Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve only written the one novel so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadow Resistance is the name of the novel, which is also a series. It was inspired by my experience in the US as a triple minority, (Black, lesbian, female.) These days, it seems like being different is politicized so much that humanity seems to have gotten lost. While the novel was initially written out of anger of the violent shift of the country, it ended up being more of letting people see the lives and thoughts of others who may be different than they are.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Honestly, since Shadow Resistance is my very first novel, I can’t say that I have a great deal of “unusual” habits as I feel like I’m still trying to find habits in general. I *did* manage to write the majority of the 1st draft next to my wife in front of the television. (And I never put anything I saw in the novel, so… bonus?)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Influenced is a strong word. It’s hard to say an author has fully influenced me because I find that my style is generally unlike anyone I’ve read. I don’t see myself as an author, but a storyteller, so I write the way I would tell a story
That being said, the nuances captured by Dean Koontz, has always influenced me. He has been the 1st author that I read where I truly *felt* the characters more than read them. That’s what I hope I have brought into my writing. I want readers to feel my characters emotions as if they were their own.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on the sequel to Shadow Resistance. I also have a couple of other works in progress that I dabble in while I’m piecing out the direction for Book 2.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When I figure that out, I’ll let you know. Ha! I use Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook. However, I’m not very good at the “social” part of “social media.” I’m hoping putting myself out to more websites, such as Awesome Gang, will garner more interest. I’m a big believer that if my work is good, word of mouth will help. (Probably an idealistic notion, but hey… I’m an artist!)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can say is write from your heart. Write a story you would want to read. Success isn’t just determined by how many books you sell, but how proud you are of the work produced. I probably will retire in 25 years from my same 9-5. I may never be a success, but I can say I’m proud of what I’ve done thus far.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There is wisdom in the multitude of counsel.” My mom used to tell me that all the time since I was a kid. At first, I truly didn’t understand it, but as I’ve gotten to be an adult, it is something that I repeat quite frequently.
The way I see it, EVERYBODY can’t be wrong. This isn’t just with life experience, but it can apply to self-esteem issues as well. I have always battled with self-esteem and self-worth issues, particularly when I’m trying to put myself out their in various ways. (ie. music & writing.. oh, I’m a musician too.) When my brain tells me how horrible I am, I remember those words and it shifts my focus to what OTHERS have told me over my life.
I mean, what are the odds that EVERYONE but me is wrong?
What are you reading now?
Between work, writing, family and other obligations, my reading has kind of dwindled. However, I did promise my step-daughter that we would read the Harry Potter series together. I haven’t started yet, (shhh, don’t tell her), but that’s what’s next on my reading plan, the Harry Potter series with my kid.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I wish I had a crystal ball to answer this; it would alleviate SO MUCH anxiety! I honestly don’t know. Right now, I just want to write stories that I feel aren’t told, or maybe aren’t told in a way *I* can tell them. I would love to do this for a living. I would love a TV/movie deal so money isn’t a worry and I can just create. But I’m not there yet. So right now, what’s next is that I will carry on with my regular life, while writing what’s in my heart on the side.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. From the Corner of His Eye – Dean Koontz (my all-time favorite book. I could go one for paragraphs why, but just pick it up.)
2. The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
3. Life Expectancy – Dean Koontz (much less heavy as the 1st one, but it’s still a great read.)
Author Websites and Profiles
B.J. Cyprian Website
B.J. Cyprian Amazon Profile
B.J. Cyprian’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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