When did you start writing and why?
I started my first novel back in March of 2013. I’ve always loved storytelling, and writing gave me an outlet to explore that passion. I tried an animation the year before, but it was tedious and unfulfilling. My first book was actually a retelling of that story. It was terrible.
How long have you been rapping?
Since 2021, but I did a little during the pandemic. I turned to rap when my second novel failed to get published. I spiraled and used it to pull myself out. I tried it in a book then wrote a screenplay around it. I also produced a song and performed dozens of verses before starting A Summer with Aliyah.
Who has inspired you the most?
Not going to lie, that one’s tricky. I didn’t read a lot growing up, and by the time i got into it, I was reading to learn the craft, not enjoy it. I tried to study everyone, from armatures online to the literary giants, both living and dead. You probably know several of those names. The goal was to sample as many voices as I could in hopes to find my own. It was similar with music. I listened to a lot to learn a lot. I’ve always believed everyone has something to teach me.
Do you prefer writing books or songs?
Neither. Screenplays. Books have a lot to juggle: the plot, the characters, the prose. Then there’s the pacing, the layering, the transitions. Screenplays cut out a lot of that. Songs are great, of course, but I hate how my voice sounds. I’m also not very good at performing, and songs need both.
Are there any themes you like to use?One in particular: communication. A big pet peeve of mine is how conflicts can grow when characters don’t talk. This isn’t a bad plot device by itself, but it can seem cheap if the characters could’ve – and should’ve – had the exchange. I like when the plot moves onto a bigger, badder, conflict, not when the small problem becomes a big one. Changing things up can also keep the reader guessing.
Other than writing, what else do you enjoy?
Not a lot, to be honest. If I’m not working, I’m usually with my boys or at the gym. I’ve never really been the type to play games or travel. I can’t afford that stuff anyway. Most of my free time is spent on this project in one way or another. I’ve gotten too old not to have a career, so I can feel guilty if I’m not working or taking care of my boys.
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