Interview with Brian W. Smith

Author of the newly released book Deadbeat

As some of you all may know or may not know, Brian is not just an author to us, he's apart of Distinct's family. We have been fans and big supporters of his for over 4 years now. Brian has written books like Nina's Got a Secret,Donna's Dilemma, Mama Lies & Daddy's Pain. Not only  is Brian a great author but he owns his own Publishing Company (Hollygrove Publishing) and he brings new and exciting authors to the literary game. Please read the interview that was recently done with Brian.

Tiffany: Brian, I would like to thank you once again, for sitting down with me and talking to me. I probably could just answer most of these questions, but I am going to let you do this.  Can you please tell everyone where you are originally from?

Brian: I'm originally from New Orleans.

Tiffany: I have heard you mention that writing wasn't your first choice. Can you tell us when you began to write?

Brian: I never thought about being a writer until the year 2005 (when I was 36 years old). I went through a lot of personal drama the year before. I was so angry and hurt about what I'd been through that I just started writing a journal about some of the events in my life. That journal became a novel. That novel became my first best seller, Mama's Lies - Daddy's Pain.

Tiffany: I must admit, Mama Lies and Daddy's Pain was my first book and my favorite book that I read that you wrote. That's how you got me hooked.

Tiffany: So B, when did you take your writing serious?

Brian: I started taking my writing seriously after my fourth novel, Nina's Got a Secret, made a few best seller list and appeared on Oprah.com - on the "What to Read" list. Up until that point, I was more concerned about climbing the corporate ladder. But the success of "Nina's Got a Secret" made me embrace the fact that I may have what it takes to make writing a career.

Tiffany: What inspires you to write?
Brian: I'm inspired to write by the fear of failure. I've left corporate america in pursuit of success in the literary game. Unlike a lot of authors I know, I don't write just for the "love" of writing. I know thats taboo for authors to admit, but anyone who knows me knows that I couldn't care less about being "politically correct." I love to write, but I also like getting paid and being able to take care of myself and family. I'm not doing anything just for the "love" of it. If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense. If it ever gets to the point that I no longer see a return on my investment (meaning my time and money), I will stop writing and re-enter the corporate world.

Tiffany: Brian, can you tell me what has been your greatest obstacle as a writer?
Brian: My biggest obstacle has been distribution. I have been blessed to have a loyal following of readers and supporters; however, there is no doubt in my mind that I could be a much bigger name in this game if I had the distribution channels that a major publishing house has

Tiffany: I can understand that selling your own books would be hard, and I must admit I think you are doing a wonderful job.

Tiffany: What do you want readers to get from your present work?
Brian: I just want to write books that entertain and make people think. I want readers to finish reading my books and be so emotionally caught up in the story lines that they find themselves pondering the story lines long after they put the book down. I want readers to wonder what they would do if they were in the same situations the characters were in.


Tiffany: Can you tell us what inspires you to write?
Brian: I'm inspired to write by the fear of failure. I've left corporate america in pursuit of success in the literary game. Unlike a lot of authors I know, I don't write just for the "love" of writing. I know thats taboo for authors to admit, but anyone who knows me knows that I couldn't care less about being "politically correct." I love to write, but I also like getting paid and being able to take care of myself and family. I'm not doing anything just for the "love" of it. If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense. If it ever gets to the point that I no longer see a return on my investment (meaning my time and money), I will stop writing and re-enter the corporate world.


Tiffany: Do you research the materials that you do for your work, if so how?
Brian:Yes, I do a little background research on the topics I'm not too familiar with, but the truth of the matter is, many of my storylines come from different phases of my own life. I would say that 70% of each book I've written is about something I've experienced or witnessed.

Tiffany: Do you create characters before you begin your story? 
Brian:I probably shouldn't admit this, but I don't create characters before I start writing. Many authors do ellaborate story outlines that describe the different characters personalities, and the direction the story will take - but I don't. I literally make up the character personalities as I write. The only thing I'm sure of when I start writing a book is how its going to end. The rest, I make up as I go. I guess I'll have some of my author peers rolling their eyes at me when they read this. I'm sure some authors will accuse me of not taking the "craft" seriously. The truth of the matter is, I'm a rebel by nature. I hate following processes because other people feel its the "proper" way of accomplishing a task. I march to my own beat and I guess that personality trait shows up even in my writing process.

Tiffany: What notable authors are their who may have influenced your writing?
Brian: Honestly, I can't say that there are any particular fiction authors that have influenced my writing style. Truth be told, I think I've read ten fiction novels in my entire life. I have hundreds of business and motivational books in my library, but very few fiction novels. I just write whats on my mind and in my heart.

Tiffany: What do you have coming up next for your readers?
Brian: The year 2011 will be my busiest ever. In January 2011, I will be co-hosting an internet radio show with best selling author, Trice Hickman. In January 2011, I wil also begin a nationwide all male author tour called the, Love Literature Tour. The tour will include best selling authors: Jihad, Dwayne S. Joseph, Moses Miller, Vincent Alexandria, Rickey Teems II, Marc Lacy, and myself. In the spring of 2011, I will be releasing my tenth novel, Larry's Got a Secret Too (the sequel to Nina's Got a Secret). In June 2011 I will be a feature author at the National Black Book Festival in Houston. In July I will be a feature author at the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta. In the fall of 2011, I will release my eleventh novel called, The Family Business.

Tiffany: Being that I have known you for a few years now, can you tell me how often you really travel to book clubs?
Brian: I travel to see at least 40 book clubs each year. I love hanging out with book clubs.

Tiffany: I have been wanting to ask you this for a very long time. I know this is gonna start some controversy, but who are some of your biggest supports? Why?
Brian: My biggest supporter is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him, none of the things I've accomplished would be possible. As far as mere mortals are concerned, my biggest support has definitely come from the numerous book clubs throughout the country. They purchase my books, and more importantly, spread the word about my books. I'm not going to single any book clubs out because I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But, it really is an easy question to answer...book clubs have always had my back.

Tiffany: Brian, I thank you so much for always visiting us and being there for us. Even though you are a very talented writer and have a good reading audience. We hope and pray that you continue to grow and be loved by all book clubs and readers. Thanks for taking time out to talk with me again.

You can find Brian @ www.hollygrovepublishing.com