Tag Archives: joeypinkney.com

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Alvin Romer, author of What Lies in the Souls of Men and Adam Where Art Thou? (The Soul of a Man Edition)

2 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… (The Soul of a Man Edition)
Alvin Romer, author of “What Lies in the Souls of Men” and “Adam Where Art Thou”
(Peace In The Storm Publishing)

My two essays in the book deals with the topical issue, as I give adamant reasons why we are in the pickle we’re in, and an in-depth analogy of the seminal essay, “Adam Where Art Thou?”

In a generic sense, I will reiterate and ask anew the questions: What do you think would be on the minds of men? And for the women: Just how well do you know your man? What should he be thinking about? I opine that the souls of men truly wants to be understood and not undersold as I give reasons why.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write “What Lies in the Souls of Men” and “Adam Where Art Thou?”

Alvin Romer: The idea and inspiration to write both of my narratives, ‘What Lies in the Souls of Men?’ and “Adam Where Art Thou?” are direct correlation to the state of the Black male in our society today. The former was posed to me by the publisher of The Soul of a Man Anthology, Elissa Gabrielle.

As I pondered the question (never realizing that it was the title of a forthcoming book that I would be a part of), I stopped and asked myself “What really lies in my soul? What are the things that bothers me most being a man of color in this world?”

The idea was simply for me to look at what I went through learning after I left the village and entered the world. The school of hard knocks prepared me well. I knew that I lacked all that would make me more of the man I knew I should be.

The book opens with “What Lies in the Souls of Men?”, and it appropriately sets the tone for the entire book. I intended for it to be inspiring to those that could relate to why we harbor things and allow them to fester and be scars that we wear on our sleeves.

“Adam Where Art Thou?” is the the extension to what we have put on the back burner that forces us to stand up and be accountable for not baring it all when it counts most.

I wrote the piece in harmony with and harking back to Biblical days when the Lord came looking for Adam and knew that he was hiding. This is profound as it portends that the Black man today still hasn’t come forward enough in certain situations to be Dominion over what God originally gave him.

JP: What has been your personal experience in being a part of The Soul of a Man Anthology?

AR: I think the second installment of A Triumph of My Soul Anthology Series has been long anticipated relative to the success of the first book in the series. The Publisher set the stage where the next book would naturally be what the men would consider triumphs against trials and tribulations that they’ would want to share.

The personal experience for me being part of this anthology had a lot to do with people expecting me to long have been part of something of this nature simply because they’ve felt that I belonged, and that after reading my essays for so long that I should have written a novel, a compilation of short stories or anything else to see that I was published.

The tone and tenor of the whole project allowed me also to use it as a lecture tool in crafting motivational speeches to the young folk that I mentor transitioning them from boys to men. Moreover, I’ve been able to talk to men’s ministries at various churches for them to be positioned to turn the tables for tides to turn in us being part of the solution in lieu of being problematic issues that society readily would want to place us.

JP: What is your most memorable moment of The Soul of a Man Anthology in terms of what has been expressed of you by someone who has had a chance to read this book?

AR: My brother who is a Pastor in Tampa, FL will be using my two entities along with vestiges of the stories from a few of the Brothers therein to launch a series of forums and rap sessions among both boys and men to find applicable means to help turn the former and latter into acts of accountability.

I love it when I pitch the book to women as I ask them, “How well do you know your man? Do you know what he’s holding back that would allow him to be better toward you and the household?” Invariably, I always get a sale and a great smile to boot. Not to mention that after they’ve read it, I get great feedback that I use in my speeches!

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Letters to “What Lies in the Souls of Men?” and “Adam, Where Art Thou?”

AR: Writers should be insightful and positioned where ink can flow indelibly with continuity. There’s not set process for me to write. I write when I can and where I can, and will honestly say that my writing process is a bit unorthodox and quite unlike the average writer.

Ideas come to me while doing routine things, and I jotting them down on pads that I keep with me at all times. Usually titles come first. I love creating catchy titles and creating text and content accordingly. I write best late at night when it’s just me and the golden veil of silence.

At times though, the bug will hit me any time of the day. It’s not uncommon for me to stop and just write. I’ve learned to conceptualize and outline topical issues into subcategories and fill in the blanks later. I teach this method to my students so that they further understand the need to format their ideas so that the writing process wouldn’t be a quagmire seeking insight and clarity.

JP: You are a very prolific and well-respected author. What s your latest novel, Of Righteous Apples and Other Spiritual Gems: Finding Purpose in Quality Living, about? And what has been your journey writing the that book?

AR: I currently have two non-fiction Christian projects that’s taking up most of my writing time. The first is a book two thirds of the way finished that I’ve set a Winter 2010 or early 2011 deadline. It’s entitled Of Righteous Apples and Other Spiritual Gems: Finding Purpose in Quality Living. That’s quite a long title with longitude to perfect latitude in how good precepts should accompany the wherewithal to live a better lifestyle.

Book two will be called The Female Pastorate: Divinity or Division in the Church? That title is self-explanatory! But suffice it to say, women feel that they belong in the pulpit just as a man does, and some male Pastors feel otherwise. My premise is: What does God have to say about it?

There’s pros and cons to both entities and finding those golden nuggets was both exhilarating and sobering as I dug deeper into the souls of both looking for answers! I’m looking for a publisher, but will likely publish them on my own. The goal is to found Anointing Grace Publishing Company in the very near future.

www.theromerreview.com
http://alvincromer4trr.blogspot.com
http://www.alvincromerverbatim.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/n4wiz51

[include file=current-advertisers.html]

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Elissa Gabrielle, editor of The Soul of a Man A Triumph of My Soul Anthology (The Soul of a Man Edition)

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… (The Soul of a Man Edition)
Elissa Gabrielle, editor of The Soul of a Man Anthology
(Peace In The Storm Publishing)

Men the world over have always been much maligned and strident in how life portrays and prefaces their successes and failures. This collection of enlightening stories personifies the sentiment, faith, resilience and love embodied in the creation God made in His own image. The Soul of a Man is a Divine truth and an affirmation of the passion running through the minds of men where hearts and souls are bared.

In continuation of the Triumph series, the second book, The Soul of a Man: A Triumph of My Soul Anthology, features these brilliant men; Joe Thomas, Jihad, William Fredrick Cooper, Alvin C. Romer, Marc Lacy, Maurice M. Gray, Jr., Brian Ganges, Jarold Imes, K.L. Belvin, Joey Pinkney, Thomas Ashburn, Jr., Clarence “Baba Simba” Mollock, Tyrell Floyd and Eddrick Dejuan.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to put together and publish The Soul of a Man Anthology?

Elissa Gabrielle: Due to the multitude of negative portrayal of black men in the Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Elissa Gabrielle, editor of The Soul of a Man A Triumph of My Soul Anthology (The Soul of a Man Edition) →

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

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… K.Reid, author of Fat Kills

1 Comment

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
K.Reid, author of Fat Kills
(K.Reid Productions)

Mia Nickole Rose is a beautiful, full-figured, witty, aspiring songstress who feels stuck in her unfulfilling life. A struggling artist in Washington D.C.’s metropolitan area desperate to make ends meet, Mia’s life spirals horrifyingly out of control, deep into a world of insanity and murder when she is invited to a party that she will never forget.

She is offered an ultimatum and, in exchange for her life, takes on a job working for a serial killer hell-bent on vengeance. Mia’s struggles with her finances and self-esteem become minute, while she focuses to stay sane, unharmed and alive. Mia’s new “employer” will stop at nothing to keep her in his grasp.

While the soundtrack of her life plays in the background, Mia is forced to distance herself from family, friends and even the love of her life in order to protect them from her hidden secrets. Fat Kills is a must-read which will leave its audience astonished, angry and afraid. Yes, very afraid…

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Fat Kills?

K.Reid: My best friend and I were emailing each other one morning, and he suggested I write a book after I told him this hilarious story about one of my random adventures on the Metro (subway). I thought about his innocent suggestion and said, “Hey man, everyone else does it. Why not me?”

(Sidebar: I used to work as a copy editor for several newspapers and edited a book. I had seen several manuscripts up to this point)

I came up with several story ideas, but Fat Kills was the first on the list. At the time it wasn’t titled. I love horror films, and I was contemplating writing my thesis on something involved with the horror film industry. I transitioned this idea to my book and decided to write a suspense/horror.

I have such a love of the genre and decided to pay homage with my first published work. I wanted to create something different. Urban literature has been on the same path for a while, and I wanted to contribute in a different way.

JP: What sets Fat Kills apart from other novels in its genre?

K.Reid: Fat Kills is a unique piece of literature for so many reasons. While it is a suspense or at some parts a horror, there are comedic elements that are carefully woven to create an story that the reader will never forget. Additionally, I discuss social issues including obesity (which affects more than half of the United States) and the recession.

Also, I create an experience with the play-lists and many songs woven throughout the novel. As the reader moves through the novel, the music describes the mood and sets the tone for each chapter. Finally, I believe my novel is so different from every other novel because of the horror aspect.

There is a serial killer in the novel. (Think of the Saw franchise or Hostel.) I’ve yet to see a novel that is encompasses everything I just mentioned. I took the time to make sure everyone is able to identify with the novel is some way, allowing them to really experience Fat Kills.

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

K.Reid: I am very heavy on face-to-face contact in a non-aggressive manner. I hate it when people come up to me trying to force me to buy any and everything they hustle. I do, however, respect the hustle. I always support people trying to make their way as an entrepreneur.

I keep this in mind when I talk to people. I’m naturally a people person and will sit and talk to a stranger on the train like we’ve been friends forever. I talk to everyone I meet and promote my book that way. I’ve also been promoting on the social networking sites, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter (@scribekreid).

I also send copies to wonderful reviewers such as Joey Pinkney because of the following and the exposure I know my book will gain. I have several connections in the Metro area in talk radio which is a must for me. Talk radio is so precious, and it really reaches the masses.

I’m also calling all friends and family like crazy saying “Hey! Don’t forget to support me, Auntie, and buy my book!!”

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

K.Reid: It was very awesome for me to write Fat Kills. I had NO CLUE that I was a writer. I had always been good at writing term papers for college and had a knack for writing catchy things here and there. But I rarely journaled or explored creative writing.

If it weren’t for my best friend’s suggestion I wouldn’t have known I was a writer. When he suggested I write a book, I wrote a few ideas. And the first idea struck me the most. I brainstormed the story for two months. The first day I wrote, I woke up at 7 AM and wrote until 2 AM the next day. It was shocking and overwhelming to say the least.

After that day, I set a schedule (per some of the Stephen King writer’s tips that I read), and I wrote twice a day every day for months. An hour each way on the Metro, I wrote on my netbook and I wrote on the weekends. I rarely had writer’s block

I also created a chapter outline. That combined with the the fact that I figured out the entire story in two months, made writing pretty seamless. It took me approximately three months to write Fat Kills. I self-published Fat Kills, so it took me a year to get it from paper to book form.

JP: What’s next for K. Reid?

K.Reid: I am currently the co-CEO of Transcend. Event Management & Consulting, an event planning business. I have started writing the screenplay for Fat Kills, and I am gearing up to start bass guitar and vocal lessons. I have started brainstorming my second novel.

I’ve also written two short screenplays and three episodes of a cartoon. I have many, many talents that I am ready to share with the world when the time is right.

http://www.fatkillsthenovel.com/
Twitter: @scribekreid
Facebook Fan Page: K.Reid
http://scribethenproduce.com/

[include file=current-advertisers.html]