JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Boog Deniro, author of Respect The Struggle
(S.G. Publishing)
Respect The Struggle is a story of perseverance, tragedy and personal identity. Sometimes growing up fast isn’t a choice, but a matter of survival. Under these circumstances, Ta-Ta finds himself in the streets at an early age where he believes dreams come true, only to find out there’s a war going on out there.
Violence is rampant and the latest vice of young men. Now, caught in the high crime hell of the 80s and 90s, it’s either distinguish himself from the rest or become just another run of the mill unwanted baby-turned-thug.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Respect The Struggle?
Boog Deniro: The idea and the inspiration came to me one morning the winter of 2004. I woke up wondering where my youth had gone. “Back In The Day” just so happened to be on the radio. For a split second, I wished I was a kid again. Struggle builds character, and that’s why I chose that title.
JP: What sets Respect The Struggle apart from other novels in its genre?
BD: What separates it from other Street Lit is its honesty, rawness and authenticity. The way it chronicles the 80s and 90s in New York City, where growing up may have been the toughest for kids due to the crack epidemic.
Its detailed depiction of what was really going on in the ‘hood, the hallways, the homes of N.Y. ghettos. What love, life and living was growing up in the struggle; that’s why the content is so aggressive. Ladies, if your man is a real street-cat and you wanna know where he came from, this is a must read.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Respect The Struggle getting out to the public?
BD: The publishing game is a very mysterious business. It’s hard to predict what type of reception a book will receive if you don’t have a machine behind you. You get out what you put in. I want my career as a novelist to just be heating up in two years, not on the decline. So for me, I have to say independence, persistency, integrity and believing in my ability to deliver the goods.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Respect The Struggle?
BD: My process is simple. Find the time, and then embrace that space with passion, dedication and knowledge. The recipe for greatness. It took me about six months to finish the first draft. The final draft, six more months.
JP: What’s next for Boog Deniro?
BD: I’m preparing for the heavily anticipated summer release of my next novel entitled Street Generals. A gritty story of street life and urban plight, with so many twists and turns readers might have to stop reading just to catch their breath. It’s gonna be epic.
http://www.streetgeneralspub.com/
http://www.facebook.com/S.G.PUBLISHING
https://twitter.com/SG_PUBLISHING
sgpublishingllc@gmail.com
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I grew up in the 80s-90s, in NY. I know how it was back then. I remember being robbed at needle point (AIDS was on the raise) and gun point. I’m certain this book will be awesome if all aspects of the 80s and 90s in NY was incorporated.
The concept of the book sounds very interesting. Much success to Boog Deniro.
I think what is very hard about the industry is appearing legitimate to readers. I am not sure what perception there really is of my own work and I think for other authors it is definitely about pushing the creative envelope while mapping the definite characteristics of a genre. It’s complicated because you have to find ways to appeal over other writers.
I agree this industry business is very mysterious and as writers we have to appeal to people’s literary taste.
Making as much noise as possible get the book out there but we defintely need others and good networking.