Urban Magazine proudly introduces our new urban literary feature with Sherrod Tunstall, the author of forthcoming novel Spicy. The novel will be released on November 25, 2013.
When did you first make the decision to pursue a career as an author? I’ve been writing since I was 12 years old. Plus, I like creating worlds where I can make the rules. And writing is something I just love to do so why not make a career out of it.
Name some of the authors who have influenced or inspired you? I have so many favorites I don’t know where to start. But to name a few that inspired me, it has to be St. Louis’ own Keisha Ervin, E. Lynn Harris, Omar Tyree, Zane, Wahida Clark, Ashley & JaQuavis, Nikki Turner, Noire, and Carl Weber.
How do you describe your writing style? I’m the type of writer that does a lot of research. It’s not like I have an idea today and I’m writing a book tomorrow. No, I do a lot of research I try to be one with the book and my characters. For a example one of the scenes in my book the main character is in Atlanta and I hen I was here in St. Louis I had a difficult time writing that scene so when I got down to Atlanta I was able to look at the sets and it flowed from there. And I pick out my main female & male lead character. Then I try to figure out who they, what do they do for a living, where do they live, their family(ies), their drama, and from there I figure out the ending of where I want them to go. And I don’t write out a book until I have it written out in my hand.
What separates you from other authors? I have my own writing style. I like to keep it real and tell it like it is with my writing.
Tell us about you forthcoming or current novel. My debut novel, Spicy is about a sexy St. Louis firecracker by the name of Ava ‘Spicy Perez. And for almost a decade she’s had everything from money, designer clothes and a beautiful townhouse all thanks to her man, Deuce, the head of “The Empire” But when Deuce is murdered by arch revival Big Kirb. Spicy wants revenge for Deuce’s death and will not rest until Deuce’s murder is brought her justice. Coming Out 11/25/13.
What do you hope people take away from the book? I want the readers to be entertain and that if you are in a bad situation there is always a way out of it.
Does this story relate to you on a personal level? If so, how? To be honest, no it doesn’t. Sorry. This a story I wanted to tell for years. But I never actually sat down to write it. It started of as a short story I did back in high school and put it way in my papers of other stories. Over the years, I looked and listened to other people I know from school, work, family members… just listening to conversation in a restaurant about their experiences and that’s what made me write the story again. Mostly I did it for fun. So it’s something for everyone from theeighteen year old college student to the stay at home mom.
What advice do you have to offer aspiring writers? Never, never give up on your dreams. If writing is something you want to do, please do your research. Learn as much as you can about the business. Believe in what you write and mostly believe in yourself.
