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? Continue reading 5 Minutes 5 Questions With… Ben Blaze, author of Forbidden →