CONVERSATION WITH OASIS
FREE FOR REPRINT

If every fiction reader in the world were listening, what would Oasis say to them?
That's a good question. Let's see...I would let them know that black authors are on the rise. Our literature has elbowed its way into today's marketplace. Everyone has been entertained by stories geared toward Whites for centuries. A change is long overdue. Some of us black authors are bridging the cultural gap, which allows for a different reading experience that does not exclude strong White characters or characters from other ethnic groups. Anyone can pick up an Oasis novel and enjoy it.

 Interesting. So what exactly makes your stories different from others in the multicultural suspense category?

Other than the fact that all my novels will be multicultural, I don't limit my black characters to pimps, drug dealers, strippers, prostitutes, and gangsters. These individuals are a reality in my culture, and, to bring realism to my stories, these characters may be somewhat explored. However, my main characters will be given prominent roles. For example, a 19-year-old could be the CEO of a fortune 500 company, or perhaps a black woman will be the president of the United States. In PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, GP is an integrity-driven graphic artist. I do this to give my people a different reality, characters they can look up to in a positive light.

What novelist does Oasis look up to?

Honestly, I haven't found one yet. I look up to the ability to express one's self creatively, a skill that a variety of artists are now bringing to the entertainment table. Novelists in particular, though, there are a couple that I am motivated by: Eric Jerome Dickey and Michael Baisden. These multi-talented people are the best at what they do.

What do you like about writing fiction?

I love to create. It's interesting to see what a character will do next. It also gives me a charge to see how a character's strengths, or their weaknesses, will help them solve their problems or give them more opposition.

Inspirations?

My children.

In PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, I was impressed with the strength that the Patterson family displayed. Does this in any way reflect your family arrangement?

Sometimes authors depict something about themselves through their fictional characters. I'm a family-oriented person, which is similar to GP.

When you're not writing, how is your time spent?

I'm the son of two hustlers. I'm always doing something conducive to my being financially free. If not, I feel like I would shrivel up and die. I enjoy networking and exchanging thoughts with authors, and other key people in the publishing industry, in an effort to position myself to become a better author.

You're quite busy—a fiction expert, a manuscript editor, and a certified instructor of a govern­ment-sponsored novel-writing course. How do these accomplishments propel your career?

I wouldn't consider myself an expert. There is still much that I can learn. An authority fits me better. Having studied the craft approximately 3900 hours and having instructed many novel-writing courses gives me an advan­tage over other new authors who are without credentials. Because of my resume, I am taken serious by book reviewers and opinion makers.

What can we expect from you next?

A compelling escape to a more gripping story than my last one.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?

One of my smaller goals is to be one of the greats in Black Literature History, so I'm starting by making an indelible impression in the present. Sign my Guest Book and I'll keep you informed about future projects.

Readers and media professionals, if you have your own interview questions, email them to oasisreader@oasisnovels.com.

Oasis will respond with free-for-reprint answers.
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