E-Spire Entertainment News

Lady Sings the Cruels is the new urban release from author Eric Pete. Read on to find out more about this author of urban and contemporary literature.

Please introduce yourself to the readers. (tell about your books)
In case you haven't heard of me (Where have you been???), my name is Eric Pete. I'm an author of contemporary fiction, some of which has been termed "upscale urban". I first broke into this business with my self-published novel, Real for Me. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was just setting the stage for things to come.

True to my motto "Can't stop. Won't stop. Believe that.", I next delivered one of my all-time favorites Someone's In the Kitchen. Eventually building up a following and landing the right agent, I signed with Penguin Books/NAL. My first book with them was Gets No Love, my ode to pre-Katrina New Orleans. I followed that up with the Essence bestseller Don't Get It Twisted. Now, my newest novel and what I hope to be my biggest to this point, Lady Sings the Cruels is here. I'm really excited about it and think this will be the one to define my entire literary journey.

What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to everything although rap/hip-hop was the first music for me and my generation.

Did your love for hip-hop inspire you to write your latest book?
Hip-hop, even when it's not overtly mentioned, is prevelant through all my works. It's influenced modern society in so many subtle ways.

Lady Sings the Cruels wasn't inspired directly by hip-hop, but you can see the references in it.

What makes your books stand out from the rest?
The "everyday" aspect of the characters and the reality that they find themselves rooted in. I like to take people you see around you everyday and telling the stories you had no idea existed that close to you. I think my books have a real connection with their audience that crosses generations.

Are any of your characters based on people you know?
No, but I do take personality traits/quirks from people sometimes and graft them onto my characters.

What is your opinion on the current state of urban/street lit fiction?
As with any genre, if you can you can write. Those that can write will be around a long time from now. Those that can't and that are just jumping in to take advantage of the market won't be there when the dust settles. Coldest Winter Ever, which really caused the urban/street fiction scene to explode, was well written. That's why it's a timeless classic whether you've lived that life or not. It holds up.

How do you balance writing with your "every day life?"
By prioritizing and using time management. The longer you're in this business, the more distractions pop up that keep you away from the actual writing.

That can be tough. You just have to stay focused and committed. I find myself having to get by without much sleep, but still have to keep my health up for myself and my family. Family comes first, which is what I keep in mind.

Who are some of your favorite singers/rappers?
Hmm Keyshia Cole, T.I., Ludacris, Chamillionaire, UGK.

Name at least three CDs you have in constant rotation in your CD player now.
I don't buy many whole CDs much anymore. Just downloads. My last three downloads were:
*Wine-O "Pop My Trunk"
*Lil Wayne "Stuntin' Like My Daddy"
*DJ Kay Slay (w/ Bun B, Papoose, and Shaq) "Can't Stop the Reign 2006". (Know I had to have that! It was the hook from the original where I got my mantra-Can't stop. Won't stop.)

I also listen to a lot of the European dance/trance/club music. Big fan of the Shapeshifters (U.K.) and play their album heavily.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
Dwayne S. Joseph, Clive Cussler, Robert Doherty, Phillip Duck, Lolita Files, Gloria Mallette. I could keep going, but...

If your life was a reality TV show, what would it be titled and why?
Trying to make me think, huh? I'll go with the motto that used to be on my windshield, back when I used to push 4 15's in the hatch and had nice rims 'n such. "The Adventure Continues..."

If you had to pick a theme song, what would it be?
I have a couple already. Didn't know that, huh? Everybody has a theme song.
I'll go with my original though. The theme song from Shaft. It's close between that one and Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger".

What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Just stay positive, humble, and focused.
Chalk up everything, whether good or bad in this business, as a learning experience.
And the oldest one around...Do Unto Others...

Do you have a website?
Two. Oh? You want to know what they are? (smile)
http://www.ericpete.com/
www.myspace.com/authorericpete