JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Ben Blaze, author of Forbidden
(Tinsley Phelps)
Khalil Grisby, the son of a legendary gangster, keeps his mouth closed and takes a murder charge for his best friend, aspiring entrepreneur Naishawn Oliver. After Khalil is incarcerated, his mother acts quickly on her hate, banishing his fiance, Classy De Luca, from the family in his absence.
Having no family to speak of, Classy reaches out to Naishawn for a place to lay her head. What begins as a friendly gesture blossoms into an infatuation that not even their current relationships or conscience can break. As they continue in this forbidden love, Khalil’s appeal looms while his family’s deadly affairs threaten to claim every life involved.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Forbidden?
Ben Blaze: The inspiration came from my love of tragedies and my love for hip hop. I discovered Shakepeare in junior high listened to rappers like Biggie, Nas and Big L tell stories in their raps. I was always intrigued by them and continue to be. Also, real life situations shaped my thoughts and inspired me to use my creative license to mold this tragic tale.
JP: The love triangle is a critical driving force in Forbidden. What place does love have in Urban Fiction from your perspective?
BB: In my opinion, love plays a major role. Every reader who picks up an urban lit novel hasn’t experienced some of the grimy things that the characters have, but they have been in love. Across the board, the reader can relate to or, at least, understand the characters and their relationships more than anything else.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Forbidden getting out to the public?
BB: As a rookie, I know I have to pound the pavement and get my name out there. I’m a virtual unknown at this point in the game. Right now, it’s all about the hustle, and I’m prepared for it. I’m confident that I have a well-written novel that readers will enjoy, so promotion is the key. From passing out flyers to the internet, I’m on it.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Forbidden?
BB: I step to the story with my thoughts and my ipod. I already have in mind what I want to do and how I want my story to flow. Everything else just comes to me as I get into it. I really can’t explain it. My daily goal is 2500-3000 words. It took me about a month to complete my first draft. This story had been in me for a awhile, so it didn’t take me long.
JP: What’s next for Ben Blaze?
BB: Myself, K.Roland Williams and Marlon McCaulsky had some success with Romance For The Streets. We’re coming back with another anthology that I think people are going to feel. It is entitled Try A Little Tenderness. The anthology will be more sensual this go round. I have other solo projects that I’m going to be hitting you with on, so please be on the lookout for me.
http://www.abednegosfree.com
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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 Forbidden by Ben Blaze.
1) ???
2) ???
3) ???
4) ???
5) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.
do ya thing ben. I’ll be on the lookout for your joint to drop. Much success!
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 Forbidden by Ben Blaze.
1) MQW
2) ???
3) ???
4) ???
5) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.
This seems like will be awesome ,All the author has to do is keep up his will to be a well known author and he will he has to known that all authors has been where he has, i would love to read this and just see where he goes from here.
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 Forbidden by Ben Blaze.
1) MQW
2) Joyce Dickerson
3) ???
4) ???
5) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.
I really enjoyed Romance from the Streets, I became an instant fan. I have already pre-ordered forbidden from Amazon!
Wow, great interview. I would love to read this book, and I wish Mr. Blase much success. God bless.
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 Forbidden by Ben Blaze.
1) MQW
2) Joyce Dickerson
3) Pauline Evans
4) ???
5) ???
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.
Loved the interview, my goodness Ben did a great job.
I negleted to mention how much of Forbidden, fact how much is fiction?
only gonna say one more thing I wanna win a copy I already canceled the pre-order.
I wish you the best of luck with your writing, brother.
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 Forbidden by Ben Blaze.
1) MQW
2) Joyce Dickerson
3) Pauline Evans
4) Anna Draper
5) Daniel Williams
Leave a comment about your thoughts on the interview.
And the winner is…
MQW!!!
I’ll email you for the mailing info.
Thank you everybody for participating. Thank you Ben Blaze for providing the prize.
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