JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
J-Real, author of Draw
(Real Ink Publishing)
Terrell, AKA Pharaoh, a well known drug lord who runs the streets of Yonkers, NY, is facing problems everywhere he turns. With people out to kill him and the police hot on his tracks, Pharaoh’s empire is soon to crumble. After reportedly being dead, he leaves behind his protégé and younger brother, Serious, who tries to cope with the mysterious death of his brother, holding down the family and the temptation of the streets.
Strapped with anger and greed, young Serious is ready to lay law to all who opposes his movement and seek revenge on those who were linked to his brother’s death. With his child hood sweetheart,Laura, a well-educated diva, assisting his campaign, Serious quickly builds his own empire while taking no shorts.
With all the power and respect in the palm of his hands, Serious quickly learns that his life in the fast lane comes with consequences he never expected. The harsh reality of the streets and the cardinal rule of “draw first ask questions last” meets Serious head on.
Draw is a book about how crime-led life can start from the infection of one individual and ripple through a family to a community and through a city take a journey into this cinematic street epic.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Draw?
J-Real: I got my inspiration to write the novel Draw from doing a lot of reading of other urban novels and wanting to tell my own story, through my own life experiences and using my vivid imagination.
JP: What sets Draw apart from other Urban Lit novels?
J-Real: I think what sets Draw apart from other urban novels is the storyline in which everything takes place. It’s unique because it’s in a city in New York called Yonkers. Normally, the 5 boroughs are talked about in reference to New York. That coupled with how relatable the characters in the book are, makes for a good intriguing read.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Draw getting out to the public?
J-Real: The major factor in the launch of Draw to the public was my determination and ambition to make Draw the best project possible. Having patience and understanding that it takes for a book to be published were also key. I also utilized all the networking and social media that’s available.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Draw?
I’m sort of a free-style writer, and I get into my creative space anywhere at any given time. I rough draft hand write a lot of my material, and spend my nights re-writing on the computer. A good book becomes a great book with the editing and re-writes. It took me 6 months to write Draw.
JP: What’s next for J-Real?
J-Real: My next title will be A Hard Price To Pay. Then I’m going to continue the Draw Series with 2 and 3. I will hopefully get into some filming, so keep checking for me.
http://www.realinkpublishing.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jrealpublishing
http://www.facebook.com/authorjreal
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Very positive that you write a book about your experience. It’s important for people to know what you been through. It would be great to see this author more in this field of writing. Keep it up!
Excited about this read. From New York myself, so I’m sure I will relate to enjoy the things J. Real writes about. Will put this on the list to read while I’m traveling to promote my own book. Thanks for the great interview, Joey! ~Imani True
Interesting!
When will you be releasing your next book, A Hard Price To Pay?
A Hard Price To Pay Will Be Available November