I had the hardest time thinking of a title that represented the theme of what I was going for. It just hit me like a ton of bricks last minute… My mom really helped me.

18 June 2019 – Ty’Sean Judd

The Back Flap

A composition of poems designed to convey the lives of disadvantaged youth. They are mostly told from my perspective, as every poem is a recollection of my past experiences. I express the struggle, love, hate and progression of the young community as a whole by diving into the mental battles, social pressures and constraints that I have experienced in the past and/or currently observe.

About the book

What is the book about?

Tales of a Dignified Hoodrat details the aspects of different social constraints, as well as mental battles that inhibit a lot of youths from reaching their full potential. It expresses the commonality of the plights in many different underserved, underrepresented or targeted communities. Those who have endured some of the same struggles will possess a great deal of empathy while reading, and those who have not will be made aware of some of the most pressing but unnoticed issues in these communities; which will hopefully help them be more knowledgeable of people’s circumstances other than their own.

When did you start writing the book?

Senior year in High school/ summer before Freshman year of college.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took nearly two years to construct every piece that I knew would go into the book.

Where did you get the idea from?

Honestly, from experience. Everything described in this book stems from real experiences and thoughts, whether observed or endured. It was a goal of mine to capture the essence of life for a lot of my close friends, relatives and of course myself.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The title for one. I had the hardest time thinking of a title that represented the theme of what I was going for. It just hit me like a ton of bricks last minute… My mom really helped me.

What came easily?

The poems themselves for the most part, because I would rely on my feelings in the present moment or channel the perspective I wanted to write from early.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

There is one character that is introduced and represented in about three of the poems. I know this person, but the character’s demise/triumph is not based on his real life circumstances.

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?

Langston Hughes for sure, just being a pioneer in writing and not being afraid to try new things. His success stemmed from his unorthodox construction of poems along with other noble feats, but they all went into making him the most regarded poet of all time. He was never afraid to challenge social order, and had a strong sense of connectivity with the subjects of his work.

Do you have a target reader?

It’s a book of inspiration to the youth of underserved communities for the most part, but anyone can read and gain more knowledge and insight into the circumstances of so many people. The message is authentic and applicable to everyone who reads-“sink or swim”.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

If I know I am going to be writing a piece that I want included in a body of work, I will read through some of the other pieces in that same body before hand. I don’t know. I guess it gets my brain geared in that direction but for the most part I just sit, throw my earphones in and write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t outline extensively by any means but it’s a little different with a collection of poems. For one there is no plot, so I really only had to worry about placing the pieces in the order I saw fit. Every poem’s placement is purposeful for the theme of the book as well as the tone of that particular section of it.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait until I have finished, then go back as many times as I see fit or as many times as I see something I don’t like ahaha. For this particular book, I went back and edited it at least 10 times, partially because of formatting issues and the half of the time just pests I noticed.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No I did not, I did get some professional help though.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes! anything from J cole. I have been a fan of his since about 9 years old, and always felt every word he put on wax. It’s fitting that as soon as I turn his music on, words just start to fill up my paper as well.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No I didn’t for this one.

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 just made it up in my mind that I would get this book published somehow, and after a few months in I found out about some self- publishing avenues and took it from there.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

All me.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do, I do. I don’t want to say too much but I plan to start locally and expand. Anywhere from libraries to community centers are potential targets.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

We all did this with no blueprint, don’t be fearful. Enjoy the process, but also remember to be extra attentive to details when editing because It is really all on you to construct a body of work worth looking past the “self-published stigma” if you aren’t going to hire a professional.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Durham, North Carolina but was raised almost evenly between there, Rocky Mount and Raleigh, NC.

Where do you live now?

Raleigh, NC

What would you like readers to know about you?

My mission is to use my words as well as mentorship to inspire the youth behind me to break from any social bounds and strive. If one kid reads my book and digests it in a way that motivates him to do more, I’ll be happy, not satisfied with my mission of course, but happy for that kid for sure.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on two more poetry books, one based on prison reform and the other on Love and its implications. I am undecided as to which one I will be pursuing the publishing process with first, but for more information, content and contact purposes feel free to follow me on Instagram @gmt.ty. Peace and blessings!

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Tales of a Dignified Hoodrat from Amazon US or Amazon UK.