Urban-Reviews.com - Inside Out with Contel Bradford

Contel Bradford

Contel Bradford was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where he was exposed to various elements and hazardous environments. While he fell in love with the art of writing at an early age, he eventually strayed off and was corrupted by the wicked ways of the surrounding streets. After making a few horrid decisions, Contel realized he no longer wanted to be a part of the ghetto madness, distancing himself from all the drama he could. It was then that Mr. Bradford embraced writing as his true passion.

In 2002 Contel Bradford wrote his first book called Dark Decisions, a graphic piece of literature depicting urban life in the rawest of forms. He quickly learned the craft of screenwriting and elected to toggle both careers in hopes of flourishing in the entertainment industry. Still ignored by commercial publishers in 2006, Contel elected to self publish and launched Count Krew Publications just in time for the debut of his second real life classic Dangerously in Love.

As of now, Contel Bradford has written four riveting screenplays, including his latest smash, Dayton’s Mob, with several more in the works. His steamy, provocative short story Hot in Here was recently published and released with Silks Vault, a fast rising online publisher of the finest in erotic literature. Immediately thereafter, Silks Vault Publishing accepted and released Contel’s gripping E-book titled A Gentlemen’s Cry, the first episode of the Dangerously in Love E-book series. Thug’s Passion, part two in this series, has just been released and is now available at www.silksvault.com

Contel continues to write vigorously while selling books from his trunk, the streets and anywhere eager readers are lurking. His latest releases include Thug Nation, one of the most painfully truthful pieces ever composed and Consequences, the highly anticipated sequel to Dangerously in Love. Mr. Bradford is always writing and is currently working on Dark Decisions 2 and The Paper Chase.

Read a Full Excerpt of Thug Nation

Author's Website: http://www.countkrewpublications.com
Order Thug Nation and other titles: Click Here

Urban Reviews: Tell us about Thug Nation.
Contel Bradford: Me and this book go way way back. Before I was an author I was a writer and this was a short story I started back in 1996. Still young and into stupid things, I never finished it until ten years later. It's deep though. Basically the story's about a young man trapped in chaos. Somewhere within him there's good yet it's overshadowed by so many demons. Gerald, the main character in this story, seems to be the average thug on the surface but he's that everyday killer that slips through the hands of the law, a very likely scenario in a city like Detroit that's notorious for so many unsolved murders. I've read lots of books and even though a lot of these titles seem similar in genre and theme now days, Thug Nation is unlike anything you'll ever experience.

Urban Reviews: What inspired you to write this novel?
Contel Bradford: Well in the 90's I myself was involved in gang life so that's what gave me the idea. My cousin and I were actually in rival sets so that gave me the ability to vividly depict different sides of the color barrier(s). What inspired me to finish it was the need to release a book so real that it gets under the reader's skin and makes em think. And while gangbangin' has sort of died down and has been commercialized with the Crip Walk becoming a whack ass dance move and all that, I look around my city and see new graffiti and young bangers evolving more frequently than I'd like. This book is actually disturbing with it's level of violence and drama ... maybe it could help someone to walk a straighter path and get out the streets cause there's no future in it.

Urban Reviews: You have self-published three novels to date. What made you decide to self-publish your books?

Contel Bradford: That's quite simple ... years of rejection. I couldn't wait for someone to offer me a deal, or accept my book just to pimp me on royalty points. I feel like destiny's in my hands so self publishing was the route I chose.

Urban Reviews: What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of self-publishing?

Contel Bradford: There's no limit to the strengths because you have complete creative control. If you can't get a deal or don't feel like waiting then it's a good idea cause you can express your feelings in your OWN voice. You can have the book printed exactly the way you want it in your very own words (professional editing is way overrated), have a cover designed in YOUR vision and get a bigger return on your sales. Can't beat that. The weaknesses for me personally came on the financial end, having enough money to get what is now four books on the streets. It takes money to make money so you need ends for marketing to let people know about your product. I'm still struggling from that aspect because as good as I know I am as of right now, I'm considered a local author cause I don't have the ends to stretch across the nation. I'll admit that I've made a lot of mistakes, but I'm learning and growing more confident through everyday experience. It's only a matter of time.

Urban Reviews: Can you give us a sneak peak at your next novel?

Contel Bradford: My newest book is called CONSEQUENCES: Crossing The Gentlemen. This novel is the sequel to DANGEROUSLY IN LOVE which is the most popular among my fans and my own personal best seller. The story revolves around modern day prostitution and digs into the mind of both the players and the women who work for them. Filled with real life gangstarism and breath taking sex scenes, I think it's a very entertaining read. CONSEQUENCES is available for sale right now!

Urban Reviews: What is the biggest thing you've learned about the literary industry?

Contel Bradford: That it's one of the hardest fields to succeed in. After receiving so many compliments on short stories I had the crazy idea that I'd be an instant success. I kick it with many writers and lots of em have admitted defeat by saying they never thought they'd get rich from writing, they're just proud to have their work out there. That's not me at all. I'm in it to win it. Competition is fierce so this game has shown me it's all about longevity which means only the determined and strong will survive.

Urban Reviews: What advice would you want to give someone who wants to self-publish?

Contel Bradford: Ain't nothin' to it but to do it. If you got the talent gon' and finish that book you've been holding inside of you. I'm not exactly against the deal ... send out those query letters and try to sell your story for as much as you can. But in the meanwhile, try to gather up some ends and see what kind of noise you can make for yourself.

Urban Reviews: What do you want people to know most about you?

Contel Bradford: That I'm one of the most unique voices you'll ever run across. Don't be scared to take a chance on this writer you've never heard of. Don't let the graphic book cover turn you away. It is what it is ... a reflection of the real that you can't help but to feel.