|
|
MEET DWAYNE MURRAY
Author of The Mouse That Roared
|
|
|
|
Dwayne was born in Harlem, grew up in the Bronx. He
graduated from Manhattan Vocational High School and attended one year of
college at Florida State University. He is now an "A" Journeyman with Local
3 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and lives in Bronx, New
York.
About The Book
Read
what happens to Ms. Sandra Lyte when after defying her religious and
sanctified parents' wishes by entering a beauty contest they viewed as
sinful and lustful. After being thrown out of the only home she ever
knew, Sandra traveled to New York City wide-eyed and excited about
starting a new life in the "Big Apple." Unaware and naïve of what life
is like in the heart of the city, Sandra now finds herself caught up in
a life of drugs, deceit, power, and murder. This rollercoaster ride is
filled with action and suspense, just be sure to exhale after every
chapter.
|
MORE INTERVIEWS |
|
Our Interview
What was your inspiration for writing The Mouse That Roared?
I must
first identify my love for the "Big Screen."
I am the ultimate movie
buff. As a child you could always find me sneaking into movies like "Hell
Up In Harlem", Sheba Baby", "Uptown Saturday Night", and many other 1970s
black films. I always paid close attention to the plot and themes of
movies. I am the one who always figures out the movie plot before anyone
else does. With a strong love for movies, I had a desire to write my own
screenplay. After further exploration and even after taking classes for
screenplay writing, I found it very challenging to get my screenplay from
paper to film. It was then I decided to take my screenplay and turn it
into a novel, hence my very first novel The Mouse That Roared. After
reading the reviews on Amazon.com and from readers who visited my website
and signed my guestbook, it felt so good to get such positive feedback
about the book. Relishing from and the positive energy, so far, with The
Mouse That Roared it has motivated me to complete my second novel titled
"Whatever It Takes" which was released July 21, 2007 and featured at the
2007 Harlem Book Fair. Please excuse my shameful attempt at promoting!
How did you develop the idea into a full - length story?
My
experiences with watching movies and reading books, I knew I had to really
build my characters. I started by purchasing magazines and I searched
these magazine to find faces. It may seem strange to others, but after
choosing faces for my characters, then I would staple it to a sheet of
paper and begin to list personal attributes to form each character's
personality. I chose a woman to be the heroine in my novel, because I
admire both the mental and physical strength of women. Growing up in New
York City and having an extended family of predominantly strong African
American women, I had the honor and misfortune of actually seeing their
strength tested and realized. With all the struggles I witnessed many of
the strongest women in my life go through, I remember the smiles behind
the tears, the many gentle hugs and kisses on the cheeks, and their
ability to give unconditional love even in the mist of adversity.
Therefore the idea behind my book The Mouse That Roared have much to do
with the strong women who played a major role in my life as a child and
even as a man.
Tell us about your book
This is a
compelling drama about Sandra Lyte, a young woman who defied her religious
father's wishes and entered a beauty contest in her home town. Little did
she know her defiant choice would begin the gamut of chaos that will
forever change her life. With no place to turn Sandra is forced to leave
her family and roots in Virginia and buy a one way ticket to, "If I can
make it there, I can make it anywhere!" New York.
From the
time her feet hit the pavement, Sandra is faced with the harsh cold
reality of life in the big city. Nonetheless, she finally meets someone
offering the city's "Milk & Honey" on a silver platter, and confessing
unconditional love until death do them part. Unbeknownst to Sandra she
promises her heart to the very one who would shatter it forever and from
this love she will experience her greatest loss.
This
gut-wrenching, fast-paced thriller will magnify the journey of a woman,
the referent power of family bonds, and what is meant by true friendship.
Circumstances will exalt the most innocent, intellectual, and
mild-mannered woman's true strength when she's forced into a corner.
Tell us how long you've been writing and what made you get into the
literary field
I have
been thinking about this novel for the past two year since it's creation
as a screen play first. With the competition of getting this screen play
off the ground being very difficult, I found it necessary to turn it into
a novel simply because I felt it was a story that needed to be read by the
general reading public. My closeness to all my characters compelled me to
write and self-publish The Mouse That Roared. I wanted avid readers to
know these characters as I do.
How do you, as a writer, find your way into the story? Do you use an
outline or let the story unfold naturally?
In
creating my characters, I did start with an outline. I sat down and
applied a personality trait to all characters in the novel. We as
individuals fit different molds. Some of us are brave, conceited, leaders,
followers, go-getters, and devious. It was a process of sitting down and
deciding what characters would fit which assigned traits and I ran with
it.
Where do you get your ideas? How do you know you have a good tale to tell
worthy of becoming a novel?
Scary
enough the ideas came from my head and they also derived from my hopes of
increasing the "shock factor." I have been called numerous times by
family and close friends about the graphic scenes in The Mouse That
Roared. There was only one man in my lifetime, so far, that created that
shock factor for me and that was Alfred Hitchcock. I have to say Alfred
Hitchcock has to be one of the major influences and literary lore in my
life. No story or subject matter was taboo to him. Hitchcock felt that
anything was possible in the story telling realm. Hitchcock wasn't afraid
to tackle story themes others would run away from. I am most influenced
by Hitchcock's concentration to details, and how all his characters were
often vulnerable and never safe. That influence has enabled me, in my
writing, to keep my mind open to all possibilities. Thinking back to old
Alfred Hitchcock films and comparing them to The Mouse That Roared, they
both offered mystery, thrills, suspense, and action.
How many hours a week do you devote to writing, including research?
It depends
on the type of day I'm having. As a given I try to dedicate a minimum of
three hours after work but if the "groove" hits me, I can commit to more
time. During the weekends I can do more writing, if there's not a good
movie in the theaters. The computer is an excellent source of research
information that is readily available when needed. It's hard to pinpoint
time, but I will be sure not to cheat my readers; meaning I give my
writing 110% faithfully.
How do you keep a balance between family, work and writing?
Honestly
my family is the biggest supporters of my endeavors as a writer. My wife
is totally responsible for much of my Internet presence. My sons are also
supportive by keeping in the loop with sporting events i.e., baseball,
basketball and football scores and trades. When my wife hear of new
literary events, newsletters, forums, etc she always inform me about
them. My wife Angela was responsible for my connection with your
newsletter publication. The balance between it all flows well most of the
time, but overall it all balances out through the love and support of my
dearest and closest fans - my family.
What literary organizations or writers groups would you recommend to
writers in your genre?
I am a
member of SPAN - The Small Publishers Association of North America. I am
relatively new to this group so I'll save my opinion of it for now.
From your experience, what key ingredients do new writers need to succeed
in the book industry?
I believe
giving time to your book is important. I don't feel like I rushed the
book, but time is always on your side when self publishing. I would share
with other inspiring authors who want to write their own novels, the first
step is to get your thoughts on paper. As soon as the words start
flowing, before you know it you'll be finished with the first chapter.
Outline your chapters and make the story flow. Never cheat your readers.
Be sure to not leave unanswered questions forcing your readers to make
assumptions. Always edit your work professionally and try to have at
least two unbiased people, you can count on, read your rough draft. Ask
them to make notes on any errors you may have missed. Be sure to do all
editing, proofreading, spell and grammar check before sending it to the
printer. I made mistakes in my book and some of the great authors have
done the same, but that is not an excuse to not strive for perfection.
The one thing I never want to be guilty of is cheating my readers. They
pay their hard earn money to purchase your book and they deserve quality
work.
I
know you've written other books. Tell us about them
My
sophomore novel titled Whatever It Takes was released July 21, 2007 and
featured and the 2007 Harlem Book Fair. Whatever It Takes is a compelling
novel depicting what happens when Butch and Zig Steel, carrying a 25 year
grudge, finally gets their chance to unleash hell upon an unsuspecting
prey. Their plan includes kidnapping, extortion and murder; all skillfully
executed and absent of pity and remorse. The cherry on top of the Steel
brothers' cake is 25 million dollars that feeds their hunger for revenge.
To
complete their mission, it will involve the capturing of innocent nine
year old Penny Baker, because she holds the key to it all. The only thing
standing in the Steel brothers' way are two seasoned "Ride or Die" female
detectives; Jesse James and Brenda Simple. The detectives' new mission in
life is to do whatever it takes to protect Penny and bring the Steel
Brothers to justice.
So far
Whatever It Takes has received rave reviews as being another action-packed
suspense novel. I can only hope they embrace my second novel as much as
they did The Mouse That Roared.
Have you ever experienced writer's block, and if so, how did you deal with
it so you could begin to write again?
So far I
have never experienced writer's block. I have a note book with outlines of
all the book ideas I have in my head. I am quick to jot them down before I
forget. Sometimes I may have problems with the flow of things, but I've
learned to step back take some time and come back to my writing refreshed.
Are you devoted to your genre or do you see yourself writing in another
genre at some point in the future?
I was
recently discussing this same issue with my wife. I have plans in the
future to step out of the action suspense writing, but not too sure into
"what". I believe by stepping out of your box really challenges a writer
to explore their writing skills. I have plans in the future but not
exactly sure of the genre.
Are you working on new material? If so, please tell us about what you are
currently working on and when we can expect to see it on the market?
Well this
interview is about The Mouse That Roared but my sophomore novel titled
Whatever It Takes was released on July 21, 2007 and featured at the 2007
Harlem Book Fair. I invite readers who have yet to read either of my
books to read the reviews posted on Amazon. Most readers were very
satisfied with my novels and I am sure others readers will enjoy them too.
Getting a book published is the start. To have a long career as a full
time writer, you need to move your books. Tell us about 2-3 effective ways
you have found to get the word out about your book
Do
you have any appearances planned?
Urban Knowledge Bookstore in Maryland
9/8/2007
DC Bookman in Washington DC 9/29/2007
Urban Knowledge Bookstore
(Mandawmin Mall) 10/13/2007
Sisters Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Shop in
New York City 10/27/2007
What would you like to see happen in your writing career 5-10 years from
now?
I would
like to have at least four other titles out including a trilogy I've been
thinking about. Writing is an important aspect of my life and I would love
to dedicate time to my writing. I also hope to see The Mouse That Roared
on the silver screen. It's really an excellent read and my first love
always been movies. If my book ever made it to the theaters, that would
be a blessing.
Who are some of your favorite writers and what is it about their work you
most admire?
I am also a devote reader of
Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Walter Mosley, and James Patterson. These
writers have excellent story telling skills. They all know how to keep you
turning the page. The intensity in their storytelling abilities is
amazing. You know a book is good when you keep "bargaining" with yourself
that you will go to bed after this chapter and it's already two o'clock in
the morning and you have to get up by five. I met a lady on the train one
morning and just handed her The Mouse That Roared. She was very gracious
and because I was the author she promised to read it. She emailed me and
spoke highly about the book. She also admitted she missed her stop in
Manhattan twice because she couldn't peel herself away from the book.
That's exactly what my favorite authors above did for me when I read
their books.
How can others reach you?
I
encourage readers to visit my website at
www.MadboEnterprises.com.
Send me emails at
Madbo726@aol.com
or request to be a friend on
www.MySpace.com/Madbo726.
I really look forward to meeting avid readers.
What last words of encouragement or advice would you like to leave with
our subscribers?
I want my readers to know a
little about myself. I was born in Harlem Hospital and raised in the
Bronx. I graduated Manhattan Vocational High School in 1983. I attended
Florida State University for one year then transferred to Empire State
College where I obtained an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts majoring in
Electrical Theory. I am happily married to my wife Angela for 20 years
and we are the proud parents of two sons; Dwayne, Jr. who is 22 years old
and Daniel who is 18 years old. I am currently an "A" Journeyman
Electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local
#3. I recently accomplished my goal to write and self publish two novels
The Mouse That Roared and Whatever It Takes.
My wife
Angela has been my biggest supporter. She jumped right in, rolled up her
sleeves and is responsible for setting up my connection to you Ms. Shivers
and literary online publication. I know this process has been much easier
because of her unconditional support. I am blessed to have her on my
side. My sons have been supportive by allowing me to run ideas by them
and they give me their honest opinions.
Lastly,
it's gaining the respect from established literary sites like MGS
Promotional Newsletter that open the doors for others to read this
interview to learn more about me and my novels. I really can't thank you
enough.
At times,
it's a bit overwhelming but I am enjoying the ride. Most of all, I
appreciate all the support given to me by readers and I can only wish that
I receive continued support from the literary community.
WORDS OF
ENCOURAGEMENT- "If
you have a story inside you let it out. Not living your dreams fosters
regret. Do your thing and have fun with it!"
|
 |
|
|
By Margie Gosa Shivers
Author of
Once Is
Never Enough
|
Available at: |
