Urban Reviews:  Can you tell us about your debut novel Getting Out The Game?
Omar Powell:  Getting Out The Game is for anyone who has ever had to overcome adversity, struggles, trails and tribulations. The originality of Getting Out The Game makes it very unique and timeless. After reading Getting Out The Game, you're left with a piece of your own life, helping put things into perspective that you may have thought no one else except you went through. For readers who may not have experienced much if any hardship, Getting Out The Game will open their eyes to the concept that sometimes good comes from bad and sometimes good people especially youth do bad things for many reasons, but if given a chance anyone can change if they truly desire. Getting Out The Game is for anyone who grew up or raised children in an environment that glorified hustler's, pimps, playas, sex, criminals, money, hood comedians, athletes, greed, murder, court and prison. Even though many families and communities honor God as their savior, the Devil is always lurking waiting to attack.

Urban Reviews:  Where did you draw your inspiration from when penning this novel?
Omar Powell:  My inspiration came from a series of events in my own life that left me wondering if there really was a God. I first had to come to a better understanding of why some of these things happened, rather it be things that I’d experienced, seen or heard of I wanted to know if it was God or the Devil at work. It took me a few years to get closer to God and when I did, I realized that sometimes God allows the Devil to work, in order to demonstrate that no matter what the Devil does, God can bring you through. My mother is also very inspiring to me. My entire ambition to help others, work hard and make it out the hood came from her. She is and always will be a constant positive influence in my life.

Urban Reviews:  How difficult was it for you to actually write this book?
Omar Powell:  Writing Getting Out The Game was not very difficult because I always enjoyed writing about urban/ street life. Even as a child I wrote for the hood, for urban schoolmates that I thought could relate to some of the things I’d seen at such a young age. The difficult part about writing Getting Out The Game was finding an appropriate conclusion. It took several years to write, but I felt like I could keep writing, instead I decided to conclude and save material for my second novel. It was difficult deciding how to publish, market and invest in Getting Out The Game, but it was also a much need learning process and fun.

Urban Reviews:  What was it like when you first held a finished copy of your book?
Omar Powell:  It was very rewarding holding a finished copy of Getting Out The Game. It was a dream come true. I couldn’t believe it, I kept looking online at Amazon.com. It felt as if I were holding someone else's book, so I was reading my name over and over again and kept looking at my picture on the back cover until I finally realized I was now an author holding my debut novel.

Urban Reviews:  What do you like doing outside of writing?
Omar Powell:  Outside of writing I like earning money! I work hard, not a lot of sleep right now, but it’s good to be busy, so I’m blessed. I like playing sports, spending time with my family, church, drawing, movies, traveling, learning and helping others.

Urban Reviews:  What are your goals as an author? Do you have any upcoming projects?
Omar Powell:  My goals as an author are to produce quality, motivating, classic reading material for true urban/street fiction readers. I want my books to have an impact of millions of urban/street readers. I want my novel to encourage all readers, genders, age, race to never give up on their dreams, even against all odds. I am strongly considering possible material for my second novel. I got my ear to the streets. Meanwhile I’m going to do my best and pray for the day Getting Out The Game is in every home, school, prison and on every best seller list across the world…

Urban Reviews:  Are there any authors or books that have been influential in you becoming an author?
Omar Powell:  As a young adult I read a few Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim novels, while B-More Careful was the most recent novel I read prior to writing Getting Out The Game. Reading urban/street literature allowed me to connect with places, cities, states, hoods, characters, situations, dreams and nightmares that were very familiar to me. I knew I was going to write a book, but I wanted my own voice, creativity and style, so when the content and plot of Getting Out The Game was more clear to me, I began writing.

Urban Reviews:  What's the best advice that have you received from other authors in the book industry?
Omar Powell:  The best advice I received came from hearing other authors testimonies such Teri Woods and Victor McGlothin. After hearing them speak at the Baltimore Book Festival I understood more clearly how I’d have to grind and hustle day and night in order to truly see profitable book sales. They gave me some solid advice regarding being a self published author. A couple of other well known authors advised me to change my front cover, but that was only their opinion. As far as the book game itself, many store owners were insightful and gave me tips about distribution, however; I am seeking more knowledge on effective distribution companies and strategies. I am looking forward to working with and continuing to learn from other authors.

Urban Reviews:  What do you have to say to others thinking about becoming a published author?
Omar Powell:  I encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a published author to follow your dreams. It will all worth it once your publishing process is complete, but that’s only the beginning because after publication comes the marketing, promotions, events and economics of the book game. It’s a learning process just like anything else, so don’t be discouraged by competition, negative feedback or closed doors. Keep your identity and faith in God.

Urban Reviews:  Any final thoughts about yourself or your debut novel that you want to leave with readers?
Omar Powell:  I want readers to know that I enjoy the art of storytelling, reliving forgotten and forbidden sins. I want to share my experiences with readers who may have grew up without their fathers or mothers, searching their entire life for a positive role model, or single parents raising children against all odds... I take the reader on a journey through the eyes of misguided youth taking dangerous paths while trying to find their calling in life. If my book only helps one person, I feel it will have served GOD's purpose. I put a lot into writing Getting Out The Game. I wasn’t thinking about the money, fame or book sales when I wrote my novel, I just felt I had a story to tell that could possibly help or change someone’s life. I knew I had to come out hard with my debut novel so I worked endless hours until I was 100% satisfied with my product. I still get overwhelmed by the support and love shown by readers, reviewers and urban bookstores across the nation. Whenever a reader comes up to me or emails me saying how they enjoyed reading or got something out of my novel, it’s as if I am hearing it for the first time each and every time and it feels great! ORDER TODAY!