is innovative. It stands alone with a unique twist.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Down Low Sistahs getting out to the public?
WF: Discipline, distribution and word of mouth. I’m focused and screaming “they on the down low and you don’t even know, they on that lo-lo†every time I hit the streets of N.Y.C. The public has spoken. I’m on my ninth print run.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Down Low Sistahs?
WF: First, I pick a topic. Then decide if I want my brain to tackle the topic. Next is research, which can take any where from 2 to 4 months. Next is designing a book cover. Then I write my outline of all chapters, which takes about two weeks. I finished Down Low Sistahs in 4 days.
JP: What’s next for Wakiem Freeman?
WF: The re-release of Down Low Sistahs, re-edited, with a NEW cover, summer 2009
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