How would you describe Brian W. Smith --the author?
I would describe myself as an enigma. Sometimes I can be a loner and extremely intense; other times I'm the person telling the most jokes at the party.
When did you know you wanted to write?
In 2004, I realized that I found writing to be therapeutic.an outlet.
How do you get in the mood to write? What does your writing corner look like?
At least three Saturday's each month I go to a Panera Bread store that's five minutes from my house. I order a bagel and coffee, and then I find a table in the corner and write for two or three hours. This is the only time and place that I write.
Tell us about your most recent book? What inspired you to write this story? What message are you trying to convey in this story?
My most recent book is called "Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain" - it was released in December 2006. I thought it would be interesting to write a story about a woman that lies about the true identity of her child's biological father. Most black folk either have a relative who has experienced it or has heard a story about this issue. I didn't see any books on the market that talked about this issue - so I wrote one.
Is there a common theme or message in your books?
My books are unique, quick reads, and they make you think. I doubt it if you will find many books that address the topics I write about. All of my books have at least two steamy sex scenes and a plot twist that leaves the reader shocked.
Tell us about your other contributions to the writing industry.
At this point, my only contribution has been to write books that are different. I refuse to write books like the other hundreds of books on the market with the same predictable story lines - thug life, drama in the church, and all black men are playas.
In speaking with you on the phone, you mentioned that you have your own publishing company? Please tell readers and writers about it? How should inspiring authors contact you? Who have you signed that's about to take the market by storm?
I own Hollygrove Publishing, Inc. My publishing company produces fiction and non-fiction books, screenplays, and greeting cards tailored to the African-American and Hispanic communities. I have a tentative agreement to publish my first author - a sista named A. Bailey Martin who lives in Houston. I was blown away when I read her manuscript - it's off the chain! I'm looking to sign another male and female author. Aspiring authors can check my website at www.hollygrovepublishing.com to see how to submit a manuscript.
In our phone conversation, you mentioned what inspired you to write Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain, but you didn't mention your inspiration for S.W.A.P Game . . .do tell?
Ha, ha - I get asked this question a lot. No, I don't swing. I saw a show about swinging on HBO, and thought it would be interesting to write a story about the aftermath of swinging.
The S.W.A.P Game-the movie-tell us about its development?
I write screenplays to all of my books. I am in negotiations to sell the rights to the screenplay for this book...it's a long arduous process. I am determined to be fairly compensated.
Whose work do you love to read? What is your favorite book?
This may come as a surprise, but I can count on one hand the number of fiction books I've read. I mainly read self motivation, business books, biographies, and autobiographies. The best fiction book I've ever read was, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.
What can your fans, including me, expect from you in the future?
My third novel Donna's Dilemma will be released in October 2007. My fourth novel, Nina's Got A Secret will be released in April 2008 (visit www.hollygrovepublishing.com to read a synopsis of the books). I will be releasing a business book about being black in Corporate America titled, You Gotta Do "A" Work to Get "B" Credit in August 2008.
What advise can you give aspiring authors?
This is not a hustle for the faint of heart. Selling books is 10% show and 90% business. If you aren't ready to get your "grind" on, don't even bother getting into this.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that you wouldn't normally tell others (we call this the Sistah Secret at our site meetings)
I've watched soap operas since I was kid. I love the Young and the Restless. All my life I wanted to be as cool as Victor Newman. I remember Nia Long back when she played a character named "Cat" on the Guiding Light.
ISBN:
0977793915
