Urban-Reviews.com - Inside Out with Vincent Alexandria

Vincent Alexandria

Vincent Alexandria is a nationally published author. He is also an actor, producer, director, composer, lyricist, screenwriter, vocalist, and musician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rockhurst College and a Masters degree in literature from Baker University.

He is the founder of the Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium which will be held in Houston, Texas February 1^st and 2^nd, 2008 at The Power Center. Its mission is to enlighten men and women in reading and comprehension in order to enhance their quality of life. Nationally published authors show a commitment to their communities by giving back to their readers in gratitude of what they have done for them and their careers.

He has completed four murder detective mystery novels and has signed national book contracts with BET/Harlequin-Kimani Press for the titles Black Rain, Black Heat, Black Vice, If Walls Could Talk, Postal Blues, and Ain’t Nothing Like Loving an Ugly Woman. He is currently shopping Love Don’t Come Easy, King of Pain, and Secret Agent Steve Lover. Black Rain was re-released with (BET) Harlequin/Kimani Press September 2007, and his first novel, If Walls Could Talk is in negotiations for a movie deal.

“Postal Blues” has been optioned through Airleaf Publishing for White Stone Entertainment for a movie and was shown at the Festival De Cannes Film Festival in May 2007. Vincent also wrote the movie script “Walls of Deception”. He is the author of children's books and poetry as well.

Read An Excerpt of Black Rain: Click Here

Author's Official Site: http://www.vincentalexandria.com
Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium: www.theliteraryevent.com/symposium
Author's Myspace Page: Click Here
Contact The Author: Click Here
Order Your Copy Today: Click Here

Urban Reviews: Tell us about Black Rain.
Vincent Alexandria: Black Rain is a story about Detective Joseph Johnson and Vernon Brown. They go deep under cover to rescue a friend and FBI Agent, Cheryl Chase. While she is investigating a black ring of dirty cops, her partner Agent Smelley who has infiltrated the dirty cops is discovered and killed. Chase has gotten next to the lead Bad Guy, Dread Cattanno. For fear of her life, and not knowing who to trust she calls Joe and lets him know she's in too deep and fears for her life. The story takes off from there. It has mystery, suspense, action, comedy, romance, and riveting scenes that will keep you glued to the page.

Urban Reviews: What inspired you to create this novel?
Vincent Alexandria: There had been an actual case in different states where police had seized drug money and were able to keep the funds. That was until the Federal Government stepped in, and all funds had to be funneled through the Government and a percentage would be allocated back to the Police department. Most of this money is untraceable. So, I thought, what would happen if dirty cops set up stings and flipped drug dealers for their cash, then killed them. It would be a perfect crime. Who are the drug dealers going to call; the cops? I don't think so.

Urban Reviews: When can we expect the release of the next installment of this series?
Vincent Alexandria: The Spring of 2008, Black Heat will be released.

Urban Reviews: Please tell our readers about your literary journey.
Vincent Alexandria: I started writing at an early age and I used to love the stories my grandfather, uncles, aunts, mother and father used to tell. I could sit and listen to them for hours. I started writing comic books for my friend on the block in my neighborhood. From there I played bass for a theatrical group and five years later, penned my first stage play, His Eye is on the Sparrow. After my third play, If She Only Knew, I was weary of actors and used my law enforcement experience to pen my first novel If Walls Could Talk, which I self published. It sold over 30,000 copies, and I was on my way in my literary career. I've written and been a contributor to over eight books.

Urban Reviews: You are also the founder of Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium. Can you tell us more about this?
Vincent Alexandria: B2B Literary Symposium is my way of giving back and with the support of over 25 other authors we promote literacy and reading by discussion and coming up with practical solutions to education and the importance of being literate. The events are free to the public and to date we've given away over $125,000 in free books. Our next event will be in Houston, TX, Feb. 1-2, 2008. People can go to www.theliteraryevent.com/symposium. The site will be updated with next year's event by September 15th. We are a non-profit organization and we welcome donations. We travel to a different city every year.

Urban Reviews: Tell us about some of your upcoming projects.
Vincent Alexandria: I'm working on my fifth book in the Joe Johnson series, Black Vice, which is due out the Winter of 2008. I'm also working on my romantic comedy, Ain't Nothing Like Loving an Ugly Woman. This book is hilarious and deals with relationships and people's perception of beauty.

Urban Reviews: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Vincent Alexandria: Love what you write and write what you love. Learn the craft of writing. Reading is just as important as writing, so if you don't read, you probably can't write. Get an editor to look at your work before you get it published. Learn the business and do your research.

Urban Reviews: Name one thing that the world does not know about Vincent Alexandria-the person?
Vincent Alexandria: I rode a 21 speed bicycle from Kansas City, Missouri to Chicago, Illinois to Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios for a fund raiser and to promote literacy. It was a 576 mile ride which took me 7 days in the middle of July in 2005. I never met Oprah though, but I finished the trip. (LOL) They can see my bike ride picture on my website at www.vincentalexandria.com.