Today I have another interview, this time with poet and author Thomas McRae. Enjoy!
Interview With Thomas McRae
Why don't you begin by sharing a little about yourself?
I started writing when I was in Elementary School and from that point on I couldn't stop moving a pen or pencil on my paper.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
Yes. Pimp in the Pulpit is inspired by my family and the craziness that comes with them all.
How long have you been writing and how many books have you published to date?
I've been writing since I was a child but I didn't start pursuing publishing as a real career until I got into my twenties. As of now I have 12 books published to date. But if you want my honest opinion Pimp in the Pulpit really feels like my first book, because it's the first time I'm taking full responsibility and control in regards of marketing, promoting and generating sales virtually all by myself.
Why did you decide to write in the short fiction genre?
Because I have so much to say but I don't want to say it all at once. Short fiction is a great way to tell a significant piece of your story without giving out all the necessary information at once.
What is the hardest part of writing short fiction?
Truth be told I don't find anything hard about it. I just take different story lines from my personal experiences and write it down as much as possible, then I remember to orchestrate other people's events into the storyline as well. And if for some reason I do develop some writer's block or if I'm not sure I should put something down in the story line then I would read that section to my mom and get her perspective. Because she's kind of like my ghost writer and personal editor.
What do you enjoy most about writing in the short fiction genre?
I enjoy the whole process, because thinking about new storylines from personal experiences is amazing and therapeutic. I find it refreshing when I can take frustrating personal experiences whether it's mine or someone else's and find some humor and entertainment which could be used in my story line and plot.
Who is your intended readership?
That's the beauty about this book Pimp in the Pulpit. Everyone and anyone can relate to it because it's full of family issues, drama and suspense. It doesn't matter if you're black or white, Muslim or Jewish we all have family issues and we all need to express those issues in a constructive and positive way. If not for our selves then for the younger generation that is observing much of the bad and misguided behavior that is surrounding our family's.
Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
What inspired me to write this book was numerous things. First thing that comes to mind is how my parents would struggle to raise my brother and I and none of my relatives would make any real attempt to help out only on occasion and that is when they needed or wanted something in return. My reason for writing this book is simple Redemption. Redemption for my loved ones, myself and for anyone who can relate to these troublesome times in their own lives.
What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?
All I ever wanted was to be heard. For years I felt invisible and now I have a voice and it feels good being heard. It doesn't matter who likes it or not I'm damn proud to have a voice and as long as God keeps air in my lungs I will continue to use my voice.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
I will tell them the truth, that it's a long road ahead of them. But it's also very fulfilling especially when you start taking things and doing it yourself and not look for anyone to help you. Because in the end of the day life is a one-time deal so live it to the fullest and make sure you make it count.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
Personally I like to watch movies every now and then I read a good book. Or I will listen to some music depending on my mood but for the most part I watch movies and hang out with my immediate family members. Such as my mom, brother and my father and some very close friends that I consider family as well.
Are you working on another book?
Yes actually I've been working on the sequel of Pimp in the Pulpit. And I'm happy to inform you that the book is done and being processed by my publisher Eber & Wein Publishing. It's slightly longer than the first book and I have some surprises inside of the book as well. Such as newspaper clippings, a personal review from Mrs. Shirley Gerald Ware owner of Fresh Literary Magazine and some magazine clippings about my article along with some poetry certificates. The book is Well written and it goes a little back during my child years and early 20's.
You can find Pimp in the Pulpit on:
Other books by Thomas McRae:
Poetry for the soul
The soul of a poet
The lost poems
Poetic Salvation my acknowledgement to our Lord 1 & 2
Expression
Blue Print
Supernova
Street Trash
The Best of Thomas McRae
2 comments:
Writing short stories is an entirely different beastie to writing novels. It's a different (though related) skillset and there are definitely masters in that just as there are great novelists.
Very true. A definite difference in the writing mindset for short stories and novels.
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