with D.L. Moore

D.L. Moore, an Indianapolis, IN native, is one of the strongest writers of the Hip Hop generation.  This prolific writer has matured in the streets and his young adult life and experiences have fueled his desire for writing as well as provide him with many basis of which to create powerful tales. 

During Moore's incarceration, his passion for literature and creativity were exposed and his first novel, Friend or Foe, was birthed.  This debut novel has taken the urban fiction genre by storm.  This unexpected masterpiece is creating a buzz throughout the literary world.  With his creativity machine constantly at work, Moore's arsenal of literary works is unrivaled.

With feelings of obligation, Moore has set out to prove that success is possible even in impossible situations.  Currently, D.L. Moore is busy touring and promoting while at the same time working on his sophomore novel.

Urban-Reviews.com: How did you get into the business and did you always want to be a writer?
D.L. Moore: I began writing while incarcerated.  I was reading so many books it opened my eyes to the possibility.  I felt I had a story to tell and what better way to reach so many people.

UR: Tell us a little bit about your current novel Friend or Foe?
DL: Friend or Foe is about the positive and negative sides of street life.

UR: Are you working on any future projects?
DL: Yes, I'm currently establishing my publishing company and venturing into other genres of African American literature. However, "Cee" is not forgotten and I'm finishing up a sequel to Friend or Foe.

UR: Do you feel urban fiction writers are respected by other writers? Why or why not?
DL: Yes and No. Yes because urban fictions speaks for so many of us the realities of what we live day to day;  however, with so many seeing the opportunity, much of the basic framework of a novel is overlooked (i.e. grammatical correctness) and this causes it to lose credibility in the literary world.

UR: How do you feel about bad reviews and negative criticism?
DL: Of course I don't want to hear them but I learned a long time ago that you cant please everyone.  But as long as a review is given based on truth, it will be used positively on future projects.

UR: What things are different now that you are a writer? Any changes?
DL: I will always be the same me.  The changes are more so in other people and who or what they expect me to be.

UR: What is your idea of a novel's success? (i.e. good reviews, good feedback from fans, good sales, etc.)
DL: All of that is a show of success.  It feels good for ordinary people to tell me they can relate or how real my book was.  This is also a business and because I did this independently, recouping my expenses and then some is also a pat on the back.

UR: In Friend or Foe, the story starts out with Cee trying to avenge the death of his girlfriend Keisha. Why did you choose this approach instead of her getting killed later in the story?
DL: I wanted the reader's attention to be seized immediately and understand how this event was central to understanding the story.

UR: What words of advice would you give to people thinking about getting into the business?
DL: Research what your doing from beginning to end and be patient.  Nothing happens overnight and once the book is finished the hard work just begins.  Believe in what you do and put your all into it.  Also this may sound lame but it's real talk, but a time line and budget will really help in the long run if you self publish.

UR: Why should someone read Friend or Foe?
DL: Because it's the realest ever wrote! Seriously, because reading is for entertainment, relaxation, and enjoyment and you can definitely do that with Friend or Foe.

UR: Why did you choose to self-publish your novel and would you consider a major publishing house in the future?
DL: It seemed to be the more lucrative avenue for a first novel.  After this book I might consider a major house if they showed me the money.  I know the ropes and have established some contacts. But at the present I am content with my success.

UR: Are any of the characters in your book based on real people or events?
DL: No, but everyone can relate to the favorite cousin, concerned mom, local barber, backstabber, hater, girlfriend, boyfriend, ride or die homie. It's just all from the hood.

UR: What is your opinion of the current state of African-American fiction?
DL: I love it. There is something for everyone, no matter what your background: rich socialite, dope fiend, college student, children, working man/woman and the list goes on.

UR: Any final words you would like to share with everyone?
DL: Be on the lookout for the movie.  Thanks to all that have read Friend or Foe and if you haven't your missing out.

Check out more from D.L. Moore from his website at http://www.onewayup.net.

Don't forget to check out the review of Friend or Foe in our AA Fiction section.