Originally it was felony murder.

What was your sentence?

I received 30 to 60 years at the age of 16. By the grace of the Almighty and with determination I was granted an appeal after 9 years in. It took another 4 years for me to be re- sentenced. After 13 years within the Belly of the Beast, I was finally released on parole on January 14, 2007.

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

I did the time for the crime I was convicted of. That was my amends to the system. I went to prison at 16 years old! Can you imagine that? Real prison, not a special kids' prison. The belly swallowed me whole as a child and I became a warrior. Real street kings like Shaka X and Bradford Bey taught me that respect holds more weight than fear, and I added the wisdom to my foundation. I learned myself by testing my limits. I found myself by reading and studying the experiences of my people in history. I grew into manhood and discovered my purpose. I am now a man who plans to be an asset to my community instead of a liability.

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

Maybe, maybe not! I wrote my first story and it was published when I was in the 6th grade, but I became serious about my writing when I started writing for the FACTOR prison newspaper. When it's all said and done, I AM the on the path the Almighty set for me.

How did you come to be a published author?

While I was incarcerated I was inspired by hustlers who came out of prison and built their own publishing empires and told their stories to the world. Once I saw what was possible, I was off and running. I studied the publishing game and hip-hop hustlas like Master P. I then wrote out my business plan and my wife started Moorer House Publishing to release our debut novel Life & Love; The Ultimate Sacrifice and H-H.E.A.T. Magazine, which has turned into a monster marketing tool.

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

When we wrote Life & Love; The Ultimate Sacrifice, we gave it to you raw! It's the mind, body and soul of the street experience. If we would have made it our true story, we may have lost some people who would have felt like it was their own. So the book is based on a true story, everything is real and true to life, but you never can tell where imagination kicks in and out of the story.

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

Not to my people and comrades in prison! I'm one of the real ones who turned words into actions after getting out. Some saw and others planned with me, but most of the letters I get from prison lets me know that most are proud to see me shine a powerful and positive light on a few of the many good black men who come out of prison and make it.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Money and unity! When we began publishing H-H.E.A.T. Magazine, it was sent directly to prisoners for free. But that started to become too expensive to handle by myself. When we brought the H-H.E.A.T. to the game, everyone wanted to be in the magazine, but we had a hard time getting independent/self-published authors and publishers to advertise. The only company I can truly say that was interested is T. Styles and The Cartel Publications. 90% of the authors that were featured in our debut issue didn't even subscribe to the magazine. But we didn't let that stop us. We just went to the streets and made it happen with the support of the streets and prisoners. The H-H.E.A.T. is strong in prison with over 1,300 subscribers and it's growing everyday. I see it like this, if independent authors and publishers can't see that if we unite we can become a true force in this game then I'll make everything I do about the authors behind bars and build this dynasty around them.

Have other authors reached out to you?

No doubt! Kwame Teague is my right hand man! And he's incarcerated, which goes to show you who my biggest supporters are once again! Kwame and I are like minded in that we both believe that if the hip-hop literary genre comes together we would be able to lock this pen game down and rob the mainstream industry of its power over our history and economics. If we were to value ourselves as an industry above and beyond our value of the mainstream publishers, book stores and media, then we could re-build the legacy of the Black Wall Street and Black Renaissance Movement. With that being said, authors like Kwan, Caleb Alexander, Jason Poole, Heather Covington, K.D. Harris, Iesha Brown and Relentless Aaron have also reached out in one way or the other.

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?

Life & Love; The Ultimate Sacrifice isn't a New York Times bestseller, but it's a success because it's a tribute to the streets and the streets have crowned it! It's the life and love story of the street. I didn't have to write a street novel because that's in me and it came out naturally. Most people who read the book say it's more of the feel and thoughts of the streets from a male and female perspective. When it's all said and done, this is a book I am proud of. If I would have written some B.S. with the hottest cover by Vida or Keith and it sold a million copies, the reader would be expecting that from me every time. From the cover to the story you're reading what I wanted to say; my voice is being heard and my legacy is being built. Above and beyond anything else, Life & Love is a success because who would have thought after 13 years in prison I'd finally be a successful author and publisher. As far as "street credibility" goes, I was known on the streets as a beast! Known in prison as a warrior! Now, I'm known as a man of vision that survived it all! All praises do the Almighty and my best friend next to him, Mrs. Moorer, for saving the street from the other side of me!

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

Also, after self-publishing Life & Love, I realized that marketing and distribution is the main obstacle of an independent publisher. H- H.E.A.T. Magazine was my answer to this obstacle and it has become a great success promoting the Independent Hip-Hop Movement on a national and international level. We're building a brand that speaks to the social (importance of literacy and critical thinking amongst the mature hip-hop culture), hood/hip-hop politics (inspiring & supporting a new breed of hustlas and visionaries within the prison industrial complex) and economic strength through unity within this Independent Movement of Hip-Hop culture. My new perspective is that we can accomplish greater things if we work together. I don't compete with my peers. I challenge them to be great! Next year's "H- H.E.A.T. FEST & AWARDS" will be the ultimate test of the strength of this movement; we will be honoring the true hustlas within the independent hip-hop game and hosting "The State of Hip-Hop Lit," a discussion group and panel of the heavy hitters in the game. We're bringing the H-H.E.A.T. to a culture full of explosive minds and legendary ambition, redirecting it towards HIP-HOP ELEVATING ADVANCED THOUGHTS.

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

As a matter of fact I do stop through the hood whenever I'm not busy with family and building this dynasty. Sometimes I have smoke sessions with the older brothers with a little more game about themselves. They have barbershops, book stores, custom car paint shops, and recording studios in their basements. Some even sell a little weed on the side. But they are all good brothers that keep me grounded. My life is a dream come true. I may be in my home office taking a call with Russell Simmons' people about the Pen Game movie, or get a call from bestselling author Jason Poole. If you ask any of them about me, they know about this H.H.E.A.T. Movement and Kingpen A.S. So when I build with those brothers in the hood, they look up to me and I feed them jewels about what I've learned in life that can get them where they look up to me for being. You feel me?

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

Yes. And I believe I've pretty much addressed the fact that I am now a positive role model to real people in the street or authors/hustlers that are looking for a way to take hip-hop lit and culture to the next level.

Has it been hard to adapt back into society?

Of course! It's been hard for me because for 13 years I've survived as a warrior and now I am the chief of my tribe. I still do and say things warriors do, even as I accept the honor the Almighty bestowed upon my crown. Let's just say I'm gracefully growing into my reign.

I was convicted on a single count of conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base. I was apart of the first black organization to ever get indicted solely out of South Philadelphia

What is your sentence?

I was tried in 1993 and sentenced to LIFE without the possibility of parole. But I was successful with two of several appeals - the first in 1997, which reduced my LIFE sentence down to 40 years; and the second appeal granted in 2002 took the 40 years down to 24 years, blessing me with a 2014 release date. All praise due to Allah (God). Hopefully with this new crack law that passed, I'll be a free man even sooner! If Allah wills.

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

No, because prison isn't about rehabilitation anymore. It's all about profit! Islam has given me the chance to made amends, first with the creator Allah, then myself, family and friends. Now, once I'm released I'll be able to improve the community I once corrupted.

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

Not at all! If you would've told me five years ago that I would be an Essence bestselling author, I would've thought you were crazy. Being a published author wasn't initially one of my dreams but now that I am, I want to be one of the best!

How did you come to be a published author?

Jason Poole had submitted a manuscript to GhettoHeat along with the names and brief descriptions of his other projects, one of which was our collaboration of Convict's Candy. Hickson, the CEO of GhettoHeat, asked Jason to send the manuscript for Convict's Candy and he went crazy over it. He gave Jason and I a percentage offer we couldn't refuse! He knew how Convict's Candy would elevate our careers!

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

No. However, Convict's Candy is definitely based on a true story. We just changed some of the names because a few of the real guilty characters are celebrities that would have tried to sue us. But if you read between the lines, you will know who we exposed. My next novel, Boy-Toy, is also based on a true story. It's dedicated to my best friend Cheo Erving, who is the son of legendary Hall of Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving.

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

Yes and no! No because some narrow minded people still don't respect or understand a person's talent and growth while being incarcerated! And yes because once anyone reads Convict's Candy and Boy-Toy, they bear witness that I truly am in a lane of my own! Convict's Candy has changed the lives of so many people, young, old and in between. It has encouraged people to get tested for HIV. My writing has sparked conversations about protection between couples and brought home the realization that their loved ones who are incarcerated still need the support and love from them. Boy- Toy will continue to educate as well as entertain my readers. But most importantly, as long as I'm please with Damon "Amin" Meadows' writing, that's all that really matters. I write because I enjoy it and love the challenge.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

The only real struggle I have faced is not being able to promote my novels as I would like, because nobody will market and promote your blood, sweat and tears as you would yourself.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yes. As-salaamu Alaikum to my people: Kwame Teague (Dutch trilogy), Eyone Williams (Fast Lane), Caleb Alexander (Deadly Reigns trilogy), Wahida Clark (Every Thug Needs a Lady), Yasmin Shiraz (Privacy), Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti (Street Legends), and of course my man Jason Poole (Victoria's Secret). I would love to touch bases with other authors as well, so holla at a brother!

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

Of course I will. Convict's Candy is a real crossover. Boy-Toy is definitely on a mainstream level. I also have a non- fiction idea, which I'm thinking about making into a trilogy titled LIFE@21. I will never be put in a box. I'm a well-rounded author.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

There are two brothers who've just been signed to my publishing company, PIN MINDSTATE. They are like a breath of fresh air! Keyon Lee is the author of Older Women Younger Men. He and I collaborated on another controversial novel titled How to Love a Black Man. We also have March "M.J." Johnson. He is the author of Wages of Sin. He and I are in negotiations about a collaboration. PIN MINDSTATE is raising the bar so that artists who are about integrity and true talent will have a platform to showcase their ability. They can submit their work for review and possible consideration to be apart of the PIN MINDSTATE family!

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

Yes! I'm thinking about exposing the truth about a certain publisher that has pretended to be an author. I'm a little hesitant because I would never want someone who is ignorant to the facts to say that I had to use someone to get ahead, when the reality is literally the opposite. With cemeteries in your closet, crossing the very people who are the secrets behind your success should never be an option! I'm true to the game.

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

Real talk, my circumstances weren't the reason for the change in my perspective because incarceration is in no way, shape, or form about rehabilitation! My submission to Allah and the application of true Islam in my everyday life changed my perspective! I've become responsible in every sense of the word.

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

PIN MINDSTATE will definitely be active in the community and especially with helping at risk youth. If Allah wills, I feel that persons like myself, who at one time helped to destroy our community, should have an obligation to help build it back up. Our at risk youth are more likely to listen to us because they remember or heard about how we were in those streets. They still respect that negative image so we have to use that influence to our advantage and show them that they can still get money, power and respect in a positive way. The key to it (after Allah) is to SHOW them, not just telling them!

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

Yes, I'll always continue to write. Plus AIFAMEGA, Keyon Lee and myself just completed our first screenplay called "Competition." We'll have screenplays for our novels as well. PIN MINDSTATE is about to make our mark on the big screen!

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

That nothing has the right to be worshipped, except Allah, and that Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) from over 1400 years ago is the Last and Final Messenger of Allah!

I want to thank OOSA for this wonderful opportunity! Damon "Amin" Meadows will continue to write groundbreaking, jaw dropping, educational yet still entertaining books. PIN MINDSTATE: In a Lane of Our Own!

I was convicted of a federal drug conspiracy. Conspiracy to manufacture and deliver cocaine.

What is your sentence?

My sentence is fifteen (15) years, which I've already served eleven. Due to the recent change in the crack sentencing guidelines, by the grace of God I should be home very soon.

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

So to speak. But how do you make amends for simply doing the only thing you ever knew how to do? The only thing I've ever known was how to hustle. Although I knew it was wrong, it was the route I chose to take so I could feed my family. Am I remorseful? Yes. Do I regret it? No.

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

Not in a million years! I was too preoccupied with chasing street dreams while hustling backwards. When I was home, writing a book was probably the farthest thing from my mind. My incarceration was God's way of slowing me down enough so that I could finally realize my talent. So, like I said, not in a millions years!!

How did you come to be a published author?

It's funny how it happened because initially I had no intentions of trying to get published. I wrote Hustlin' Backwards out of boredom and I only intended for a few cats that were around me at the time to read it. They ALL said it was hot and that I should try to get it published but I brushed their comments off and stuffed the manuscripts into my locker for a while. Then after reading a few books that had gotten published during that time, I knew I could get published. I went through the process of rewriting, editing and manuscript submitting until I eventually got a deal with Black Pearl Books Inc.

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

No comment! Y'all tryin' to get a brother slayed. LOL. But seriously, anybody who knows me would say that my writing is "traction" (true-fiction). A lot of what's read in my novels has happened, will happen or can happen to someone at some place at some time. Feel me? That's why my novels are so close to reality and not far-fetched because art really does imitate life sometimes.

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

I think that I'm respected just as much as other authors but I don't think I'm seen in the same light as authors who are not incarcerated. My incarceration hinders me from making personal appearances such as book signings, tours, radio interviews, etc. As opposed other authors who can make themselves more accessible to the public, my accessibility is very limited. So many people are publishing books from behind the wall these days that it's rather easy to get categorized as just another inmate that wrote a book.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

I was waiting on this question! Like I've stated in previous interviews, the book industry is just like the music industry. You have legitimate publishers, then you have those shady muthafu*#As who will sh*# on you if you are not on top of your business. Unfortunately, I got entangled with a shady a** publisher who breached the terms of the contract we agreed to. As a result, I was engaged in legal battle with them and hadn't heard a peep from them in THREE YEARS-until a week prior to doing this interview when they finally got at me. I'm happy to say I'm no longer with bed with Slack Pearl Crooks Inc!!

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yes, I've been in contact with several other authors such as Omar Tyree, Danielle Santiago, Wahida Clark, Joe Black, Seth Ferranti and a few more. They all offer support as I also support them.

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

I think a lot of authors sell their stories because the offer seems sweet at the time and they are not thinking about the future and how well that book may end up selling. I know a couple of authors who were thirsty and ended up selling their books for little of nothing and consequently saw their books hit the bestsellers lists with someone else's name on it.

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 can honestly say that the success has been pleasantly unexpected. I knew a lot of street cats would relate to my novels but I was surprised as to the response I've been getting from female readers who are feeling them as well. However, I feel as if my incarceration has really hindered my books from reaching their full selling potential. The main reason is because like I mentioned earlier, I'm not able to travel and promote my work like other authors who are not in my situation. As far as having more street credibility, I believe some people may think because I'm on lock and having lived the life that I have, I'm more credible to write a believable story as opposed to someone who has never been in the game and has had to pay their dues!!

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

I've already written my first "situations" novel. I don't want to call it Romance because that sounds too traditional. It's called Destructive Behavior and it's about a married, middle-class black couple who are having trouble keeping the spice in their sex life. Instead of having extramarital affairs, they decide to join a swinger's club and things just get out of control. Only a strong marriage can withstand the trials these two will endure! One will walk away and the other will result to destructive behavior! You gotta read it, it's a beast!

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 or quality? Studio authors?

The current state of urban literature is in shambles!!! I don't think it's a fad because people who look like us have finally found something we can read that we can relate to. Therefore, this "Gangsta Lit" thing is going to be around for a while! But what I do think is that it's going to become harder to sell books because the market is so saturated. Everybody and their aunts are putting out books! Don't get it twisted; I want to see everybody eat. But let's keep it gutter, a lot of books out right now are just taking up shelf space. I think that answered your next question of quantity over quality. Studio authors? I like that! LOL True indeed! A lot of authors today are writing stories based on speculation instead of experience and that's why a lot of books are far- fetched and not believable.

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

It's funny you asked that because I've already been asked to speak at youth meetings at my brother's church and a couple of youth centers for at risk teens in the Charlotte area when I'm released. That's something I'm going to devote time to because I think kids these days really need guidance and positive mentors to steer them in the right direction. Especially with all these gangs that are surfacing around the nation, kids need to know that there is a better way.

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

I'm definitely going to continue to write once I'm released. Writing has become my passion! It's self-satisfying knowing that people are reading my written thoughts and actually enjoying my work. Besides, I loved the look on my mother's face when she'd heard my books had gotten published. When I was living that street life she had cried enough tears for me to fill an empty ocean-now she sheds tears of sheer joy because her son has books in stores! Her joy is enough motivation for me to keep the pen pushing!

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 one message would be this: That street life is nothing but one gigantic mirage that's full of illusions. It all leads down the same path, a one-way street to destruction with no fork in the road. A lot of people, especially many young men, feel as if going to jail is somewhat a rite of passage. But to be totally clear, incarceration is only a form of modern day slavery and genocide! There's nothing cool about sitting here, maintaining in a lost population of men. If you don't get anything else from my books, please get the message that there is no pot of platinum at the end of that "gangsta-life" rainbow, only fool's gold that has no value!! Keep it positive and follow your dreams because with hard work and persistence they will come into fruition.

I was convicted of murder. I caught the beef when I was 16.

What is your sentence?

I was charged as an adult and given 15 to life. I've done almost 15 years on the sentence.

How did you come to be a published author?

I wrote my first book, Fast Lane, after reading a few books while I was locked down in an Arizona prison. I told myself that I was good enough to write a good book. I had a friend at the time, Aisha Bailey, she and I were getting very close. I let her read Fast Lane and she loved it. As time went on she and I got into a serious relationship. We started Fast Lane Publications to put out the book. From there we met other people in the publishing business and it has been on since then. I have to stress how important that Aisha Bailey was to the process of making me a published author; she believed in me and put up all the money to bring Fast Lane and Fast Lane Publications to life. I will always credit her and love her for all that I accomplish in this publishing game.

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

No, I can't say that. I can say that what I went through in the streets and what I went through growing up is what I use to tell my stories and make them real.

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

No. At this time I'm still slept on. I can't get out and do book signings and things like that. I don't have the big publishing house behind me so I'm forced to grind harder. I'm cool with that. When I finally come up, it will be sweeter.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

I can't complain. I'm locked up and I'm in the game. Feel me? At the same time, I have found that some publishers think that because I'm in prison and that I've been here so long that I don't know the business. People tend to forget how much free time men have in prison. I study all day long. I've also noticed that without a computer it makes my job of getting a book out ten times harder because I have to worry my family to get the job done on the outside.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yeah, a few have reached out. Some reached out thinking it was something sweet here that they could get for free, not knowing that they were playing into my plan. Others kept it real. Authors like Jason Poole, Wahida Clark, T. Styles, the real writer of Dutch my man Kwame, K'wan, and Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti who wrote Prison Stories. My homie Jason Poole went home from prison and got me a book deal with Cartel Publications. It don't get no realer. Jason ain't forget about those of us he left behind.

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

It's so hard to get things done from prison unless you have a strong support system. Those of us in here are only as strong as those we have on the outside so when those on the outside forget about us, we are left for dead. I believe that's why many authors sell their work; their work is all they have to make things better for their situation. Me, for example, I didn't sell my work, but I need a lawyer and my books are the only thing that will get that lawyer money for me. Sometimes we have to do what we gotta do.

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 love where my book has taken me thus far, goal-wise. It has given me a foundation to build upon for the future. I'm pleased that I could get on from prison. My situation has tied my hands, so to speak, because I can't soar yet. I gotta slow grind. I can't enjoy the full effect of being a bestseller. I'm not really into the "street credibility" thing. I say that because I don't want it to be something that puts me into bad situations when I'm free. I can't do the things that I used to do. But, I must say that I have recently secured a book deal based on my background. It tripped me out!

Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?

No doubt. I'm trying to do it all. I have a ghostwriting project in the making now with someone that wants a relationship book.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Kwame, Jason Poole, T. Styles, C-Murder, Jacki-O, Soul Man and my homegirl, Angel - the video model.

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

I'd like to write some non-fiction books about street legends that come from my city. Dudes like Wayne Perry, Eddie Mathis, Mike "Fray" Salters, and a few others. It don't get no more street than dudes that really did it.

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

I've learned that life is short and that we have to make every move count. I always wanted the best things in life. I understand that I can hustle and get money without doing stuff that's going to send me to prison. We can do anything if we sit back and plan it out. I also know now that the code of the streets is a rare thing that few people live by. Realness is not like a good looking shirt that one can put on and take off when you feel like it. I swore loyalty to people that turned on me in the end and I'm the only one in prison. What I'm doing with this writing is more than what one reads on the pages. This is my ticket to better times, in time.

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

I already have things like that lined up. I've worked with youth that are just like I used to be. I did this in prison in Arizona. I gotta give back. I know what it's like. I can talk to the young dudes. I'm sure of it.

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

Yes! I love what I do. Once I get to a computer, it's gon' be a whole new ballgame. Movies, books, anything dealing with words and ideas. I'm in it to win 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?

Never give up. Never let the odds beat you down. Always remember what come to those that grind. Think your moves out and be ready for all that comes with the things you do in life. Most of all, remember that this life will end, what will you leave behind and what will you take with you?

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

What was your sentence?

262 months – 21 years and 10 months.

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

Yes, but I also know for a fact that the federal laws are made to condemn black men.

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

Absolutely NOT!

How did you come to be a published author?

I sent my manuscript to TCP and two weeks later I got a handwritten letter making me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

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

Yes, you can say Larceny was based on 75% of my lifestyle back in the 90s.

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

Yes, I feel that my work exceeds itself. At the end of the day, I’m an author. It shouldn’t matter if I was incarcerated or not.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Finding out that there are snakes in this industry and the hate coupled together are my only gripes. But, hey, you live and you learn. I’ve never really had to struggle in the game. My books fly off the shelves and do great numbers in sales.

Have other authors reached out to you?

Yes. I’m cool with everyone in the game. To name a few, first and always T. Styles is very dear to me. Wahida Clark, Kwan, Kwame Teague, Eyone Williams, Nikki Turner, etc. I’ve never had a problem with no one.

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

No one wants to put up with the struggles of self-publishing. Some maybe feel better having a company do it for them. Me, personally, I’m too busy doing other things – writing, movies, reality shows, etc. I couldn’t handle all the business stuff. I’ll just stay focused on being an author and master of my craft.

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 blessed and grateful for the success of all my books. Being incarcerated did hinder my career a little due to the fact I wasn’t able to do book signings. But now that I’m home and touring all over the U.S. my career has skyrocketed and I’m loving every minute of it.

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

Yes, I want to write a novel based on real history behind this book industry and why it’s so booming right now.

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

Being able to witness things and my incarceration made a big impact on changing my life.

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

Of course. My friends are like brothers and cousins to me. We have been together since childhood. We are all we know and everyone is on the same page, doing something positive, making major moves.

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

Never give up…

I was convicted of conspiracy to distribute drugs.

What was your sentence?

I served 10 years and a day out of 12 years.

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

Absolutely.

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

Possibly. I always wrote.

How did you come to be a published author?

After being rejected by several publishers, I decided to publish myself.

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

I'm seen in the same light as other authors based on my talent.

What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?

Distributors playing with money.

Have other authors reached out to you?

I reached out to other authors and some have reached out to me too.

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

They don't have the means to do it themselves.

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 appreciate the success of my book. My incarceration had no impact on the sales and response of my book, and my street situations remained in the street.

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

Flower's Bed Part 3.

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

I'm a lot more humble now and my children changed my priorities.

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

I still get treated respectfully by all.

Has it been hard to adapt back into society?

It was rough learning how to be a good husband and a great father.

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

My incarceration has changed my life for the better.