that he would see us next Christmas.  I didn’t really anticipate seeing him but that Christmas never came.  I talked to him in 2007 after years of no contact and he was on the run from the law.  I guess he heard I was facing charges of my own and he wanted me to join him because my case was pending.  Someone I hardly knew wanted me to jump bail and flee.  He was on some other stuff.  That was the last time I talked to him.  I heard he died recently but physically he’s been gone.

You self-published this novel so what was your experience like expense-wise, preparation and all of that?

It was easy for me because I was determined to make it happen.  When you self-publish you have to do all the things that I’m doing but the reward is greater and you have more control over your project.  Once I set my mind to really releasing a book, I did research online to find tips and info on the process.  I had to edit and prep my book myself after it was written.  Get my own ISDN number established and make sure everything is straight.  I found a manufacturer, got my cover art together… everything.  The process took about 17 months.  I had to make sure everything was straight because the printing company doesn’t do anything for you but print the book.

So sales are good so far?

Yes, the book is in its fourth reprint now.  I’ve been blessed to keep selling.  I also released the book as an ebook at the beginning of 2014 so that opened up a new avenue.  A lot of people that like to read on their Kindles, Nooks and iPhones they can purchase the book in the format they prefer.

Sounds like you’ve had some success though.  But your grind is different than some independent authors.  I see a lot more authors using the on-demand method of printing their work or working their book sales only online.  You’re getting out there doing hand-to-hand sales.

It’s a lot more demanding but, being a new author, it’s good to get to meet the people I’m selling to and for them to meet me.  I sell in Black areas a lot so I think it’s good for people to see someone that looks like them, from where they are from and having lived like they’ve lived that is doing something different with his life.  People tend to buy the book because they can relate to the same things happening in the neighborhoods they are from.  It feels good to be the person they can see demonstrating that there are alternative options even when you grow up in the hood.  A lot of kids want to rap and see it as a way out of the ghetto.  There are thousands of people trying to do it and only a few will ever make it.  So even attempting to do what I’m doing sets an example even if others don’t choose writing as their choice.  I haven’t blown up by no means but the work I’m putting in is obvious and it’s paying off.