Author Crystall Williams tells about her forthcoming novel What About Your Friends? and her journey as an author. Post your comments below.
When did you first make the decision to pursue a career as an author? As a litter girl, I fell in love with reading and writing. When I was about 11 years old, I had an assignment to write a short story for my English class. When I got my paper back with an “A,” I knew then that I wanted to write. I was nervous about sharing my work outside of the classroom. About 6 years ago, I had a story in my head. I grabbed my notebook, and I just started writing. As my pen hit the paper, an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me. I gave birth to my first novel, and it was on after that.
Name some of the authors who have influenced or inspired you. There are a host of authors who have inspired me. The list is as long as both of my arms and legs put together…lol. I will start here: Donald Goines, K’wan, Cupcake Brown, Noire, Joy Deja King, DC own’s Jason Poole, Zane, and Anthony Fields. Michele Fletcher, JM Benjamin, Shannon Holmes, Ashley & JaQuavis, Keisha Ervin, Nikki Turner, K. Elliot, Ezra Jack Keats, Tushonda Whitaker, Danielle Santiago, Tracy Brown, Caleb Alexander, Stephen R. Covey, Wahida Clark, Leo Sullivan, Kwame Teague, Iceberg Slim, and the list goes on.
How do you describe your writing style? I am a detailed oriented writer which requires research at times. I like for readers to be able to ingest the words, and then visualize the scene or concept. I am an artist that paints my story with a pen of words.
What separates you from other authors? I am true to myself with my work. My creativity, heart, and soul are on each and every page of my novel. I don’t aspire to be like anyone else. I aspire to leave a legacy that I can be proud of, and one that readers can enjoy.
Tell us about you forthcoming or current novel. What About Your Friends is a grown and sexy with street edge novel about a group of individuals who have over 13 years of friendship. The group encounters the pains of life, love, and relationships. However, they are harboring a secret that test their loyalties. It’s a secret that will have you asking, What About Your Friends? It drops on 9/10/2013.
What do you hope people take away from the book? I hope that people enjoy my work and know that there is someone who shares their same struggle with the everyday woes of life. True friendship and loyalty are rare qualities that are hard to come by.
Does this story relate to you on a personal level? If so, how? No, this story is not based on my life. However, I took life experiences of those around me, added some flare, and indulged a little bit. It’s a story that I had to get out. It’s one that both men and women can relate to.
What advice do you have to offer aspiring writers? To those that aspire to write, dream, and dream big. Never give up on your dream and believe in yourself. Remember that the pen is the mightiest weapon that we as human beings can possess.
