Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• No Ordinary Day
• The Project
• Safety Patrol
• Aminaah’s Space Suit
• Black is Beautiful Colouring Book
• When I Grow Up Coloring Book
• Childhood Champions Coloring Book.

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

After noticing young people in my community reading books with characters that doesn’t represent our community. I realised I needed to create stories for the youth in my community to see themselves.

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

Well, I would say a few weeks. I would add and take away from the story constantly unhappy with something or looking for perfection.  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I’m usually home late at night when my family is all asleep.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I usually have notes all over many sheets of paper filled with ideas. I have to go through a process of elimination for it all to make sense.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I’m inspired by real scenarios with kids in my community and experiences of my daughter.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Love reading books, bike riding and playing basketball.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family embraces it and loves it.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

It’s not an easy process and needs multiple steps before completion.  

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Write all thoughts down and don’t force the story. Write things down and come back to them later. Find things to inspire you as a writer when out in public. Be inspired by things and people.  

What do you think makes a good story?

It’s all perspective. I think good stories revolve around life lessons within the story. A teaching moment.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

To be an Honourable Judge or Professional baseball player.

What is your favorite book?

The Autobiography of Malcolm X  

Where do you live?

Melbourne

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I’m a vegetarian
2. I’m a Convert to Islam
3. I’m from Harlem NY
4. I’m a former baseball player
5. My cousin plays in the NBA
6. My nephew plays in the NFL
7. I’m married
8. I am interested in cooking
9. I’ve traveled to 80 countries
10. I’m a sports memorabilia collector