| Writers' Spotlight on Barry Keith Nelson, Sci-Fi Writer/Author |
I am meeting with local sci-fi author Barry F. Nelson today, it's a mild Saturday, a good day for an interview. As I stood in front of EZ Records on the corner of Wood Street in downtown Pittsburgh, I remembered I didn’t give him a description of me, so he would be able to pick me out of the early morning shopping crowd. I had a picture of him, all I could remember is that he was a black man and he was tall. Yes, that should narrow it down for me.
I didn't want to look as though I was waiting for someone, so I decided to check out the selection of books, CDs and DVDs in the display window of EZ Records. If you are looking for the latest in urban tales, you will find them here. Plus I also spotted books by Zane, the Donald Goines collection and even Walter Mosley's latest "Little Scarlet". (if anyone wants to know what I want for Christmas, books). Following the window display I spotted the book "Silencers" by our very own Barry Keith Nelson, the man I was looking for. Hah my work is almost done; I found his book, now all I have to do is find him.
As the street became busier, I slyly started to check out the men who passed, who fit the general criteria, tall and Black Americans. I figured he would easily spot me standing here with my book bag and my Soul Pitt button boldly displayed. It only took me a few seconds to recognize the man crossing the street as Barry. We said hello, but he kept on rolling. Hmmm, what's that saying about me? I mean I did remember to comb my hair and put on lip stick, I thought I was looking good. Ok, I'm over it. So I watched to see what would be his next move. He stood on the corner; he scanned in all directions, immediately, that confirmed to me he is the author I am to interview. I didn't want to blurt out anything; I might scare him, since he gave that quick hi and practically ran from me. I waited until he scanned the street again, then I walked up to him with a smile and asked his name. He smiled and said Barry, and I extended my hand, "I'm Bonita." At once I saw his face relax.
As I said the morning was mild and I like to enjoy good weather, I suggested we find a place outside where we could discuss his books and find out a little more about Barry, the man. I directed him to benches near the PNC Bank. We sat and I fumbled through my bag pulling out a black folder with Barry’s name and notes inside and began my interview. He seemed a bit nervous, to relax him, I shared funny stories on my writing experiences and my goal to sit down and complete the three books I have been working on for a few years. It worked and I could sense he was becoming a little more relaxed. Now I decided to go in for the kill and start the interview. Please join me, as we get to know Barry Keith Nelson, sci-fi author.
Give us a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
I am 45 years old. (Been told that I look a lot younger for my age) I have lived in the Pittsburgh PA area my entire life. I currently work in retail, but my goal is to write full time. I have a lot of plans.
Are you self-published author? If so, would you use this means of publishing again?
My publisher is I-Universe (a print on demand publisher). Self publishing in a manner of speaking. I paid $300 to have Silencers published and made available through many online booksellers. This gave me a start and I would use it again. What about Editing, I know that is an important part of writing? I edit my books before I send them to the publisher. I-Universe does offer editing for additional fee.
From reading the plot lines of your books both (Silencers and Dark Nature) are written in the sci-fi genre. Share with our readers what first captivated you about sci-fi that led you to writing your books.
I'm a big sci-fi and horror fan. I grew up with those kinds of movies.
Tell us more about your current book Silencers?
Silencers Squad. Colin McKenzie, Diane Christy and Kelly Kirby are cloned Humans with electronic devices implanted in their brains that increase paranormal activity. Thus giving them highly destructive powers. They're enlisted to help the Human Empire, the United Protectorate, in their war against the alien Brelac.
Where did you get the idea for the plot line of Silencers?
From past headlines about terrorism and these survivalist/separatist groups that we used to hear about. In Silencers the Brelac are secretly allied to a separatist organization called Vendetta. A Vendetta scientist created the Reploids with their powers to create chaos within the Protectorate.
Without giving away too much of the book, what is your favorite scene?
Colin is in a cafeteria and approaches a group of soldiers that he used to serve with. But because of his past actions he is perceived as a villain and they try to attack him. Diane comes to his defense. But he doesn't really appreciate it.
Barry it always interested me how sci-fi writers create the words they use in their books, for example you use Reploids and Brelack, where do those words spring? It's as though sci-fi writers and their reading audience have their own language.
The words just come to me, from my previous experiences in reading, watching movies and my own writings.
How do you stay motivated to complete your books? How long did it take you to finish Silencers?
It was my longtime dream to see this work get into print. It's a great feeling actually holding your own book in your hands. That was the light at the end of the tunnel. It took about eight months to complete Silencers. What is the best writing time for you? The most productive writing time is at night. At times I find myself writing all night, leaving little time for sleep. But I receive so much satisfaction from the completed project, it' worth forgoing some sleep.
In writing your books what writing resources, if any, did you find helpful to you and would you suggest them to our readers?
The only thing that comes to mind would be a computer. The pace is quicker and far more efficient than using a typewriter. Also a thesaurus, dictionary, encyclopedias.
How do you market your books?
I'm trying to contact other websites such as Soul Pitt to get promotion. I have also tried to contact several black owned bookstores throughout the country. I am hoping have both titles published by BET Books. A larger publisher with greater promotional resources.
I know our readers our able to purchase your books on-line at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.scifan.com and at www.alibris.com, but tell us if there is a local store where they can also be purchased?
You can purchase them at Walden Books in Century Three Mall, in West Mifflin and at EZ Records on Wood Street, downtown Pittsburgh.
How did you get your books in these stores?
I spoke to the managers at each store and they agreed to sell my books on a consignment bases. He adds his books sell out fast. There is a large sci-fi reader audience.
Are you working on a new book? If so, can you give our Soul Pitt Readers a peek?
I'm working on Silencers-2, should be completed by summer of 2005. They investigate an attack against the president of the Protectorate. The case involves ties to Vendetta. During their investigation they meet their evil counterparts. A more advanced group of Reploids called the Enfrocers.
Barry, that sounds like an interesting follow-up to Silencers. Do you have any other book plots would you like to share with us?
I'll share a little bit. The title is "The Beast", a large pharmaceutical company has found a cure for cancer, before can finalized it; one of the dogs that was used for experimental purposes has escaped and believe me it's not the ordinary man's best friend dog.
Our readers may have more questions to ask you, how can they contact you?
I can be reached by E-mail at violator1@earthlink.net
I would like to thank Barry Keith Nelson again for an insightful interview. We look forward to working with him in the future.
One more very important question Barry, how did you first come across the Soul Pitt website?
I was searching the Internet for Pittsburgh Black Dating and www.thesoulpitt.com came up, I've been a reader ever since.
I hope you enjoyed your time with this issue's Writer's Spotlight on Barry Keith Nelson.
I would like to thank Barry for taking the time to share his self, his books and his future works with our Soul Pitt readers. I feel we will be hearing a lot more from Barry.