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INTERVIEW . . .
How would you describe Rickey Teems II?
Real. There’s a good possibility that if you aren’t feeling me, you might not be real. LOL. Seriously, I’m just not afraid of doing me. People are going to hate and criticize whether you conform to the standard or not, so you may as well find happiness on your own terms.
Rickey Teems II will find his own happiness. :-)
When did you know you wanted to write?
Clichés aside, I’ve always known I wanted to write in some form or fashion. Whether it was short stories in school, poetry, rap lyrics, the passion with the pen was always there. It wasn’t until ’06 however when the Lord finally showed me the career potential through novels.
What inspired you to write the trilogy of Cross Realities? What messages are you trying to convey?
The inspiration came when I rededicated my soul to the Lord. I felt it was crucial to help others (both Christian and non) understand how difficult the Christian walk really is. You got Christians acting like they are better than others in the church, you have people outside the church calling Christians hypocrites, you have denominations undermining each other, the Cross Realities trilogy is intended to make everybody comprehend one simple truth, ain’t none of us perfect. When you get saved, life on earth gets that much tougher. That’s why the reality is, we all need to look toward Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Through conversation with Sistah Shawn, you mentioned the direction you want to take African-American Fiction. Can you elaborate a little on that and tell us about your most recent book?
Well first let me clarify that I’m not knockin’ or hatin’ on any author or artist, but like most mainstream forms of media, people are all trying to emulate what is already popular in hopes for immediate success. I’m not writing like that. I’m trying to stretch the creative boundaries in AA fiction, so my success may not be immediate, but it will be long-lasting and memorable. Regression, my newest masterpiece, is proof of that. It has all the drama, action, suspense, and love that people want, but it centers around the controversial plot of civil rights being stripped from Black folks in America and the turmoil that follows the main character. And it’s not based in the 60’s, this is current! Why can’t we have thought-provoking entertainment? Fiction sells billions with far-reaching novels like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, why should AA fiction be limited to strictly hood tales?
In your journey as a self-published author, have you found anything surprising about the world of literature?
I’m not gonna lie, I was a little shocked at how many people have written, or want to write. I didn’t realize there was so much unsigned talent out there. I thought everybody and they Grandmommas were trying to be rappers, but as it stands, writing seems to be the fall back career of choice. LOL. I’ve also learned a great deal of admiration for those that sacrificed sweat and blood, and were still persistent enough to help pave the path of possibilities to make self-publishing credible, for authors such as myself. It’s not easy, but of course nothing worth having is.
When you are not writing, do you get a chance to read? If so, what's your preference? Do you have a favorite book or author?
Being independent makes reading tough. When you aren’t writing, you’re marketing. Whey you aren’t marketing, you’re organizing. By the time you’re done organizing, it’s back to writing again. I try to turn the pages of other authors that I come into direct contact with to show support. Of course the bible is a daily staple. One of my favorite non-fiction books is, They Came Before Columbus by Dr. Ivan van Sertima. I would call that a must read for everyone (it will change you’re outlook on history). All-time I like the Christian Fiction series, Left Behind. And I think the last fiction I read was, Next by Michael Chricton, that was crazy.
In your bio, you mentioned that you grew, “From streets to student, worker to writer . . .” Tell us, if you don’t’ mind sharing, where you are in journey in life? What can readers expect from you in the future?
I think my journey is right at the point where I’m realizing that the journey is never-ending! Life and society are ever-evolving, and ultimately that impacts us all in some way. So the one thing I know readers can expect from me is continued growth. So if you catch me writing the same ol’ stories five years from now, feel free to come reality slap me.
With your M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and your career as an author, when do you find the time to unwind? How does Rickey unwind?
As corny as it will sound (yes that’s my anti-cool disclaimer), I actually find a lot of solace in writing. It provides escape from everything going on outside my laptop screen. I’m learning to find release in prayer and meditation, to keep my soul at ease in this chaotic world. Then of course there is the always on time, comic relief of my 8 year daughter, Amanah, along with spending time with family. I’m engaged now, but I’m definitely sure that wedding planning is not unwinding! Oh yeah, I’ve been tryin’ to get my sexy on in the gym too. Summer of 2012 I’ll be ready!!
What impact do you believe book clubs have in the world of literature? Have you ever been a member of a book club?
I’ve never been a member, but that in no way undermines how important of a role book clubs play in the world of literature. I can testify first hand how critical books clubs (like the lovely ladies of Sistahfriend) were in giving me the necessary support and confidence for getting past that first obstacle of having a book completed and needing to get it out to the public. Most book clubs are true lovers of literature that keep the industry pure and honest. You guys are hungry for quality material, and inspire us writers to curb that appetite. I definitely appreciate the support and promotion book clubs commit to my efforts.
What advice can you give aspiring authors wanting to get in the game and/or self-publish?
Stay humble, stay hungry. Like most areas of life, this race is a marathon, not a sprint. And as a shameless plug, holla at my boy Kelvin Chappell for all your book set-up needs.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that you wouldn’t normally expose when first meeting someone (we call this the sistah-confession and men are not extinct! :)
Can somebody turn down the heat on that spotlight please!! Okay, put a brotha on the spot, let me think…back in the late nineties, a few of my boys and I were about to set it off in the rap game, I was still young and thuggin’. We had our own studio, recorded a few CDs, started getting some radio play, even doing some live shows at clubs and what not. We finally started getting some calls from interested record companies, but apparently God had other plans for my life. I ended up turning down the opportunities, committing my soul to the Lord, getting back to college, and a few years later, putting my heart deep into novels. So there are no regrets, whatsoever. In fact, that same grind is what has helped me on the independent publisher path. So all glory to God.
Contributer: Sistah Shawn
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