Intimate Conversations Brian W. Smith
Brian W. Smith is the author of “The S.W.A.P. Game”, “Mama’s Lies – Daddy’s Pain”, “Donna’s Dilemma” , “Final Fling” (the sequel to The S.W.A.P. Game), and the recently released “Nina’s Got A Secret”… which is now a Best Seller. Brian is also the owner of Hollygrove Publishing, Inc. The company specializes in producing books that cater to a predominantly African-American audience in the Contemporary Fiction, Christian Fiction, Erotica, and Business genres.
Ella: Where are you from? How did you start your writing journey?
I’m from New Orleans. I started writing in 2005 after experiencing a personal incident that really hurt me deeply. Writing was a form of therapy.
Ella: Who are your two main characters and what do you like most about them?
In my book, "Nina's Got A Secret", the two main characters are Larry and Nina Dennison. Larry is a kind man. Unfortunately, he's taken advantage of by his new bride. Nina is REAL. She’s no different from any man or woman - her primal instinct is to survive…by any means necessary.
Ella: What makes your book stand out and would entice a reader to pick it up?This novel is unique. I doubt if there has ever been more than a handful of books written by African-American authors that have tackled this scenario. If you had to make a choice between saving your biological child's life or your step child's life, which one would you choose? If you chose your own child, would you tell your spouse you let his/her child die?
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to see the pain that can be caused by putting money before everything else AND how one lie leads to another and another.
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned in creating books?
I’ve learned that there is no such thing as the perfect book. No matter how well the cover is designed, it’s written, edited, or even reviewed by the masses…someone will always have something negative to say. So, the same class you when you get compliments, you have to show when someone is being critical...even if yoy think the criticism is unwarranted.
Ella: What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
I’ve made a few Best Seller list, but I’d have to say that my most significant accomplishment came two weeks ago when I was notified that Nina’s Got a Secret made the Oprah Book list. God is good!
Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
I would tell a new writer a couple of things: work hard at developing a unique story; have VERY thick skin; be ready to get your GRIND on; and don’t expect to write a book and then suddenly get rich…it doesn’t work like that.
Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful author, in your opinion?
Skills, Humility, and the willingness to HUSTLE. You don't necessarily have to have all three of these things, but you will definitely need some combination of at least two of them.
Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect me to keep GRINDIN'! As an author, I will continue to focus on writing thought provoking, steamy books, with surprise endings. Several of my books, “The S.W.A.P. Game”, “Mama’s Lies – Daddy’s Pain”, “Donna’s Dilemma”, and “Nina’s Got A Secret” are all being converted into screenplays and being shopped to production companies. As the owner of Hollygrove Publishing, I will continue to seek and sign talented authors with unique/marketable manuscripts.
Ella: Share with us your latest news, events or upcoming book releases.
I will be releasing two books at the same time in June 2009, “My Husband’s Love Child” and “Donna’s Comeback” (the sequel to my 2007 book, Donna’s Dilemma). I will also appear in three Hollygrove Publishing anthologies this year (Bended Knees, Bedtime Stories 1 & 2).
Brian W. Smith
Author/President
Hollygrove Publishing, Inc.
www.hollygrovepublishing.com
bsmith@hollygrovepublishing.com
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