|
Debut book
title: The Making of Dr. Truelove (Simon and Schuster; October 10th; $7.99)
If you could only use 25 words to pitch
The Making of Dr. Truelove, what would you say?
This story will counter the negative, barbaric, misogynistic images that popular culture present of African-American teenage
boys. Black men know how to love.
What are three words you would use to describe your novel?
Hilarious. Sincere. Romantic.
What's your favorite thing about
The Making of Dr. Truelove?
Diego Montgomery, the main character, tries something completely out of his realm of expertise because he believes it's going to cause the girl of his dreams to run back into his arms. I wanted to create a character that was a lover at heart, a romantic, someone that made a real effort at love, and someone that would put himself in a vulnerable position.
We don't have a lot of African Americans writing young adult fiction today - well being published, that is. What made you tap into this genre?
Two things: First, there were a lot of teen books that covered the very hot button issues of sex,
virginity, etc., but they were all from the teen girl point
of view. Second, every YA title that featured teen African-American male characters always centered around urban blithe: drugs, single parenting, gangs, the
American legal and prison system---very one dimensional stories or depictions of us, of me. I had to tell a story, create characters that showed us in more
of a multidimensional viewpoint.
What has the response been to
The Making of Dr. Truelove with your readers since the book's publication?
Very, very positive! Sister's love the cover, they love the tumultuous and conflicting relationship between sweet, caring Diego and his boy, swindling, yet charming J-Live. I've answered tons of real life love questions on my
MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/drtruelove
Talk to us about your writing process. How long did it take you to write
The Making of Dr. Truelove? Were you an outliner or a come-what-may
writer, letting the story write itself?
It took me four months actually. It was the editing with my agent and with Simon and Schuster that made it seem like such a long process. I write best at night, between 10 PM and 2AM. I always outline, then I try to memorize it and never look at it again. If I go strictly by the outline, that means I'm not
developing my characters or the story naturally. Things should always change from what was written in the original outline; sort of like life, right?
What was your journey to publication like, from the moment you finished your novel to its publication?
I have a helluva an agent! She works her butt off. I really don't worry about getting any of my works published. All I focus on is creating good pieces of
literature. I always knew we would land a good deal.
At the end of the day, what's one thing you'd like the reader to take away from having read
The Making of Dr. Truelove?
Well, specifically for my teen readers---sex isn't always the next step in a developing relationship. It can really complicate things. Although I suspect
that many adult readers will definitely be able to relate to the story as well.
What is your writing inspiration?
Making history. Creating distinct characters and telling stories in a way that hasn't been done. When people mention or make a list of the hottest YA authors
in the business, I ALWAYS want my name to be mentioned.
How do you spend your time when you're not writing?
Hanging with my family; my gorgeous wife Tinka and my three sons;
Ezra, Solomon, and Silas. I exercise. I read. I love to travel. Listening to as much classic
hidden jazz gems that I can find.
What are you currently reading?
"Handbook For Boys" by Walter Dean Myers and "Long Walk To Freedom" the autobiography of Nelson Mandela.
What three pieces of advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
Read, Read, and Read. Read authors of every genre; any aspiring author has to develop their own voice. Read literary journals and magazines. Keep a journal,
personal or creative and write in it EVERY day.
What are you currently working on?
We just landed a four book deal with Scholastic for a series entitled "Ruby and The Booker
Boys." I'm also working on a middle grade novel right now.
Word association. What comes to mind when you read the following words:
Truelove:
Tinka (my wife)
Writing:
blessing
Relationships:
hard work
Derrick Barnes:
lover...Truelover
|
