Interview With Author Rodney McNeil
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rodney McNeil, and I am an author from Fort Worth, Texas. I have written four books: Ro’Man’s Is Dead, The Candy Academy: Dream Candy, Eye Hate Essays, and my latest, Analog Introspection (AI): The Experience. My writing leans heavily into poetic expression, filled with imagery and vivid detail that characterizes both my message and style.
Outside of writing, I have an active lifestyle. I enjoy strength training followed by a minimum of one mile of cardio. I also love to shoot pool, bowl, and play golf. These activities are therapeutic and a great physical outlet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration for Analog Introspection (AI): The Experience came from observing the shift on how we live our lives. This is a hyper-digital society, constant scrolling, with endless connection, and cameras always on. Without a doubt, technology has benefits, but it has blurred the lines of privacy, identity, and purpose.
This book is my response to what I see and experience: addiction to social media, surveillance culture, viral challenges, end time predictions, and data ethics. Also, smartphones listening to our conversations to viral videos capturing people in vulnerable moments. These realities compelled me to write.
This is my message: breathe meaningfully. Know who you are, and build real fulfilling relationships. A digital footprint is valuable in our modern society but it should never outweigh our human essence. “Analog” represents our human nature, and “Introspection” is reflection and self-awareness lost in a tech driven landscape. It stands in contrast to “AI” artificial intelligence.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual my writing habits are, but they have evolved with time. I no longer write pencil to paper. Since beginning distance education in 2021, my creative process shifted to fully digital writing. It could be the norm for most now, but it was a major change for me.
Whether I am working on an essay, article, or creative piece, I do not take notes. Online learning trained me to absorb information, internalize it, and write immediately. Even if I break, I can return days later, still holding onto my original inspiration. When creative thoughts and phrases come to me, I type them in my iPhone notes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences are poetic lyricists. Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony fascinates me, like in Romeo and Juliet. The audience knows information some characters unfortunately don’t. Edgar Allan Poe mastered repetition to create tension and unforgettable scenes. Dr. Seuss made rhymes playful but memorable with comedic, tongue twisting brilliance.
Also, I admire 2pac and Nas for how they captured the psychological ills of their environment. Their words are poetically filled with grit and truth; blending social commentary with art.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next phase of Analog Introspection (AI): The Experience a spoken word album. I want listeners to hear the poems from Analog Introspection and feel the layers of expression that go beyond written words. I have always been curious how lyrics translate when read versus heard. I aim to explore those aspects.
There is also a possibility of creating visuals to accompany the album. This poetry can be brought to life through video and imagery. I want my work to engage multiple senses.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, my most effective promotional tool has been my Amazon author page and podcast interviews. There is something powerful about seeing a book listed on a professional site; it validates the work’s existence. Beyond that, putting a face and voice to the writing helps audiences connect to the artist.
People have asked after viewing the interviews where to buy the book. That feedback has shown me the power of being visible. Right now, speaking about my work is the best promotion I can do.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
New authors, be yourself and find your voice. Your voice is your literary identity that will set you apart creatively. Hire help for illustration, formatting, and editing; if you do not know how yourself. A professional design and presentation shows your taste in quality.
Above all, be sure to copyright your works and read all contracts you are signing. Take care of your business. Art has emotions but business does not.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have gotten is: “Be yourself,” and “You will never know if you don’t try.” These simple words hold deep wisdom. We are not meant to walk the same path. I’m not trying to be anyone but myself. I embrace my unique qualities and original thoughts.
Also, I learned to not overthink my process. When I questioned my method, those close to me reminded me to try or I want know. Those words had a profound impact on me. Effort and beliefs are essential. Success is on the other side of taking a chance. Failure is not real until you try and fail.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching (8th Edition) by M.D. Roblyer and Joan E. Hughes. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Technology and Leadership. This book offers insight into designing curriculum that effectively incorporates technology. This will be useful if I decide to teach in Higher Education. Online Higher education can be powerful for working adults but it needs innovation to keep students interest and engagement.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I seek to push beyond conventional publishing. One of my goals is to create an anime series. I love how anime characters exaggerated expression and dramatic sequences. My poetic writing has an edgy, hyperbolic style that I believe translate well into this genre.
Also, I am exploring the idea of a podcast series of story telling through words alone. It’s on my creative radar and something I plan to pursue.
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?
If I were stranded on a deserted island, the three books I would want are:
The Bible: In times of hardship, your faith in God is everything. I need God’s wisdom and guidance to endure isolation and lack of resources.
Webster’s Dictionary: Having a dictionary helps keep the mind sharp and allows for clear communication if rescue comes.
How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O’Shei: It has practical strategies for survival, from finding water to signaling for help.
I Kill Giants, comic book, by Joe Kelly: This a strong comic showing the strength of the human spirit in the face of opposition. It explores belief and the transformation to real action.
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Rodney McNeil’s Social Media Links
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