with K'wan

K'wan is without a doubt one of his generation's most talented and gritty writers. Born the only child of a poet and a painter, creativity was imprinted in him from day one. In the early years K'wan excelled academically, but like most youth of today he was sidetracked by the call of the streets. Through trial and error, K'wan learned the hard way that the fast life has nothing to offer.

For years K'wan composed novels and tried to get into the publishing game, only to have door after door slammed in his face. That is, until he read a book called Let That Be the Reason by Vickie Stringer. After contacting the author in search of advice, K'wan ended up getting a deal. Vickie gave K'wan what no one else would - a chance. This chance bore fruit, and the fruit was called Gangsta. Gangsta is the first of many novels pulled from this writer's arsenal. This gripping street tale is sure to leave a lasting impression on the game for many years to come. One thing most people can agree is that not only can you read Gangsta, but you can feel it. Thanks to a helping hand, K'wan made his bones with Gangsta, and stands as the shining jewel in the Triple Crown Publication family.  He would later put out Road Dawgz and the standout title Street Dreams.  His latest book, Hoodlum, hit shelves this month.

K'wan resides in one of New York City's most gang-infested housing projects where he continues to create beautiful and touching novels. You can learn more about K'wan from his website at www.KwanFoye.com
 

Urban-Reviews.com: You have an interesting tale about how you broke into the literary business?  Can you tell us how you did it and if you even planned on being a writer?
K'wan Foye: I got into the business somewhat by accident.  I was writing “GANGSTA” mostly for fun, but I had no idea how to get my work in print.  I ended up reading a book called “LET THAT BE THE REASON,” and I emailed the author (Vickie Stringer) for advice on how to get into the publishing industry.  It just so happened that she was starting a publishing house and needed an author to break ground with.  I let her put my book out, and it ended up doing far better than anyone expected.

UR: Can you inform us about what your current novel Hoodlum is all about?
KF: My fourth novel Hoodlum is about a college hoops star who finds himself leaving school to run his father’s criminal empire.

UR: Why should everybody make Hoodlum a part of their summer reading list?
KF: Because it is a story unlike anyone else’s.

UR: Are there any thoughts that you try to leave to the reader in Hoodlum?
KF: There’s no pot of gold at the end of the concrete rainbow.

UR: What ventures do you have lined up for the future?
KF: I have several novels coming out in the near future (Hoodlum, Eve, Gutter, & Outlaw).  I’ve also started a small press for first time authors.
(Editor's note: Look for the release of Kwan's next book Eve on March 21, 2006!)

UR: What current book selections do you enjoy the most?
KF: I’m partial to Donald Goines, but I read a variety of things.  Mostly thrillers and vampire novels.

UR: Critics and bad press are almost always lurking out there somewhere.  How do you deal with it?
KF: I take it with a grain of salt and make sure my next novel is better than the last.

UR: What changes have you experienced now that you are published?
KF: I’m more laid back and low key.  People are always looking for kinks in your armor, so I try not to have any.

UR: What do you perceive to be the sign of accomplishment for your writings?
KF: My idea of a novel's success is when everyone knows your name and your work is still received years after you’ve released it.

UR: Does it matter to you where people purchase your books?
KF: Not really.

UR: Any advice about the business for wannabe writers?
KF: Study the business before you jump into it.

UR: How do u feel about the growing recognition of urban street novels?
KF: I’m thrilled with it.  More people are reading because now they have novels they can relate to.

UR: Any final thoughts for our Urban-Reviews.com readers?
KF: Support black authors and encourage kids to read more.


        
 

Don't forget to check out the review of Hoodlum.