TeaRon: My biggest writing ritual is reading. I find that
reading other authors' work inspires me to do my own thing and of course being
competitive in nature, I try and do it a lot better than whoever’s work I read
before.
Paul: If someone had the
power to step into your creative mind what would they see?
TeaRon: I think that if someone were to step into my
mind then they would first realize that they are in the gutters. Shortly after
that they’d notice a field of question marks because I’m just guessing my way
through this thing called life like anyone else.
Paul: In all the years
you’ve been publishing your work, what is the biggest mistake you made that you
could share so others can avoid making it?
TeaRon: The biggest mistake I’ve made in publishing
so far is rushing a finished product. What people have to do is remember to
live in the moment because time is such a precious commodity. There’s no sense
in rushing it. Each and every time I revisit my first book I am constantly
reminded that I could’ve taken a little more time to perfect it.
Paul: How do you find the time to write?
TeaRon: I write out a schedule and plan ahead. Most importantly, I turn
off my phone and disconnect from the internet. It’s all about eliminating myself
from distractions and allowing my imagination to flow.
Paul: What is one thing you hope I do not tell the
readers?
TeaRon: Well this is kind of a double edge sword don’t you think? LOL. I
would hope that you don’t tell them that I’m a jerk or anything like that. I
don’t want anyone thinking that I’m not as cool as I think I am.
Paul: If you are self-published, what led to you
going your own way?
TeaRon: I
hope that it’s a temporary thing because I think any serious self-published
author truly wants a deal with a major publisher. I just think that some of
things that I had to say starting out just wouldn’t fly if I was already signed
to an established brand. I want to prove to publishers that I’m worth their
time more so than anything having to do with money.
Paul: * Do you plot your stories or do you just get
an idea and run with it?
TeaRon: I
think I start with a plot and then it tends to become an idea and I run with
it. It never starts out that way, I always start out with an idea in mind and
somewhere between start and finish I end up going with the flow.
Paul: Do you do a lot of editing or do you find
that as time goes on your writing is more fully-formed?
TeaRon: I am anti-editing. What that means is that I’ll try and edit things like typos,
misspellings and things of that nature but I never try and take away the raw
and organic feel of what I say. I like for the reader to get that when I get
lemons, I slice them and eat them because sometimes you just don’t have sugar
to make lemonade.
TeaRon: My most recent book is titled The Last
Virgin and it’s about sex. LOL. More specifically, it’s about sexual tolerance and
liberation. I explore topics such as teen pregnancy, sex at an early age,
marriage and more. I wanted to take many things that people have experienced or
know about but just haven’t talked about and I open up the floor for discussion
with no regrets. It’s all about taking the dirt that society has piled up under
their rugs and vacuuming under them.
Paul: What inspired you to
write this book?
TeaRon: It was a sign of the times thing. I looked
around and noticed how much technology has affected the advancement of sexual
activity amongst the youth and I had to let people know that even with all that
the world throws at you, you can remain strong in the face of adversity.
Paul: Do you also write any poetry, non-fiction or
short stories?
TeaRon: I
do write poetry. My first book, The Gift, was a collection of poetry that I had
written over several years and since I’ve been known for that I’ve tried to
include a little bit of poetry in all that I do. There’s even some exclusive
original poetry that I’ve written for my latest book. Funny thing, I don’t
consider myself a poet.
Paul: Do you have any pieces of work that will
never see the light of day?
TeaRon: I
need to go to rehab for writing. I write way too much and I save everything.
It’s the art of the thing, you know? I just know that unless someone roams
through all my things when I die and like puts them on display; most of the
stuff I’ve written will be kept in the dark for a long time.
Paul: How much marketing do you do for your
published works or for your ‘brand’?
TeaRon: I
do as much as I can. Every little thing counts. From speaking to students at
school to being a part of poetry slams and more. I just try and stay active and
always stay out and about doing something. Who is going to spread the word
about the man better than the man in the skin, right?
Paul: What’s your favorite / least favorite aspect
of your writing life? Has anything surprised you?
TeaRon: My
least favorite aspect is the down time. Just like being an entertainer in any
other field, it’s hit and miss. I pray that I’m able to always have a public
that craves me being active and actually care whether or not I’m working on
something new. That would be ideal.
Paul: What do you do when you’re not writing? Do
you have any hobbies or party tricks?
TeaRon: It’s
rare that I’m not writing, I try and make it a daily thing but whenever I’m not
writing I’m usually just watching a movie or out and about pursuing my acting
career. That’s something else that I hope to be successful at but my writing is
the cornerstone of all that I do.
Paul: Thanks TeaRon, that was very interesting. Good luck for the future.
TeaRon's Website: The Real TeaRon Watkins
TeaRon on Twitter: @tearonw
TeaRon on Facebook: TeaRon Watkins
TeaRon's latest book: The Last Virgin (Amazon)
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