What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
My top 10 favorite books are The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Pimp: The Story of My Life, Dopefiend, Whoreson, Manchild in the Promised Land, Do Plátanos Go Wit’ Collard Greens?, Just Say No!, Coldest Winter, B-More Careful, Around the Way Girls.
My top 10 favorite authors are Donald Goines, Robert Beck, Omar Rashad Tyree, Shannon Holmes, Sister Souljah, James Baldwin, Alex Haley, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright and James Patterson.
What book do you think everyone should read? I think everyone should read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. The book is brilliant, well-written, informative and important. The book teaches the reader about race and politics in America, which are so important in today’s times. The racial tension in this country is at an all-time high like in the 1960s.
How long have you been writing? I have been writing for ten years.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write? All the characters come to me at the same time. I already know what scene I’m going to write them in during the story.
Do you see writing as a career? Yes, I see writing as a career. Writing is a natural fit for online or at-home work. There are blogs and other platforms that people can write for and make money. Writing can also be a side hustle for some people. There are so many opportunities out there for writers to make money besides selling books.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? I prefer to write in silence because noise is such a distraction. I have a hard time focusing on a story while hearing loud noises. I write better and faster in silence.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time? I have several going at a time. I have so many ideas that I want to share with the world. If I’m having trouble completing one story, I’ll start another one with a fresh idea. Once the right thoughts come to my head, I’ll go back to the old story and complete it.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose? If I could have been the author of any book ever written, it would have been the Bible because it is the best-selling book of all time. Over five billion copies sold and distributed. I’ll feel like I’m the greatest author of all-time!
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision? What made me want to become an author is I love to write. Writing is fun and therapeutic for me. I am able to escape the stresses of everyday life for a few minutes with writing and create something extraordinary.
I feel it was the right decision for me to become an author because I love sharing my creative ideas with the world and inspiring others to write. There is nothing like seeing my books in popular bookstores or online where people can read and enjoy during their free time.
What makes a good story? What makes a good story is a well-told tale that immediately grabs the reader’s attention and keeps him or her engaged. The story is well paced, has conflict, great characters, and a memorable climax. The words on the page are so good that the reader can’t put the book down.
What are common traps for aspiring writers? I believe the common traps for aspiring writers are not spending enough time with the story, not being original and stealing ideas, and not reading diligently. Also, insufficient research. Aspiring writers need to be aware of some these common traps.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? I try to be a combination of both. I want my books to feel fresh and different, but at the same time something the readers want to read. It is important to give my readers what they want since they are supporting me.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? I would tell my younger writing self to continue writing what you love and believe in what you’re doing. Somebody will help you take your stories to the next level. Writing is what you’re supposed to be doing.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from other genders? The most difficult thing about writing characters from other genders is capturing the authenticity of that character. We all know men and women do things differently. So, I try my best to make my female characters feel real, believable and relatable. I want the reader to be convinced that a woman wrote the dialogue for that female character even though it was me that wrote it.
How long on average does it take you to write a book? On average, it takes me two years to write a book. I spend a lot of time writing, rewriting, and editing to make the story great. I never like to rush a project and put it out for the public just to make a quick buck. My goal is to always write the best book possible.
Do you believe in writer’s block? Yes, I believe in writer’s block. I experienced it before. There were projects that took me years to complete because the right words weren’t coming to me, and I couldn’t continue writing. Once I was inspired to write again, I was able to complete those projects.
Gianni has been writing for Bare Back Magazine for eight years.
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Sounds like a good book.
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