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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Natasha Usher, author of The Hunts
(2nd Avenue Publishing)

Victoria, Luther V, Tyler, Tyger, and DougRoss Hunt have a lot going for them. Despite their young ages, they are very resourceful. The Hunts have managed to live alone ever since their parents abandoned them. Their survival strategy is quite simple – if it is not given to them, they simply take it.

When the Hunts decide life is too boring in their small town of Acon, Georgia, they decide a trip to the big city of Atlanta is just what they need. Atlanta and the Hunts will never be the same again.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Hunts?

Natasha Usher: I actually have several nieces and nephews, eight of them, with two being girls and the rest boys. Whenever they all get together, it’s total chaos. They were/are my wonderful inspirations for The Hunts.

JP: What are some of the things you learned about yourself as an author while writing The Hunts?

NU: That I’m really old, and that my jokes are lame. When I was writing The Hunts, I wanted to make sure I was speaking in a voice to which young people can relate. As a result, I was constantly asking my children and my nieces and nephews what they thought about my work.

After listening to them and trying to pick up on all the things children are saying today, I did make my young family members laugh a few times with some of my dialogue. But they have informed me that I am still completely lame.

JP: The children will definitely love the zany characters of The Hunts. What has been the reactions of the parents who have bought and read this book with their children?

NU: The response to The Hunts has been great. The parents seem to be enjoying the book just as much as their children are enjoying it. Of course, I think most of the parents are praying my book doesn’t give their kids any ideas.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish The Hunts?

NU: I don’t have a real writing process. An idea comes to my mind and I start typing. Then if it’s a good idea, the characters form, and they somehow tell their own stories. I know some people create outlines and plan everything out, but I never do that. My characters create their own lives.

Writing The Hunts was so much fun that I wrote it very quickly. I think I wrote the first draft in about three months. Now the editing and various drafts, that’s the time consumer. That took me over a year.

JP: What’s next for Natasha Usher?

NU: Well in between teaching every day, I’m always trying to find time to write. There is a definite plan for a sequel to The Hunts; then I want to work on a non-fiction book. Right now though, I really want to thank you and your readers for allowing me to visit this wonderful site. Happy reading and writing to all!

http://www.thehuntsstory.info
http://twitter.com/TheHuntsStory
http://www.myspace.com/runningwildacon

Cuni Award for Creative Writing 1988
GAYA Award Nominee 2008

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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, free, giveaway

Congratulations to Angela Little! She won a FREE COPY of Rhythm Can’t Keep Time by Deontriea Cantrice from JoeyPinkney.com

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How did she win? She was one of the first ten people to comment on “5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Deondriea Cantrice, author of Rhythm Can’t Keep Time”. Angela’s name was randomly drawn for the book giveaway hosted by JoeyPinkney.com’s Joey Pinkney and GSHPublishing.com’s Deondriea Cantrice.

Do you want to know be the first to know about the next book giveaway on JoeyPinkney.com? Join my newsletter:

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5 minutes 5 questions with, hip hop, romance

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Keyshawn Wallace AKA Mr. Keys AKA The King of Hooks

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Keyshawn Wallace AKA Mr. Keys AKA The King of Hooks
(Bosses That Meet Bosses Group)

Joey Pinkney: It is well known that all musical instruments are trying to emulate the beauty and power of the human voice. If you had to compare your voice to a musical instrument, which one would it be and how would you describe it?

Mr. Keys: I’m like the saxophone. When you here the sax you hear soul and feeling. Everything comes out so smooth. Just like me, very smooth.

JP: What can a person expect when they experience a Mr. Keys performance?

Mr. Keys: In short, just think of Jamie Foxx. That’s what you get from Mr. Keys. You get the comedy, the stage presence, the soulful voice as well as an unforgettable performance.

JP: What childhood experience did you have that let you know that music is your life?

Mr. Keys: I would have to say the day I realized music was my life was the very first time I sang a solo in my church at around 14 years old. I was a member of Charles St. AME. Every Sunday I could not wait to get into that church and sing for the congregation.

JP: Music and fashion go hand-in-hand. How does your visual style compliment your music?

Mr. Keys: Well, my style is very contradictory. Sometimes, I like to go all out and wear customized clothing that my manager “Polo The Fur King” designs.

There are times when a white tee and some jeans is suffice. I guess my music can reflect that at times. There are days when my songs and my tone is very laid back. Then, there are times that I tend to go a little harder with the note to make sure my vision is heard.

JP: Where do you plan to take music in the future?

Mr. Keys: Hopefully, a sold-out arena. I just pray that within time my music can grow along with the era and that I can always stay up to date with what the fans wanna hear.

I’m not saying I’m going to switch up my style. I am always gonna stay true to myself with the music I believe in. I hope I can be someone that can give you that feel good music, that music you can wake up to and go to sleep to and also deal with your problems in life.

I want people to relate to my music and say, “Wow, I ain’t the only person going through that or thinking that.” I want my music to eventually get to a level where someone hears one of my songs and a good memory pops in there head because they were listening to my joints at the time.

I want people to remember my music like they remember the first time they made love, as long as it was good love and not a one night stand.

http://www.myspace.com/tharbdude
http://twitter.com/kingofhooks
mrkeys83@gmail.com

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