Meet Dwayne S. Joseph,

Author of "The Womanizers and The Choices Men Make"

SC:  When did you decide you wanted to write?

 DJ:  I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was thirteen years old. Fortunately in November of 2001 I was laid off. This gave me the opportunity to go after something I’ve always wanted.

SC:  How many novels in all have you written??

DJ: I’ve written two full novels: The Choices Men Make & The Womanizers.

And I’ve contributed short stories to two different anthologies:

A Dollar And A Dream—my story was titled One Night, Six Dreams

Around The Way Girls—my story was titled Played

SC:  How long did it take you to write your first novel??

DJ:  I wrote The Choices Men Make in three and a half months. Usually for me, once I get an idea, it doesn’t take me long at all to complete a novel. A lot of times I will write until my eyes, brain and fingers demand a rest! LOL

SC:  Where do you get the inspiration for your stories?? Are the characters based on real people??

DJ:  The inspiration for my stories comes from real life. I throw myself or some situations I’ve experienced into my stories, along with my friends or acquaintances and the things they’ve experienced. When people read my stories, they will often see themselves or people they know. They will also be able to relate to the situations I create in some way.

SC: What made you write a story like “The Womanizers”?? Do you plan to write a sequel to it??

DJ:   I wrote The Womanizers because I wanted to do a book that was fun and drama filled. I’d done some other stories with a heavier subject matter (to be released later in the future) and I just wanted to write something to make readers shake their heads and suck their teeth. LOL. Some of my friends inspired the characters, although none of them are dating their mother-in-law. That was completely made up!! LOL

  I don’t think I will write a sequel to it, although several of the characters make appearances in my next book, Never Say Never, due out in September 2005.

SC:  Do you plan to continue the stories you wrote in “Around the Way Girls or A Dollar and a Dream”??

DJ: I don’t know that I’ll ever do a continuation for my story Played or One Night, Six Dreams, because I feel I took them as far as they could go. Although there is a very slight possibility I may revisit One Night, Six Dreams someday. People often ask me about that one. I did have a lot of fun with the craziness in that tale.

SC:  Did you self-publish?? If so, how was that experience??

DJ:  I did not self publish. I was fortunate enough to have met Carl Weber, who helped me get my publishing deal.

SC:  What feedback have you received from fans??

DJ:  I’ve been blessed, because I have received great feedback from the readers. As is my hope, many if not all them, often comment on the realism of the stories I’ve created. I love to read an e-mail or listen to a reader tell me how much they liked or disliked a character and why. With The Womanizers in particular, the response has been tremendous. It is truly, truly a blessing to get feedback from readers.

SC:  Who are your favorite authors?? Did one of them inspire you?

DJ: My favorite authors are: Eric Jerome Dickey, Carl Weber, RM Johnson, Eric Pete, La Jill Hunt, Suzette D. Harrison, Marcus Major, Van Whitfield, Camika Spencer. But this is just naming a few. I read and admire so many different authors. The list could go on and on.

SC: Is writing your only passion??

DJ: Writing is my greatest passion. I love to draw and sing also, but writing is definitely what makes the goosebumps rise from my skin. I just love to create characters and scenes and find myself getting caught up in them as the characters take over.

SC:  Where do you see yourself in five years??

DJ:  In five years, I’d like to be regarded as a must-read/must-have author. I’d like to be held in the same light as an Eric Jerome Dickey, Carl Weber, etc. Although I’ve never been one to love the limelight, I would love to have a long line of people waiting to have their books signed by me. More importantly, in five years I definitely plan on being around. I also wouldn’t mind being like Terry McMillan, with a couple of movies based on my novels. I think that is every author’s dream!!

SC:  What advice would you give aspiring authors??

DJ: My advice to aspiring authors would be to write as much as you possibly can. Read as much as possible. Stay determined. This is after all a marathon and not a sprint. Write for love and not the money. Money will come as long as the love is there. Be open to criticism. You can learn from both the positive and the negative. Don’t let negative criticism discourage you; because for every five people that enjoys your work, there will be one who doesn’t.

SC: What would you like readers to learn from your stories??

DJ:  Readers can often learn lessons about love, friendship and respect (for themselves and others) within the pages of my stories.

SC:  Are you working on anything? If so, what is it about??

DJ: My next novel, Never Say Never is an all female cast in the spirit of Eric Jerome Dickey’s Sister Sister. It’s about three female friends who must all deal with different issues. Reesa must deal with settling with a man she knows is beneath her, to satisfy a desire to have a baby by 35. Carmen must deal with her inconsiderate boyfriend, his ignorant mother, as well as her blossoming feelings for an older co-worker. Finally, Erica has to deal with her ex, who’s come back into her life in a major way! I am very, very proud of this novel. I think the readers will really enjoy it.

SC:  Where can people purchase your books?? Do you have a website??

DJ: My books can be purchased at any local major chain bookstore (Waldenbooks, Barnes & Nobles, etc), any black owned bookstore, as well as Wal Mart and Target. They can also be found on amazon.com or barnesandnobels.com. They can be directed to those particular sights through my website. www.DwayneSJoseph.com