Alright, alright UK and world wide people let’s welcome De’Kari! We’re kicking off March’s Meet The Author by heading over to the West coast of the USA. Yasssssss we have another author from this part of the world, who I’m happy to have met, and to have read their work. I’ve personally dubbed him one of the ‘Street Lit Kings‘ as I found his work very engaging. I read Gorillaz in the Bay last month, and ya’ll know I don’t really read this genre. But, I really enjoyed it you can read the full review here.
From what I understand Author De’Kari has been causing quite a storm in the land of urban fiction, and scooped up nominations, titles/awards. Let’s get to know his style….
Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?
Hello, my name is Author De’Kari. I am from Menlo Park, the Bay Area of California. I love spending quality time with family, fishing, sports, rapping and writing music.
Kim- Fishing?? *Pulls a funny face* well, I’m surprised! I never would have imagined you sat with a fishing rod, kicking back and waiting for a good catch.
How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?
I discovered my passion during my childhood when doing creative writing in school. My inspiration for creating these stories were my experiences and things I saw growing up.
Who is your favourite author, is there anyone out there that inspires you?
K’WAN, Kwame, Ca$h, Terri Woods & Terry McMillan – I enjoy their style of writing and I don’t get bored. They all inspired me as well as my loved ones.
Kim- Love Terry McMillan yes!
What genre do you enjoy reading?
Romance, Suspense Thriller, love Western’s, Murder Mysteries, Urban Fiction.
Kim- Arrrgh really? Mmmkay… that’s interesting I write fifty percent of that genre list there. *Cheesy grin*
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I now take in consideration what my readers suggest from their reviews and feedback.
So you’ve published a series, what is the series about?
The rise and struggle of a Bay Area drug organization.
What was it like creating back to back stories that link?
After the first story, the ideas for the next one was fresh in my mind. It was easy linking them together.
Kim- Wozers, you know I really take my hat of to you series writers who can link stories. I’ve ever really been good at that. I have created a series…but standalone stories… with the same theme…. sooooo not the same. Well done you!
Where did you draw your inspiration for the plot in Gorillaz In The Bay?
Real life experiences.
Kim- I really think readers should check that out I really enjoyed it, and that’s from a non-traditional reader of the street lit genre. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the reality, and clever plot. My full four star review is here.
It’s interesting that you used females ‘the she-wolves’ as female assassins and key players in GITB. What made you decide to have a female line up of this nature?
In many urban novels the men dominate, so I wanted to do something different. I grew up around women that were strong, leaders and knew how to handle themselves on the streets the same as any man.
Kim- was great reading, raw! But great.
How do you ensure when it comes to street lit as a genre, your stories are realistic and believable ? I must say, I found GITB to be very believable. There is a great deal of reality in my stories.
Things I saw growing up.
In your view, what would you say are the strengths of this genre? Why should readers consider it to read?
For so long no one ever told our story, stories of the hood. The authors I am familiar with (including myself), we are writing about true events and turning it into fiction. I think they are good-reads because of the creativity that goes into them.
In your view are there any weaknesses, or things to improve on in this genre?
The way a lot of male authors portray women in unrealistic role an demean them.
Kim- *takes a deep breath* Yeah, I kinda gotta agree. As a female this is the biggest turn off for me as a reader of this genre. And that’s probably the biggest reason I’ve kinda not really dived into it as a reader, which is a massive shame as I’m a big reader. But, what I have found is that the older or more mature the author is, the better I can read and engage with their work. I found this with you, and with another male author. In all honesty, I do think the genre has some work to do to help improve how women are portrayed. It’s interesting you used the word ‘unrealistic’, I’m glad someone else thinks so.
Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? If you could what genre would you like to dabble in?
Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Suspense Thrillers and maybe Black Westerns.
Kim *grins* yeah I’d read all that if you did.
What has been your most proud moment as an author?
The moment I had one of my books in my hand and the first time someone I didn’t know told me they read my book.
Was there ever a time you wanted to pick up your laptop, and then launch it out the window with frustration?
Due to my situation all my writing is done by hand with a pencil. There have been several times out of frustration that I have torn the pages up and started over.
Kim- You’re the second author in about two weeks that has given me that same response! Salut to you!!
Are you a “plotter” or a fly by the seat of your pants “pantster” as a writer?
Fly by the seat.
Am I the only one who gets hung up on commas? Do they make you go blah! when you’re writing?
Not really, I was kind of a nerd in school, so it doesn’t bother me.
Kim- I hate you!
Every writer has a word(s) that they always slip up on when they write, then slap their forehead when they notice their typo. For me it’s further and farther exit or exists- but hey I’m over it now. Do you have a word (s) that make you go blah! Go away not another damn typo.
The words than and then, I correct many times.
What three tips would you give any aspiring writer?
Follow your passion, work hard and do lots of promoting. Write what’s in your heart, never give up or let someone change your story but you must be open to critical and constructive criticism.
Kim- Amen to that.
What are you working on now? What will you release next?
I have a 2-book series, the first one to be released in March 2020 called Tears of a `Gangsta. I am currently working on part 2.
Kim- Hmmm, mmmkay…
So…. where can we get your books?
Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com, Walmart.com
Kim- Walmart! And Target amazing! I’m on the other side of the world and even I know how big those stores are in the USA. Well done you!!
What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?
Not sure, I would like some suggestions.
Kim * Whistles*…. let’s get on to the next question, I ain’t gotta clue either that’s why I ask. LOLZ
What does “success” look like to you? When would you say “damn, I’ve made it baby!”
When I am on the “New York Times Best Seller” list.
Kim- Snap!
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
Hurt, because you need to be humble but always have confidence!
Kim- Good answer.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
When research is needed “Team De’Kari” does my research since I am not currently unable. They spend limited time on research because I come up with most of the stuff on my own.
What is your writing process like?
I get an idea and then the title comes soon after.
Is there anything you must have while writing? (Music, snacks, etc)
I have my snacks nearby. I usually block out time in the morning and late evening to write. While writing I like things quiet so I can have complete concentration. Leading up to me writing I usually listen to some mellow music, if I have access.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I read all my reviews. I enjoy the feedback. Most of my reviews have been positive. I have received some comments about grammar or something minor but if I do get a negative review, I will learn from it.
What was your hardest scene to write?
Writing scenes with conversations.
Kim- That part comes kinda easy to me… maybe it’s due to the many ‘staff meetings’ I hold with myself during the day. LOLZ
Do you Google yourself?
Yes!
Kim- F*ck I don’t I’m too scared too!
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Approximately 3 months.
Kim- Just knock them babies out huh? *Totally jealous* writing for me can sometimes be like child birth…. slow and painful in places.
What would you like readers to know?
That I have a passion for helping people especially our Youth. I have spent most of my life helping others. I guess this has a lot to do with the suffering I endured as a child.
What’s your favourite movie?
Braveheart with Mel Gibson.
What’s your favourite book and why?
I have so many but the one that stands out now is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
What music do you like?
I like all kind of music, but R&B is my favourite.
Where would you like to travel to and why?
Africa, the home of my ancestors.
Kim- Ummm, me too.
Tell us about how you develop your characters?
From people I know / have met along my journey.
Which one of your characters is your favourite and why?
It’s hard to say just one because there are several characters that have a piece of me in them. If I had to pick one it would be Voorheeze because no matter what he went through, he survived.
Kim- Awww so I really need to read the next part in Gorillaz in The Bay now, to see what happened to him. You know I thought you’d say T’Rida for some reason.
Do you need a lot of sexual experience to be a good erotica author?
I think it helps. You can also learn from what you see in movies, etc. Also having a great imagination.
Kim- you know I put this question here for an erotica author I interviewed years ago, most authors skip over it. Glad you stepped up to the plate. I think imagination is everything really with erotic stories or sex scenes, regardless of experience.
If you could do it all again would you change anything?
Yes, I would have searched for a publisher years ago when I wrote my first book.
Pick one a one time “Bestselling author” or an author with longevity what would you rather?
I would say an author with longevity as long as people enjoyed my work / purchased my books.
Thank you so much for spending time with me today De’Kari, it’s great to put a face to the great book. And get to know you a little better. I would encourage those who enjoy raw tales, crime fiction, and urban fiction that’s realistic to give this series a try. With thirty nine positive reviews on Amazon on my last check, why not!? It’s also free to read on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this interview.
About The Series
Gorillaz In The Bay Book Series
Social Media links:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Dekari.Beckum
Instagram – urban.novels.by.dekari
Twitter – https://twitter.com/DeKari67503535
Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/DeKari/e/B07MCMJGXJ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_fkmr0_1&qid=1556320531&sr=8-1-fkmr0
Goodreads Author Page – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18735895.De_Kari?from_search=true
About The Author
The author was born and raised in Northern California.
In additional to writing, he creates poetry, writes songs and does artwork. He loves spending time with family, fishing, sports and helping youth.
He is happy that he is finally able to share his writing with others, putting his passion to work! De’Kari, author of the newly released Gorillaz In the Bay, is a promising author whose work is nothing short of amazing. Though it’s his first book, De’Kari’s work provides readers with an authentic glimpse into street life. He currently writes urban fiction but plans to cross over to other genres.
Author, Kim Knight 