JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Steven Jackson, author of Instant Message (IM)
(AuthorHouse Publishing)
Based On True Events, Instant Message (IM), is filled with sex, lies and hatred! It will text you through the lives of an interracial couple who meets online and falls in love. This interracial couple is faced with public prejudice and family persecution in a small southern hick-town called Cullman, Alabama.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Instant Message?
Steven Jackson: First let me introduce myself. My name is Steven Jackson, and I am a published writer with AuthorHouse Publishing Co. I was born in Harlem Hospital. I’m a Leo, and I was raised in New York City. I first started writing screenplays while practicing as a Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Prior to becoming a published author, I ventured into background acting landing work with Universal City Studio’s production of “Friday Night Lights” directed by Peter Berg. I was also fortunate to work on director Roland Emerich’s production of “Day After Tomorrow”. As a writer, I worked for a local newspaper called, “Visions Metro Weekly” hired as a columnist to write in the “Arts and Entertainment” section.
My desire to write came from a good friend who mentioned to me that he manages people who write stories for a living. Believing I had a story to tell, I decided to challenge myself and take on the task of writing about my experience with online dating.
During that time people were meeting other people in Yahoo and AOL chat-rooms. Then there was a website called Match.com. This website required you to fill out a profile of yourself and the website would match you up with a potential partner with a similar profile. But most of my text time was spent in the chat-rooms instant messaging with other texters. That’s where I came up with the title, Instant Message (IM).
JP: What sets Instant Message apart from other novels that detail the perils of online dating?
SJ: Instant Message (IM) will take a reader into an uncut and step-by-step view into the lives of my main two characters. You will see how they encounter one another in the chat-room, finally meet face-to-face and bravely endure challenges of abandonment and racism from family members and friends.
Sadly, you will see how they experience public hostility because of their racial differences and struggle to keep their love for one another alive. Remember, this story is based on true events and some of the language is pretty graphic.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Instant Message getting out to the public?
SJ: First of all, I try my best to be a good story teller based on the facts and my creativity. I devote alot of time and energy to my writing. I’m very selective in the way that I try to effectively market my work, and I feel blessed to have come in contact with you. Authors speak very highly of you. Plus, I see your reviews and promotions out there! That’s why I reached out to you. Of course perseverance and prayer helps alot too!
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Instant Message?
SJ: Since this particular story is based on events of the past, I had to back-track mentally, view my saved emails and do the necessary research for certain events that had taken place. Now with the drafts, final drafts and editing from start to finish it took me six to seven months to complete this project.
JP: What’s next for Steven Jackson?
SJ: Well as I make my rounds across this country attending book fairs, book expos and book signings, I anticipate a best seller. In the same breath I’m working on a long over due writing project titled, Numbers…A Gangsta’s Child. This story is about a young girl who runs away from her parents’ home in the South to seek success in the business world of New York.
In time, she ends up in the eerie domain of organized crime and becomes one of the most influential female mob figures in New York City. Because of the nature of this project, I’ve been working on this story for ten (10) years. This story is also based on true events. I have to be careful with this one. When completed, you will enjoy it!
In closing, I want to thank you for this interview, your time and patience!
http://www.myspace.com/stevenjacksoncelebrity
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