Armed robbery and carrying an illegal firearm.

What is your sentence?

My sentence was seven years, which will be up at the end of next year.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you're being given a chance to make amends?

Most definitely. Every chance that I’m blessed with the opportunity to wake up in the morning, I give or do something to make all of the wrong that I’ve caused somehow go away, a little at a time.

If it wasn’t for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

Yes, but in a different artistic form. Prior to my confinement I was just starting to pursue my career as a rap artist; therefore my writing would’ve come into fruition. With the type of lifestyle that I was living I would’ve never sat down to write a book, but I did have time to hit the studio and compose 72 bars for a song relating to my struggles and experiences.

How did you come to be a published author?

Let me first say that it was a lot of work, with very limited assistance. Before this case that I’m currently serving I was acquitted on another charge and had started to pen a novel before my acquittal. I went home, played with it and eventually came back in. I also lost a dear friend (rest in peace Man-Man) and took it as a sign that I needed to really get on top of legit business.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you are incarcerated?

Not at all, but there are certain parts that can be linked to me and individuals whom I have ran the streets with.

As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

Once again, not at all. With me being incarcerated I have to depend on others to handle my business for me, and at times, it’s very frustrating. But I wholeheartedly look forward to the hard work that I’m going to put in upon my release to be seen in the right light, my own.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

The only struggle that I have faced is putting out my novel while I’m incarcerated. What I’ve learned is that it’s not how you start, but how you finish.

Have other authors reached out to you?

A few have reached out to me via MySpace. Others that I have previously had contact with would be Eyone Williams, Robert Booker and Anthony Fields. Those are my comrades. I appreciate all the love.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

My opinion would be that some authors just wish to not go through the long drawn out process. It’s not like you write a book today and it comes out tomorrow. It may take months, or even years to drop a book. Others don’t have the resources and some just want the quick money.

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more “street credibility” because of it?

I honestly don’t feel like my book is successful. I’m not there to market, promote, or advertise it; therefore it’s not successful in my eyes. When the time comes, I do believe that more people will gravitate towards me, not only because of my credibility and them knowing that I have indulged in the streets, but from my personality.

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

I have plans to. I would love to do a few biographies, thrillers, children’s books and who knows what else? I’m actually in negotiations at this moment for a movie script that I have completed. I place no limits on my creativity.

What do you think of the current state of urban literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity over quality? Studio authors?

I believe that it’s wonderful. If you have a story, who’s to say you can’t produce it? To some degree, it is a fad. There definitely is more quantity over quality. Stories need substance. Studio authors? :) I leave the readers to answer that one.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Maya Angelou’s son, Guy Johnson. I really appreciate his work. Our collaborating would be on some straight gangsta shit, with a positive twist. Also, James Patterson. He’s the best on that thriller tip.

Is there a book that you’d really like to write that you just haven’t been able to?

My life story, but I have a lot more living to do before I reach to accomplish that goal. Trust me; it’ll be worth the wait.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one’s perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I’ve changed because I no longer have the lustful desires for the streets, or the “game.” Being away from the real world can do that to you. I want real success now and my options are limitless.

Once you're released, would you consider speaking with at risk youth?

Naturally. I think about it quite a lot. See, when I was younger and getting into all kinds of trouble, they always had way older dudes preaching to us. But we could never relate to them. With me, still being relatively young and having faced some serious situations, I think it will play an important role that can steer a few at risk youth away from the streets. They just need someone to be real with them and believe in them.

Do you believe that you will continue writing when you're released?

I have to answer in the affirmative.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

The top is so much better than the bottom. Always strive to be at the top. Hey, I’ll be waiting…

I was convicted of trafficking cocaine, manslaughter and other related offenses.

What is your sentence?

I was originally sentenced to "life with parole eligibility," which was reduced to football numbers.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you're being given a chance to make amends?

The system does not allow you to make amends; that must come from within yourself. There is no such thing as rehabilitation in the prison system - they don't even attempt to offer such programs in Georgia. A man must be motivated by his own regrets and remorse in order to make amends for the wrong that he's done.

If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

I believe so because even as a snot-nose I wanted to become a writer. I used to win writing contests in school. I had supreme academic game until the hood thing reeled me in. Still, I never lost the passion to write, or my passion for books. So, had I not came to prison, and had I avoided the cemetery, yeah, I believe that I would have somehow, some day, penned a book anyway. It was my destiny to become an author.

How did you come to be a published author?

I have been writing on notebook paper ever since I got popped eighteen years ago, before the genre was coined "street lit." I was a legend behind bars, here in Georgia, for my writing. Cats kept urging me to do something with my manuscripts. But until eight to nine years ago, there was no place to go with it. Three years ago, I self-published and my joint caught Wahida Clark's attention. We got connected and now we 'bout to bubble.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you are incarcerated?

Nah, I don't write about that shit. Too many people were hurt behind that incident; too many lives destroyed. I owe the victims and their families too much to fictionalize their pain. Besides, that story will get told down the line, when there's a market for my autobiography. But I do need to point out that when I write, I don't write "make believe" - stories that can't happen. I write it in the way it pops off.

As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

I can't say how I'm seen in relation to authors who aren't on lock. I hope I'm seen as an individual. A dude who writes from what he knows. Trust, the real streets know whose official and who's frontin'. I write fiction but it's real, not Hollywood.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Similar struggles to other authors; tryna get signed, tryna get the publisher to see our vision. For real, though, the only struggle is one in which you can never prevail. This shit (the book game) ain't no struggle. Ain't no lives being lost. I'm good with it; my struggle is for my freedom. Compared to that, this is nothing.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yeah, other authors have reached out. The ones that have can recognize what's real. I'm sure more will holla once my name becomes more known. I have been hollerin' at Kwame Teague (Dutch) since '03. My dude Mike Sanders (Thirsty) shows love; he's down with WCP too. Other cats in the game hollered, and a couple of boss sistaz, but I won't name drop.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

See, niggas doing a bid are like drowning men. I guess they grab the first rope they are thrown. Me, I would rather drown than get played. Like DMX said: 'Either let me fly, or give me death!' But, to each his own.

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more "street credibility" because of it?

I'm pleased with the success of Trust No Man, and I'm appreciative of the support I've gotten from readers. I imagine that if I was out there to do book tours, radio interviews - the whole nine - things would be even sweeter. But since I deal with reality and not the what ifs, I'ma make it happen in spite of being on lock. If your pen game is official, it doesn't matter where you at. My incarceration probably affected initial sales, but the word is out now. As far as a cat having more "street credibility" cause he writes from behind bars, I suppose a lame would see it that way. But know this, there are plenty fake niggas on lock, and a few of them can write hella shit. Don't be fooled! Credibility ain't something you get just because you doing a bid. The question is: How were you living on the streets? How you living on lock?

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

Yeah, I will. But under a pseudonym cause Cash is about them streets.

What do you think of the current state of urban literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity over quality? Studio authors?

I'm happy that there's a market for our stories, and I don't think it's a fad. Street lit is here to stay, just like the rap game. Yeah, there are too many whack authors dropping whack shit. But you can't deny them their right to try to eat. However, they won't eat well. It's easy to peep the studio authors. See, if you been deep in the game, you know what you know. And you recognize when the next cat don't know it. It's the minute things that tell on a perpetrator.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

I would love to collaborate with Wahida Clark or Mike Sanders. Yeah, I'm partial to the WCP team! I can envision a hot joint if I collabed with Kwame Teague, Kwan, Al-Saadiq Banks, Kiki Swinson, even Sister Souljah - mad props to her, always.

Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you just haven't been able to?

Nah, I write what I want, and then it's just a matter of when the time is right to drop it.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one's perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I haven't been changed at all. I notice a change in people around me, female C.O.'s in particular. I get more mail since my book dropped. But I'm still the same. Trust, cats in here don't bow down case I got published. They not on that type of time. I'm respected the same as before.

Once you're released, would you consider speaking with at risk youth?

I would speak to at risk youths, but for real, I'm more hands on. When I touch down, I'll find one or two youngins and try to positively affect their lives - individual lives. That's how I wanna roll.

Do you believe that you will continue writing when you're released?

I will absolutely continue writing once I'm released. I will broaden my horizon by doing other things, too. But I won't abandon the genre.

Possession of a fire arm.

What is your sentence?

Fifteen years and eight months.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you're being given a chance to make amends?

No, there were no victims in my crime to make amends with, other than the three children I had to leave behind ten years ago. In truth, the system is not designed for us to make amends or get rehabilitated - as falsely advertised. This is a human warehousing enterprise, from which only the companies with interests vested here profit from.

If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

Honestly, no. I was too busy trying to get nowhere fast.

How did you come to be a published author?

Well, I've read hundreds of books. One day I woke up thinking I could write one and gave it a shot. It was more like a challenge to myself than anything else. But a couple of guys read what I had, liked it, and encouraged me on. When I finished the manuscript, I had it copyrighted and sent copies out to a few publishers. I had three book offers, but of course, I picked the wrong one.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you are incarcerated?

Not directly, but I do believe it is virtually impossible to write a book and not incorporate some of your own life experiences and attach some of your personal beliefs to one or more of your characters.

As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

By some yes, because they believe we have more street credibility than someone who has not lived the life we speak of; but not by society as a whole, no.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

The first company that I signed with breached our contract in more than a thousand ways, robbed me, etc, etc, etc. I won't even mention their name because it will be free advertising for them.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yes.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

Financial problems. As quiet as it's kept, there are a lot of good sons, fathers and husbands here who would sacrifice to help their people out there. There are also those who need attorney money to get out of here.

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more "street credibility" because of it?

Being in prison keeps you from attending book signings, book club meetings and parties. It keeps you from getting out there to push your work. I know for a fact that if I were out there, my books sales would have tripled. I am a great salesman. As far as street credibility is concerned, the real crooks are out there doing what they do. We're mostly a bunch of dummies bragging about the little things we've had for a little time, before it all got taken away, including us, for a very long time.

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

I already have. I have written two mainstream novels, one of which will be in stores soon.

What do you think of the current state of urban literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity over quality? Studio authors?

I believe urban literature is NOT a fad, and I refuse to think that too many people are jumping on the bandwagon. I do believe that there are thousands of people out there who have stories to tell and the God given right to tell them. Some will tell them better than others, but that's what makes writing an art form, a craft, and some artists better than others. Yes, there is more quantity than quality out there, and that's the ugly side of any business. Studio authors? Why not? Studio rappers are making a killing. I went to the Minnesota State Prison for selling drug years ago. If a man can write a book about selling drugs, although he never actually sold any or went to prison for it, more power to him.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Two personal friends - Mike Sanders, author of Hustlin' Backwards, Snitch and his latest work, Thirsty. Newcomer Drako Sullivan, author of a recently finished novel titled At All Cost. Not just because they are my friends, but because they're gifted writers.

Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you just haven't been able to?

Yes. My twelve-year-old daughter, Aleja, asked me to write a children's book, and I promised I would.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one's perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I have learned to be more patient, because like the Bible says: "And this too shall pass." I have also learned to look for the beauty within people, as opposed to the distracting, deceitful surface.

Once you're released, would you consider speaking with at risk youth?

I have made a commitment with myself to do so, and I am looking forward to it. I believe my story will have a positive impact on at risk youth.

Do you believe that you will continue writing when you're released?

Yes. Make no mistake about it.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

I like a Chinese proverb that says: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." Continue to dream big, and pursue your dreams with perseverance. Remember that things that come easy are probably not worth a damn.

To all those who read my first novel, CRIMINAL CODE, I want to thank you for your support. I also want you to know that I have written part two titled THE CUBAN CODE. It will be available soon. I have also written two other novels which will come out soon after - DEAD CENTER and STREET TALES.

I was convicted of drug trafficking and given a two-point enhancement for having several guns.

What is your sentence?

My sentence was originally 240 months (20 years). But in ’07 a crack law amendment was passed, which lowered my sentence to 192 months (15 years, 10 months).

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you're being given a chance to make amends?

I’m going to answer this question with a simple yes and leave it at that. I really don’t want to go into details.

If it wasn’t for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

I would love to say yes. But if I said that I’d be a damn lie. If someone would have told me before my incarceration that I was going to be an author, I would have told them to move around and not to bring such foolishness to me ever again.

How did you come to be a published author?

I’ll try to make a long story short. A few years back my mom would send me three to four urban novels at a time. Well, one day I read this book that wasn’t good to me at all. I called her and asked her if she liked it, and she was like it was okay. I told her it was some garbage. She asked why I would say that. I told her that the book didn’t have a plot nor did it sound realistic. Moms explained to me the reason I probably didn’t like it was because the person who wrote the book was speaking on something she knew nothing about and by you knowing the streets like the back of your hand, her story sounded foreign to you, which caused you to hate what you don’t understand. I thought what if someone knew the streets like the back of their hand and wrote a novel about the streets but made it more realistic. I asked her how she thought a book like that would do. She thought it would turn out to be a damn good book. And the rest is history. I read a how to write a novel book and took off.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you are incarcerated?

I would say no comment, but I’m going to keep it one hundred with you, yes it does.

As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

I really don’t know because I’ve been incarcerated for over a decade and I’m not sure if I and other authors are even compared to one another. But if I had to make a guess, I would say yes.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Man…the list goes on and on, but I’ll share with you just a few. I can’t be hands on. I got to always get someone to do for me because I can’t do it myself. I can’t go to book signings. I can’t promote my book like I want to. I can’t interact with certain people who I know can help me better my career. I have to wait until opportunities come to me, and we all know that opportunities don’t always fall in our lap.

Have other authors reached out to you?

I don’t know but one author and that’s Curtis Smith and I talk to him from time to time. But no other authors have reached out to me.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

I think because they don’t have the resources to put it out themselves. Like I said before, you got to have someone do everything for you, and its hard finding someone to believe in you when you are incarcerated. You tell someone about your dream of putting out your own book and you need their help and they think you’re trying to sell them some penitentiary dreams, so your only option is to try to get a book deal with a publishing company who feels they can screw you over because they know you are in jail.

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more “street credibility” because of it?

I feel really good about the success of my book and it’s not because of the book sells, but because of the wonderful reviews I have gotten. So far, I haven’t gotten anything close to a bad review and you can’t imagine how that feels to a cat that is locked up. And as far as me being incarcerated helping or hindering my success – I’m going to say yes it has because again I can’t be hands on. I feel my book would do a lot better if I were out of prison. And the street credibility thing – I really don’t know if I have street credibility or not. I just know the people that are around me love me for me, and I really believe they could care less about my street credibility, so why should I care?

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

Yes, I’m going to get into a couple of things when I get out. I got this play I’m going to write that’s floating around in my head. I’m also reading some court documents on some high profile cases down here in the South and I’m going to write a documentary on them. I’ve come to realize that writing is my life, so I might as well get used to it.

What do you think of the current state of urban literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity over quality? Studio authors?

Man, this is a question I really don’t want to get into because I hate to offend anyone, but I’m going to keep it one hundred. I feel it’s a lot of studio authors out there with the same old unrealistic plots, talking about the rise and fall of some drug dealer or some promiscuous woman who glamorizes being a gold- digger. I believe because of these studio authors it’s causing true readers of urban literature to shy away from street fiction. That’s one of the reasons I call my style of writing “lawless love stories.” My plots are based on the essence of love and the wickedness of the streets.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

It would be an honor to collaborate with Eric Jerome Dickey, although our writings are different. He’s an author who focuses on his plots.

Is there a book that you’d really like to write that you just haven’t been able to?

I would like to write a book about my life, but I feel it’s not time yet. I got to get out of prison and know what it feels like to live again.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one’s perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I believe my circumstances have changed me for the better. I don’t consider myself as being perfect, but I will say I’ve come a long way.

Once you're released, would you consider speaking with at risk youth?

Yes. Marelyn Lewis is like my second mom and that’s a promise that I made her; that’s a promise I plan to keep.

Do you believe that you will continue writing when you're released?

Yes. Like I said before, writing is my life.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

Like my mother told me, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’ If you ever want something in life, you must speak it into existence.

Possession with intent to distribute, a class A and B substance.

What was your sentence?

Ten years.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you were given a chance to make amends?

Yes, I came home a different person. I feel each one must teach one. If someone can learn from my story, then that’s one less person that has to travel down the road I did.

If it wasn’t for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

Maybe sometime down the line when I slowed down but I doubt it…I always thought my life was like a movie, even started a book with two friends when I was 19 called ‘Non-Fiction.’ Only thing was I did too much ripping and running around to focus.

How did you come to be a published author?

As I wrote books I also read books about the business. The Writer’s Market was like my Bible. Then through networking with people in the industry I learned on the fly. I soon started Cold Blooded Books and dove in head first.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you were incarcerated?

My first novel, From a Thug to a Man, loosely mirrors my real life. I say loosely because I drew from real life emotions, adding things for the sake of excitement and subtracting things in fear of new indictments.

Because of your incarceration, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

Yes and no. Yes, because the body of work speaks for itself. No, cause of my incarceration and newspaper articles about my team. It gives my story a sense of legitimacy.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

I’d have to say getting the book in stores and the distributors to play fair. It’s a dog eat dog world, so if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.

Have other authors reached out to you?

No doubt…Latifa Sanchez had my back even before I came home. I’m always bugging LaShonda DeVaughn with questions that she answers right back. Nishawnda Ellis holds me down. And Al Saadiq Banks always lends a helping hand as well. These people are selfless…

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

I couldn’t tell you what exactly motivates the next person, but if I had to guess I’d say because one, writing is not for them and two, money…

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success?

And do you believe you have more “street credibility” because of it? I feel the sky’s the limit… Anything you work hard at you’ll prosper from. I never saw my time in the negative light. If I didn’t stay positive, I would never have moved forward toward being a better person and find a future for myself.

Is there a book that you’d really like to write that you just haven’t been able to?

I have 21 outlines and only five books done. It’s an adjustment for me to write on the streets.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one’s perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I just stop thinking so much about today and prepare myself for tomorrow. I’m older now; I don’t take life for granted anymore.

Since your release, do you still socialize with the people you were friends with prior?

Yes. These are my childhood friends. We’re like FAM. I’ll never turn my back on that. To their credit, a lot of them have grown as well. Some are still knee deep, but everyone doesn’t grow at the same pace. If I can be an inspiration for change…Let’s Get It!

Do any of the people you used to be down with treat you any different now that you're an author?

No, I have nothing but respect! I went to federal prison and didn’t bring no one else with me. I stayed true to friends and myself. How can’t you love that?

Has it been hard to adapt back into society?

That first month was real for me. I tried to bust out the gate running. That didn’t do nothing but land my ass back in jail, 26 days after my release. That quick, that easy…had to check myself.

Do you believe that your incarceration changed your life for the better?

No doubt…I was definitely a work in progress…laying down all those years gave me a chance to look deep inside and find my purpose in life.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

Everything happens for a reason. Things are never as bad as they may seem. God has a plan for all of us. Where ever you’re at in life, know that he’ll never put anything in front of you that you can’t handle.

I was convicted of the robbery of a jewelry store. My actual charge was brandishing a weapon in relation to a robbery.

What was your sentence?

I was sentenced to 7 years.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you were given a chance to make amends?

My crime wasn't against any one particular person so there is no one I have to make amends with, but the government does have me paying a $175,000.

If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

If I never went to prison there is no way that I would have ever been an author. Before my incarceration writing was the furthest thing from my mind. And it's a shame because when I was in college I could've taken journalism.

How did you come to be a published author?

I wrote my first book The Ski Mask Way while I was incarcerated at Fort Dix, basically on a dare from two of my co-defendants. While I was in prison I got hooked on street fiction and thought that I would be able to write my own book. A close friend of mine named Prince Wint read my book and asked me to type it up and send it to his sister, who turned out to be Nancey Flowers of Flowers In Bloom Publishing and the rest is history.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you were incarcerated?

The Ski Mask Way is loosely based on my life story and so what's going on in my book is what I was doing previous to my incarceration. I changed a lot of things (name, places, dates), and flipped things around a little but for the most part The Ski Mask Way was the life I was living.

Because of your incarceration, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

I don't think I'm given the same light as authors for several reasons. For one, the title of my book The Ski Mask Way was used by K. Elliot and G-Unit Books. My book was written in 2005. So a lot of readers get my book confused with K. Elliot's book and think it's a re-print. Also, due to the fact of my probation I'm not able to get out there and pound the pavement to promote my book like I would like to. I believe I'm as talented as any author out there, and with the right exposure I could be a best selling author.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

I believe that a lot of authors who are incarcerated sell their books to publishers because they are naive about the business of publishing. Others have long sentences and are just looking for some money to make their situations more comfortable for themselves on the inside. I can't fault them, but I knew early on that wasn't the direction I wanted to take.

Have other authors reached out to you?

One thing that I was surprised about is the love that other urban authors have shown me. I thought it would be real competitive but it's really not. Some of the top selling authors have taken time out of their busy schedules to help me out. I was incarcerated with J.M. Benjamin at Fort Dix and I knew him fairly well. When I came home he picked me up, copped me an outfit, and took me to the Urban Literary Awards. We are on the same imprint but it was something that he didn't have to do. He really went out of his way to show love and it's rare that you run into people so genuine and not big headed. Also, my publisher let Kwan read my book and he liked it so much that he gave her a quote for the back of the book. I got the chance to meet him and he gave me good advice and showed to be a real humble dude. T.Styles, K. Elliot, Kwame Teague, and a host of other authors that have slipped my mind.

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more "street credibility" because of it?

I don't think it helped or hindered me. And I'm not really concerned with street credibility at this point in my life. People from my neighborhood know what kind of dude I was. People who were locked up with me know what kind of dude I was. My co-defendants know what kind of dude I am. Most importantly, I know what type of person I am. I stood up, kept my mouth shut, and took my time and did it like a man. Nowadays it's a rare thing to see happen because of all the snitching and what not; but I feel like I did what I was supposed to do.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one's perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I just think more. There was a time in my life where I didn't care about anything or anyone, including myself. I basically learned the value my freedom and my family. At the end of the day family is the most important thing in the world. And by family I don't mean just blood, I mean people who are really down for you and love you unconditionally. I would never want to put my loved ones through what I put them through during my incarceration.

Do any of the people you used to be down with treat you any different now that you're an author? Do you still socialize with the people you were friends with prior?

I still socialize with the same people. Hang out in the same spots and everything. I've had the same friends since I was in grade school so it's too late to switch up now. No one treats me differently, they are all just extremely proud of me.

Has it been hard to adapt back into society?

For me it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to adapt back to society. It felt crazy the first week or so, but now sometimes I feel like I never went away.

Do you believe that your incarceration changed your life for the better?

My incarceration definitely changed my life for the better. I went into prison a boy and came out a man. I found a career in prison. I met my wife while I was in prison, and I just learned a lot about people and life while I was in prison. Adversity builds character and if I never went to prison when I did, it's quite possible that I wouldn't be breathing right now.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

My message to anyone is that you can do anything you put your mind to. We all have the power to change our circumstances, and just because you are locked up it doesn't mean that your brain has to be locked up. Make the most of every day you have on earth because every day you open your eyes is a blessing.

Drug trafficking, second degree assault, possession with intent to deliver, possession of a fire arm and first degree robbery.

What is your sentence?

Ten years for drug trafficking and three years for first degree robbery.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you're being given a chance to make amends?

Yes.

If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

No.

How did you come to be a published author?

Joe Joe Jones, my brother, and I started our own publishing company, Street Knowledge Publishing, with Bloody Money.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you are incarcerated?

Most of my work is from real life experiences. Shit I've seen or shit I've been through in one way or the other.

As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

Yes because my brother, Joe Joe, grinded as if I was still free. He kept my name alive.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Just the constant everyday grind that it takes to get your work out there as an independent without a major.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

A lot of people would rather take the easy route. It takes a bona fide hustler to go out and get it. My brother and I have done that our entire lives. We never relied on anybody for help. If we had to cut grass, shovel snow or rake leaves, we did what we had to do. Dealing with majors or selling your rights is sort of a cop out. You dig? A security blanket for somebody's insecurities!

How do you feel about the success of your book? Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success? And do you believe you have more "street credibility" because of it?

Hindered it. It should.

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

Yes. I'm about to branch out into plays and things like that.

What do you think of the current state of urban literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity over quality? Studio authors?

I really don't think of the current state. I'm only worried about my worth. It's becoming a fad. I'm not going to speak on that. It's more quantity. Plenty of studio authors.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Al-Saadiq Banks, Kwan or J.M. Benjamin.

Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you just haven't been able to?

Yes, my biography.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one's perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

I've been forced to change.

Once you're released, would you consider speaking with at risk youth?

Do you believe that you will continue writing when you're released?

Of course.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

Stay true to yourself and don't change for anyone.

Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

What was your sentence?

125 Months, meaning 10 ½ years. I served 9 ½ years.

For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you believe that you were given a chance to make amends?

Yes

If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your writing would have come into fruition?

Not at all. I never planned on being an author. But when my back was up against the wall, writing a book was my solution.

How did you come to be a published author?

I reached out to Carl Weber and he asked me to send him my manuscript. After he received it, he wrote me back and said he wanted to sign me to a 2-book deal with Black Print Publishing.

Is any of your work based directly upon the circumstances for which you were incarcerated?

No. But those circumstances will be highlighted in my upcoming book The Coin Toss.

Because of your incarceration, do you think that you're seen in the same light as other authors?

No. I have a unique experience. Everybody does not go to prison and become an author.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Financially, it takes a lot of money to run a publishing company. In regards to the major publishing houses, no one wants to pay you big money until you become big.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Absolutely. Nikki Turner, K'wan, J.M. Benjamin, Erick Gray, Endy, Anthony Whyte, Kiki Swinson, Treasure Blue, T. Styles, Seven, Allison Hobbs, to name a few (lol that's just about all of the heavy hitters in the industry) of the authors that if I need any assistance whatsoever all I have to do is pick up the phone or drop an email.

Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it out themselves?

They need the money or it was the most feasible thing to do at the time.

How do you feel about the success of your book?

I feel great. However, this is not the end. This is just Wahida Clark's beginning.

Has you incarceration helped or hindered that success?

Helped. And do you believe you have more "street credibility" because of it? Yes.

Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you just haven't been able to?

I'm penning it now.

An obvious change in circumstances can change one's perspective, how do you think that you've been changed?

From a negative person to a positive person. When I went to prison my whole world as I knew it came to an end. But I found life in that dungeon called prison.

Since your release, do you still socialize with the people you were friends with prior?

My friends from then have moved away or are dead.

Do any of the people you used to be down with treat you any different now that you're an author?

No.

Has it been hard to adapt back into society?

Not really. Still getting used to technology.

If you could drive across one message to any of your readers or those that are where you once were, what would it be?

Find something that you love to do and make it your career.