When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?
I wrote the book in 2007. Phillis Wheatley and the lives of the many unappreciated black children I have taught were my inspirations.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Louisa is my first book.
“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters.
Louisa inspires one to both read and learn no matter the circumstance.It is a historically accurate novel.
The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?
I am writing a book on Sally Hemings and a memoir.
When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?
Thank God! I would select people with animated faces. An acceptable screenplay would say more through facial expressions than lines. The dialogue would have to make clear that even in Boston slaves were abused. Finally, the genius of Phillis should be emphasized multiple times.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
Louisa appreciated reading and writing and so should you.
Do you have a new book coming out soon?
I have written about a third on each of two books.
Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?
David McCullough, John Hope Franklin, and Frank McCourt to name three.
List your favorite quotation or words you live by.
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for being a reader.
You can purchase “Louisa” through our bookstore and connect with him through his author page.