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Two days back I posted a book review of Mo'Dirty Still Stuntin' by Darrell King. This book is pegged as a street-lit. Do check it out by clicking on the title. Today I take to opportunity to present an interview with the author.
Interview With Darrell King
Q 1.) When and why did you begin writing?
A) I've been writing ever since i've been able to read. I'd say I seriously
started writing at about eight years old. I've always had a very active
imagination, which seem to take flight whenever i put pen to paper . Writing
gave mean outlet for my imagination to soar.
Q 2.) When did you first consider yourself a writer?
A) I'd say as early as six when I first began penning my very own comic
books. I'd draw crude looking panels,with illustrations of my favorite
superheroes and fill in the dialogue in word balloons above their
heads. Though this early creative past time gave me hours of fun it often
landed me into hot water with my great grandparents who did'nt take kindly
to having their living room walls resemble the funny pages of the Sunday
paper.
Q 3.) What inspired you to write your first book?
A) My first published work a street lit novel entitled "Mackdaddy:Legacy of
a gangsta"(*Publisheamerica, 2004), was inspired by 1988's motion picture
"Colors" starring Robert Duvall, and Sean Penn as well as N.W.A.'s hit
single "Boyz In The Hood". The Gang culture of South Central,Los Angeles
was virtually unknown to east coast of the United States back then. That
one movie as well as The controversial lyrics of Compton's infamous
gangsta rap troupe (N.W.A.) came on the scene and introduced the entire
country to the cold harsh reality of life in the hood, and inspired me to
pen my first tale of ghetto drama.
Q 4.) What was the hardest part of writing your book?
A) I'd have to say dealing with the editing and proofreading part which is
altogether necessary, but man is it ever tedious and irritating, I hate
that part, it's the worst.
Q 5.) What do you see as the influences on your writing, outside, inside, whatever?
A) I'll always give mad props to hip hop in general and gangsta rap in
particular, as the major influences on my literary work. Movies such
"Scarface","Goodfellas", and "New Jack City" also influenced my writing
style with their darkly sinister themes.
Q 6.) Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
A) I have many favorites but if I had to choose from those among my very
own genre of writing it would have to be a toss up between past and
present,the late, great,Donald Goines and K'Wan Foye, simply known to fans
of street lit affectionately as 'K'Wan. Donald Goines is the pioneer of the
genre who captivated his readers with stories so gritty, hardcore and
realistically compelling that in it catapulted him to the status as the #1
bestselling Black author of any genre in the world! (a title he still holds
posthumously today) and prompted Hollywood to begin producing the wildly
popular Blaxploitation films of the early 1970's. I loved reading his works
and I still from time to time pick up one of his old novels from off of my
shelf. K'Wan on the other hand brings the heat with each and every novel he
pens.Everything from his debut work "Gangsta", to his current street
sensation "Gutter" is fiyah! His characters are unforgettable, the story
lines flawlessly raw and unforgiving. He is arguably one of the very best
in the industry right now.
Q 7.) Can you share a little of your current work with us and how do you envisage it in future?
A) "Mo'Dirty" is pretty much a second helping of my novel "Dirty
South" (Triple Crown Publications,2005).It chronicles the rise of Whiskey
Battle,a ruthless young enforcer for Peola, Georgia's Bad Boyz II
syndicate .He is also the illigimate son of Marion "Snookey" Lake,drug lord
of New Orleans who wreaked havoc throughout the pages of Dirty
South. Whiskey has a drama filled life which becomes all the more
complicated after he's asked to take out the chief of police by his
underworld superiors. I've received rave reviews of both street lit works
and I will continue with several of the best loved charaters of each novel
in future titles.
Q 8.) What book(s) are you reading now?
A) Well I just finished "Dreams from my father" from President elect Barack
Obama,which was an excellant read! Very insightful and reflective. And now
I'm reading "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer.
Q 9.) Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
A) Yes.There is a local street lit novelist and indie film maker, James
Tanner from right here in Washington, DC whose debut "Diary of a thug" was
quite interesting. Filled with violent men and lustful, conniving women it
has all the elements a street lit novel needs to keep one's interest. A fun
read for any urban lit fan. And then there's Stephenie Meyer. I came across
her novel "Twilight" one day while fishing around for an umbrella in my
daughter's closet. I thumbed through it and it got my attention right
away, ever since i'm a horror buff and partial to werewolves and
vampires.After the first two chapters I was hooked! I've read all four
vampire novels of Meyer's Twilight series. "Breaking Dawn" was so good that
I finished it in one weekend! Hell, I might even visit the town of Forks, WA
my damn self.
Q 10.) Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?
A) I'd like to say that i'm so very blessed to have the fans that I have
who have supported me from day one with Mackdaddy:Legacy of a gangsta up
until now. You guys are the absolute best and without you, I would not have
had the privilege to be where I am today. So it is both a joy and an honor
to write the type of gritty, treetwise stories that you love so much and
with you support and the higher self's guidance I shall continue to give
the people what they want! Love, Peace and Hair grease! YOUU KNOWWW!
Darrell King
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks Darrell, for the answers!
Title: Mo'Dirty Still Stuntin'
Author: Darrell King
ISBN: 9781601620682
Publisher: Urban Books/2008
Pages: 220
I received this copy from Tracee Gleichner of Pump up Your Book Promotion to read and review. I seldom read this genre. This book deals with drugs, gang wars, killings and of course, sex. Not much to elaborate about it.
Narcotics dealers want to finish off the law enforcers so as to run their business smoothly. Whiskey Battle is a Hustler who wants to get rid of the police chief, who is creating havoc for them. It all falls apart when a girl gets killed.
This book is not as fast paced as it ought to be but it has all the right ingredients to hold interest for the street smart generation. Almost everyone is playing dirty here. However, it did nothing for me. Maybe because, I did no like the street language. Good for one time read and pass it on...
Title: The Witness
Author: Sandra Brown
ISBN: 9780446191548
Publisher: Warner Books/2006
Pages: 438
I have read a few Sandra Brown books. Mostly romances. I do find her writing much better than many romance writers.
The Witness is different from her usual novels. It is about a laywer and her infant son. Kendell Deaton is the best public defender in Prosper, South Carolina. However, with no fault of hers, she gets enbroiled in ugly dealings in the town. She knows she has to get away from it to save herself and her son. She can go to any limits to do that. Even if it means to skip the law. She is trying to escape and her car has a nasty accident. She saves herself and her baby from the wreck along with the driver of the car, who loses his memory in the accident. She claims he is John, her husband and one night escapes from the hospital along with him and her baby. John is sceptical of her claim but he can't do a thing about it as he has lost his memory.
She is a consummate liar. She tells it with ease and at the drop of a hat. John does not believe her and also he is very scared of the infant. Still he is not ready to let her go out of her sight. He senses that she is in some sort of trouble. He is also aware that she is capable of looking ater herself.
This novel has all the ingredients for holding our interest-- guns, federal officers, mystery, secrets, and evil men chasing. The pace is good and that means I finished at one go after I started it. Not a heavy read but good for a change. I liked it.
Title: Ariel
Author: Sylvia Plath
ISBN: 9780060931728
Publisher: HarperPerennial Modern Classics
Pages: 105
Genre: Poetry
Rating: 5/5
I won Ariel, a book of poems by Sylvia Plath from Serena of Savvy Verse and Wit in a book giveaway. No other win has given me as pleasure as this one. Plath is one of my favourite poets of all times. Her poetry borders on the dark. How does one review it, other than saying I liked it and will read it again and again.
Plath has taken poetry to new heights. These impassioned pieces touch our soul to the core. They speak of turbulent emotions with a brilliancy bordering on the raw side of life. Starknes of her poems enhances the austerity beautifully. The imaginary word comes alive out of her poetry.
Her poetry is so deeply personal yet I connected with it. Her female essence marvellously comes out of the depth of her imagination. All aspects of a woman..charming, witty, acerbic, playful, girlish, sour, fanciful and muh more can be found here. She does get a bit repetitive but which great poet doesn't.
Each and every poem in this collection is work of greatness. To be read, savoured and read again. A must read for poetry lovers and all those who ought to read poery.
Title: A Dog Among Diplomats
Author: J F Englert
ISBN: 9780440243649
Publisher: Dell Book
Pages: 305
This is second book by J F Englert concerning the dog, Randolph. He and his master, Harry are now sought to solve a murder in Manhattan. Randolph does not like it one bit becos he senses that Imogen, Harry's fiancee who had disappeared a year back, is somehow involved in all this. She is implicated for the murder.
Randloph tries to solve it in his own way. He surfs the net, reads books, and also acts as a therapy dog for a mentally depressed diplomat. He misses Harry but can't do a thing about it. However, he utilizes his time by exploring for clues in the diplomatic circles. Randolph has a tough task. Of protecting Harry, clearing his mistress' name and catch the murderers. He does it all with great aplomb.
I liked it as much as I had like A Dog About Town. The very thought of a dog solving mysteries appeals to me. These books make good light reads.
What led you to pick up this book?
Deb Smith of Bell Bridge books contacted me and then sent me an ARC of the book to read and review.
Plot summary:
This is about Asia Booth Clark, who is the sister of John Wilkes Booth, who killed Abraham Lincoln. She was 30 years old and pregnant when Union soldiers and Federal detectives stormed her home in Maryland in search of Johnny. Although he was not found at her place but she had to bear the brunt and carry the legacy of shame for a long time.
The Booth family was one of the acclaimed acting families of America. Johnny's deed placed them all under suspicion. He was captured and killed but that in no way took away the shame.
In Asia Booth Clark's words:
What did you like most about the book?
I liked the relationship bettween Asia and her brother Johnny. They grew up together. Asia adores her brother but does not understand his radical views and his deeds. That is the anguish of a loving sister who is torn between her brother and her country.
What did you think of the writing style?
Title: Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
ISBN: 9780375714832
Publisher: Pantheon/2004
Pages: 341/Trade Paperback
Genre: Memoir
I had heard so much about it in the blog world so I was elated when I won a copy of The Complete Persepolis from a giveaway by Thinking About...
How does one describe a graphic novel which is autobiographical? Marjane Satrapi gives us a true account about how is life in the period when Iran is going through Islamic revolution. Her parents are liberal Marxists. But the outer world is completely different. She is expected to dress and behave in a certain manner which is appropriate for Islamic way of life. She is confused about a life which is not open even to her. It is told by her from the age of 6.
She does it with wit and humour. She makes it all come alive for us. Although written with wit, we can sense the turmoil within her mind. She comes of age but for that she has to undergo certain hardships. Her parents make sacrifices so that she can get a better life. In a life filled with war, destructions and repressions, she comes into her own. Despite hardships, she does not lose that thread of sanity and comes out of it.
Living in Iran was not easy even for Iranians. That is what she tells us here. Her parents send her to Austria for her get a better education. For a while she is serious about that but she statrs taking drugs and one day is found unconscious on the streets. After that she gets back to Iran to be with her parents again. Marjane is not afraid to speak her mind. She is very outspoken and fearless.
This a powerful memoir although told with humour. Graphics are sharp and without clutter. The black and white enhances the impact. A must read or everyone. To learn about a world we know nothing about.
Title: Cold Mountain
Author: Charles Frazier
ISBN: 0375700757
Publisher: Vintage/1998
Pages: 449/Trade Paperback
Rating: 5/5
What led you to pick up this book?
One of my blogger friends sent it to me to read for the Southern Challenge. I had not read it then. It took me a while to pick this book but once I started, I did not stop until I finished it.
Plot summary:
Inman is an injured soldier who is disillusioned with the war after fighting in Petersburgh. One day he simply walks out of the hospital he is in, to go to the woman he loves who lives in Blue Ridge Mountains. Meanwhile Ada is trying to survive in the farm left to her by her impractical father. She does not know how to cope up. And help comes in the form of Ruby who refuses to be a servant. Both Ada and Inman's story goes parallel and the highlight is when they finally meet. Inmam meets various kinds of people on his way, prostitutes, slaves, marauders, witches, hunters and many who are so very kind. Despite its starkness and brutality, the novel can be acclaimed as a great piece of work.
What did you like most about the book?
I loved the practical Ruby very much who does not let Ada wallow in self pity. She makes sure that Ada can survive in any circumstances.
What did you think of the main character?
Inmam is not a man of many words. He know what he is doing. Like any soldier, he keeps up his spirit at every point. He does not give in to despair. He knows he has to go to Ada and he does so..
How do you think he feels?
He feels strongly about Ada. He hates the war. He is compassionate too, for the weakest of the weaks. He is ever helpul.
What strengths does Ada has that help her cope?
Initially, Ada has no clue how to cope in the derelict farm after her father dies leaving her alone. But she does not leave the Blue Mountain. That way, she is a fighter although Ruby helps her to make her strong.
What effect do the people in the book have on one another?
Ada and Ruby make a great pair. They have a no nonsense air about them and are very good friends for eah other.
Any other particularly interesting characters?
Ruby's father, Stobred, who is a real bastard but still redeems himself somewhat.
Do you recommend this book?
Yes, I recommend this book for all those who like serious reading. It is not a feel good book. It is stark, brutal, hitting you on the guts kind of book. The sombre feelings lasts long after one finishes it. The writing is very good and that is one good reason to read it. It also has a timeless feel to it. A classic in the making. It somewhat made me remind of The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
Title : The Kings of Innocence
Author: Michael Burns
ISBN: 0979706815
Publisher: Tucket Publishing/2007
Pages: 218
What led you to pick up this book?
I won it in a giveaway from Sandra of Fresh Ink Books
Plot summary:
Roy McCrath has come back to his hometown for two weeks to look after his brother Bobby as his parents are off on a Vacation to Ireland. Here he rediscovers his bonding with his childhood friends. Each one of them has some issues to deal with. Roy finds that he is not alone trying to cope up with life. Jay and Mark are doing the same. Jay gets involved in local mafia becos of a gambling debt. Mark, a police officer is in a dilemma how to save the situation. Mark and Roy try to reason with Jay but with no avail.
What did you like most about the book?
The friends stick to each other and are fiercely loyal.
What did you like least?
Jay's girlfriend, Lauren, who is two-timing him.
What did you think of the writing style?
It could have been a little better. At few places, I felt it lacked conviction. Still, it is a coming of age novel and depicts the dilemma faced by many youngsters of the present times. Most of which is about job, money and relationships. One has to get a hold on those. One ought not lose touch with reality. It is a one time read, good while it lasts. Don't forget to pass it on to a youngster in a similar situation. My copy goes for my 22 year old niece.
