EDC: Jihad it is a pleasure having you with us. Tell us about your latest book.
Jihad: Preacherman Blues is my 5th novel. And as I’ve done with all my books, I put several positive messages in my stories. If Kanye West, Jada Kiss, Nas, Common, Krs-1, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and other conscious hip-hop artists wrote books, I imagine they would be similar to what I write. My stories are Urban but very conscious. I write to help pull people out of a negative mindset.
EDC: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
Jihad: Percival Cleotis Turner and TJ Money. I like that they are pastors in church’s all around this country and to the links that they both will go to for what they want and believe.
Best friends...Mega preachers…One good….One evil….
As kids, Terrell "TJ" Money and Percival "PC" Turner had one goal – become big-time preachers. But once they accomplished that goal, heading up One World Faith; the largest church in the Southeast, the best friends disagree on just how they should be leading their flock. TJ is living up to his name and looking to capitalize on a congregation more than willing to shell out big bucks for a “man of God”.
Percival tries hard to walk the straight and narrow, but eventually the lure of the bling leads him astray. When PC tries to right his wrong ways, the battle lines will be drawn and best friends will see sides of each other they never knew existed.
Soon, TJ gets down and dirty – pulling up every trick and devastating secret to keep his holy money train rolling. Will Percival learn the hard way that TJ is a sinner who doesn’t want to be saved? And if he does, will it be in time enough to stop tragedy from turning his own life upside down? When the dust settles someone will definitely be singing the Preacherman Blues.
EDC: Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because.....
Jihad: I am Powerful because of the God consciousness in me that humbles me to realize, embrace, and understand that I am first a student and servant, and I know that I don’t know.
EDC: Where are you from?
Jihad: I’m from Indianapolis, IN. I grew up in Atlanta and Decatur GA.
EDC: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
Jihad: The action, and the Oh-My-God--no she or he-didn’t scenes all through out the story, and the intrigue that each chapter leaves.
EDC: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
Jihad: Insight and wisdom.
EDC: What is the one most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
Jihad: How difficult it is to get people to give you a chance, and try my writing out.
EDC: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
Jihad: Making a difference in the lives of so many people.
EDC: How did you do it?
Jihad: My stories…There is no amount of money that can give you the feeling that a heartfelt thank you can give you.
EDC: What advice would you give a new writer?
Jihad: Study your craft.. Research the industry… And if you are writing solely for the money quit immediately…Would I change anything about your journey? No, not a thing…. The mistakes I have made have made me who I am, and I like me, at least for today…
EDC: What can we expect from you in the future?
Jihad: More of the same…. As well as a young adult book (focusing on our boys and young men.)
Visit Jihad on online for more information.
http://www.jihadwrites.com/ or http://www.thewakeup.org/
Thank you for taking time to share this wonderful interview with Ella Curry and EDC Creations.
