Category Archives: 5 minutes 5 questions with

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Tremayne Johnson, author of A Drug Dealer’s Dream

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Tremayne “GS” Johnson, author of A Drug Dealer’s Dream
(Strip Kidz Entertainment)


tremayne johnson a drug dealers dream

(click on the picture to see reviews of this book on Amazon.com)

Take a walk with one of the most relentless drug kingpins to ever promenade the streets of New York: Ahmed Yung. His father was an old-school gangster, and his mother passed away after giving birth. That left Ahmed to fend for himself. Witnessing his father’s death at the early age of 12, Ahmed made a commitment to become one of the most respected hustlers on earth.

Upon his release from six years of incarceration, Ahmed, 23, is forced to deal with the pressure. His comrades have the game on smash, and they’re just waiting for his return to the streets. Christal and Malique, his girlfriend and son, depend on him to adjust his lifestyle. The choices he contemplates ultimately determine his destiny.

This is the story of almost every hustler who decides to play the game. Mistakes are made, hearts are broken and lives are lost. But one thing is for sure: decisions will have to be made. Strap up for a ride down a path of pain and glory. This is A Drug Dealer’s Dream.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write A Drug Dealer’s Dream?

Tremayne “GS” Johnson: The idea and inspiration for the book came about from life experiences, seeing and being involved in the game first hand. The trials and tribulations of making those decisions I made at a young age had me speeding down a long road to nowhere. Writing has always been a part of my life, whether it was music or just writing down exactly what I felt at that particular moment. I was incarcerated for a couple of years. I figured if I didn’t make use of my time, I’d more than likely be right back in the same position. That’s when I put the pen to the paper and birthed A Drug Dealer’s Dream.

JP: What sets A Drug Dealer’s Dream apart from other novels detailing the pitfalls of drug hustling?

GS: It doesn’t matter if you aspire to be the president, a pro athlete, doctor or hustler, we all, at some point, dream about becoming something. We try to set goals and focus on obtaining them. My book is not only a street tale; it’s a JEWEL to the children of the future letting them know the choices we make dictate our destiny. It sets itself apart from every other novel because the story is told through the characters. It feels as if you’re watching a movie or right in the midst of what takes place.

Question 3: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to A Drug Dealer’s Dream getting out to the public?

GS: I apply my hustle tactics and my drive to push this project to where it needs to be. I’m determined to make a mark in the literary world. I feel like anything I put my mind to gets done. I’m dedicated to my work, and I strive for nothing less than greatness. A Drug Dealer’s Dream will solidify my spot in this game.

Question 4: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish A Drug Dealer’s Dream?

GS: My process is rather odd because I usually come up with an idea, form a plot, map out the main characters and from there, I begin writing. The story forms itself as I go along. Most of the time, I don’t even know what the exact outcome is going to be. I have an idea of what I want it to be, but things always change as the procedure goes forward. I do this so I don’t become bored while writing. It took me about a year and a half to complete A Drug Dealer’s Dream.

Question 5: What’s next for Tremayne Johnson?

GS: Right now, I’m just on my grind pushing A Drug Dealer’s Dream. It’s set to drop in December ‘08. Since I’m self-publishing, I have to really get out there and make the public notice my work. I’m trying to be everywhere with this. I’m promoting this book as if it were the newest hip-hop album by the best rapper in the game, you know?

Other than that, I’m getting the sequel correct, finishing that up, and working on a few other projects. The world needs to get ready for the new face of urban lit.

Joey, thanks for the luv. I appreciate it. Peace!

Tremayne ‘GS’ Johnson

For inquiries, please contact:

www.myspace.com/tremaynejohnson1
drugdealersdream@gmail.com
stripkidz@gmail.com

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… The New York Times Best Seller and Essence Best Seller J.L. King, author of Love on a Two Way Street

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
New York Times Best Selling Author JL King, author of Love on a Two-Way Street
(1st Karen Hunter/Pocket Books)

JL King headshot love on a two way street book cover

(Click on the pictures to see reviews of this book on Amazon.com)

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to organize the Love Overboard Tour?

JL King: “Love Overboard” is the Love on a Two-Way Street book tour. The idea and inspiration to organize this tour comes from my fans and supporters. I want to continue the crusade to shed light on the importance of healthy relationships, and open, honest and frank conversations on issues that affect our communities.

Doing book signings at bookstores are okay. When you can touch your fans and allow them to ask you questions that are personal and embrace information that they need to know in a more comfortable environment, that experience is priceless. The Love Overboard Tour allows that to happen.

JP: What sets your debut novel, “Love on a Two Way Street” apart from other novels in its genre?

JL: From the first page, it grasps your attention. I deal with real issues in all of my books. For instance, in Love on a Two-Way Street, I deal with situations ranging from sexual orientation and spirituality to gender identity and sexual abuse [of a young boy] – issues that are not commonly talked about in the black community. From the opening of the book, the reader is taken on a ride that allows them to release all their inhibitions. You’ll want a glass of wine <smile>.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success which leads to your books getting out to the public?

JL: I’m always in an “entrepreneurial” mood. As a published author you have to always think: book and product sells. One key to my success is being more than an author. I’ve always stood on the foundation of my message and believe that offering information and reliable resources to the community is invaluable. I tell my author friends that you have to offer more than your [one] book – expand your portfolio: teach a writing class, create a new product that supports your brand or message, link with other authors and create a seminar series. The more you give back, the more successful you will become.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? What did you learn in writing the New York Times bestseller, “On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of ‘Straight’ Black Men?” And how this book did better prepared you for “Love on a Two Way Street?”?

JL: I was told by my editor when I was writing On the Down Low that if you are going to write a book as powerful as On the Down Low, you can’t hold anything back. You have to free yourself of all the untruths – everything, the: good, bad and ugly. My mission of truth and education crosses over onto the pages of Love on a Two-Way Street.

When you are granted the opportunity to capture to the attention of a reader, as an author, you want to savor that moment and empower, motivate and influence the positive. When I write, I think about friends and family. I want them to be proud of my work. I want them to get to know more about me through the pages of my books. I want to leave a legacy that will speak to who I am, was and is to come.

Question: What’s next for J.L. King?

JL: I always write, so next for me is more writing and more writing. In my perfect world, I would love to have a national radio talk show. I am also working on a new DVD titled The Top Ten DL Signs and More…. This DVD will keep the message about the importance of being honest and having healthy relationships in front of women who need the information.

The DL issue is something that will always be a part of our society. As long as men lie and are in denial, it will impact our women, community and youth. God chose me to bring that message and as a “sexuality expert” I will continue to bring it…until all DL men are “Coming Up [from the Down Low].”

And, I have several education books, personal development DVDs and projects I am working on. I also want to teach other writers on how to become a successful author. The sky is the limit for me. I accept what God allows! For more information visit frequently: www.JLKing.net.

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Toni Coleman, author of Blood Money

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Toni Coleman, author of Blood Money: The Beginning
(Seraphim Publications)

toni coleman headshot blood money book cover

(Click on the pictures to see this book on Amazon.com)

When Jameelah gets a hunch that her man, Michael Mines, CEO of L.A.’s hottest new record label is on the creep, she decides to do some creeping of her own. While paying him a surprise visit, she learns what it really means to be a ride or die chick! She unknowingly becomes involved in a sinister plot of backstabbing betrayal, greed, and murder that exposes her to the darkest side of the music business, and herself.

Jameelah is thrust into the center of power and position, which nothing could have prepared her for. Her swift rise to the top takes her from the streets of South Central Los Angeles, to the boardrooms of Beverly Hills, from sleazy strip clubs to shady business partners. She learns the hard way that all money ain’t good money, and that even good money, can be BLOOD MONEY.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Blood Money?

Toni Coleman: The idea and the inspiration to write Blood Money: The Beginning, came from seeing that the music business was far different from what the public sees. By being a songwriter, I would hear stories and see things. If people only knew some of the scary things that happen behind the glitz and glamor, they would think twice about wanting to be a part of it all.

JP: What sets Blood Money apart from other novels in its genre?

TC: Really, I think that my writing style sets Blood Money apart from other urban fiction novels and the fact that it’s about a world that people want to be apart of instead of a world that people are trying to escape from.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Blood Money getting out to the public?

TC: Perseverance was definitely the most important thing. A lot can be said about not giving up. The second thing was just me really believing that the story was something that people would want to hear.

JP: As a person intimately involved in the music industry, were you afraid that you may be singled out for exposing too much of how some record companies operate?

TC: No, because I didn’t focus on the labels themselves too much. I focused more on the artists and the situations that some of them finding themselves in when they gain fame and fortune. You have only to listen to some of the music or watch some of the movies about the business to know how cut throat the business is. Some artists expose it themselves subtly.

JP: What’s next for Toni Coleman?

TC: I’m currently working on my second novel and I’m continuing to write songs, but next, I want to take on the film industry with Seraphim Film Production.

www.seraphimpublications.com
myspace.com/seraphimpub
toni@seraphimpublications.com
seraphimpublications@yahoo.com

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