Nas, Big L and Iceberg Slim taught me how to develop better stories. How to visualize the scene and create interesting character dialogue. Rakim and Inspektah Deck are teaching me to use clever and innovative wordplay with my books.
Mansu Edwards – 18 February 2017
The Back Flap
Exotic Ignorance
A dating ad sparks a revolution in the streets and online.
Vertical Algebra
Motivational quotes from Englishman, Sir Kedcuv Rhinclavu IV translated by a Crater Rock Alien and Mansu Edwards. Also, includes an Alien Pronunciation Boot Index Section to comprehend unique extra terrestrial terms.
About the book
What is the book about?
The 1st book is Exotic Ignorance Ep. 8 Camouflage Pizza It’s about an online personal forum whose users engage in deception, lust and betrayal to achieve specific aims.
The 2nd book Vertical Algebra is inspirational quotes from a Black Englishman translated by me and a Crater Rock Alien from Mars. It includes a pronunciation dictionary to have a better understanding of extraterrestrial terms. The second half includes a bonus book entitled Pierre La Fluent’s Dictionary. It’s my own personal colloquialisms containing sentences to enhance the reader’s experience.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing Exotic Ignorance in 2015. I wrote Vertical Algebra around 2013 and Pierre La Fluent’s Dictionary around 2014 or 2015.
How long did it take you to write it?
Exotic Ignorance took a year. Vertical Algebra took 3 years. V.A. began as an Ebook, but, then I decided to reformat it and add Pierre La Fluent’s Dictionary to it. Pierre La Fluent’s Dictionary took a year to write.
Where did you get the idea from?
Exotic Ignorance came from perusing and engaging in forums and personal websites. Lol, it’s funny I just told my Barber that I didn’t remember how I thought of the idea for Vertical Algebra. Back in the day, I always used to think of new slang terms when I hung out with my friends. This was maybe 10 years ago. Then, in 2015, I was thinking about a book of my own personal slang. I wanted to do something different than my last book. This year I added sentences to the project so people know how to utilize the words in a sentence.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Formatting issues. Juggling with multiple endings for Exotic Ignorance.
What came easily?
Slang for Pierre La Fluent and the users conversation in Exotic Ignorance.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Fictitious and real world.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Wow, great question. I do my best to have my own writing style. I like being original. Authors I respect and push me towards greatness are Nas, Big L, John H. Johnson (Founder of Ebony And Jet), Iceberg Slim, Robert Greene, Rakim, Inspektah Deck, Karen Horney. As you can see it’s a mixture of rappers and authors. Nas, Big L and Iceberg Slim taught me how to develop better stories. How to visualize the scene and create interesting character dialogue. Rakim and Inspektah Deck are teaching me to use clever and innovative wordplay with my books. Robert Greene and Karen Horney helped me to delve into the protagonist and antagonist’s psyche.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader are those people from 18-35 years old.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Not really. I just hear the words in my head. Or I jot them in a notebook, type it into my phone or labtop.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I don’t outline. I write and see if it’s suitable for public consumption.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I do both, but, I try not to edit too much because it can lead to perfectionism. Also, it can lead to not finishing the project if I’m obsessed with editing.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Sometimes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I mainly write in silence. I did listen to some music while writing the 1st edition of Texting In New York City because I wanted something to push me to be more creative. So, I listened to edm, house and some electronic music.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process? I
decided to go Indie because I like having control over my work. I want to be creative and innovative. I don’t want anyone to dictate what I write.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
It was professionally done.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m strategizing and throwing around some ideas.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I’m not a newbie, but, I suggest that writers believe in what they’re writing. Always take risks and write as much as possible. So you don’t stress yourself over sales.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn.
What would you like readers to know about you? I
like Photography, working out, going out to eat and checking different events in the city when I have time. I directed/wrote and produced my first short film, Texting In New York City which is based on my book under the same name.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of Exotic Ignorance from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
Get your copy of Vertical Algebra from Amazon US or Amazon UK.