E-Spire Entertainment News

William, I read your first book Six Days in January. Why did you decide to write a fiction book based on real-life events?
Shelia, "Six Days In January" was something that had to be written, as it was a catharsis. In order to unburden my soul, find emotional closure with some painful experiences, there had to be a gut check. Six Days In January was that gut check. A lot of tears where shed through the process, especially in the middle of the novel where I told a scene exactly how it happened. But all in all the cleansing helped me deliver a message about men battling the same issues and insecurities as women, even more so because our egos conceal the struggle. Despite our gender differences and dysfunctions, men and women are very similar. WE ALL HAVE BEEN HURT. WE ALL HURT. AND ALL WE REALLY WANT IS TO BE LOVED AND RESPECTED.

With your new book, There's Always a Reason, what message do you hope readers walk away with after reading it?
There are so many messages I tried to deliver with REASON, but the two that stand out are as follows:

A) We Need Each Other - I tried to exhibit this in the clearest possible form. So often we hide behind the walls of pain, anger and fear that we don't think we need the help of our fellow man, and sometimes the manifestations of this sort of selfishness can be destructive both to ourselves and others.

Yes, in relationships as well. Simply put: We were not made to be alone. Often times because we've experienced so many disappointments, we forget this, or choose to ignore this. It frustrates me when I hear both sexes say this, because all the hiding from all that love has to offer is a byproduct of fear. Everybody needs somebody to love. Period.

B) All things in life do happen for a reason - Though we might not always understand the fortunes and misadventures of this crazy thing known as life, the tests we are given are to teach us lessons. The key is to realize such, as William and Linda did in the novel.

How did you feel when you found out There's Always a Reason was chosen as a main selection for Black Expressions Book Club?
Great Question, Shelia. After my initial shock, I tried to downplay it. But Nathasha Brooks-Harris sat me down and really explained its significance, which made me really think about the accomplishment: Here's what I came up with:

When I think of MAIN SELECTION, I always thought of E. Lynn Harris, the late Bebe Morre Campbell, Pearl Cleage, Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillan, Carl Weber, Mary B. Morrison, Omar Tyree and my publisher Zane. I never imagined this. I am so grateful that Carol Mackey thought enough of the story.

It also made me think of Timm McCann, who sat me down on a cruise in 2001 and unselfishly passed along knowledge that I carry to this day. (God, I miss him) It made me think of Marcus Major, C. Kelly Robinson and other brothers who wrote from the depths of their soul, Eric Pete, Earl Sewell, Christopher Chambers, Brian Egeston, Vincent Alexandria and others from the new breed that deserve this honor as much if not moreso than myself. Although I was selected, it's a victory for US, because it's a major statement that the torch can be passed. I only hope THERE'S ALWAYS A REASON does us all proud.

In what ways can men and women express their wants and needs to each other without coming across as nagging or complaining?
Communication and a spritual yoke. Honest, open talk about our needs and desires, as well as having God at its center. And the willingness by both parties to give their hearts fearlessly. I have nothing to prove to a woman and neither does she to me. That many of us think this way is another defense mechanism by way of fear. Let that go and the bitching stops, and the solutions come.

What can readers expect next from you?
This is going to be a busy year. After REASON, In April "I Want to (bleep) You", an erotica collaboration with Jessica Tilles will appear in her forthcoming novel Unfinished Business (Another must read). Then in July (giggle)... "DEAR ZANE... A LUST LETTER FROM A FAN ." appears in her non-fiction book DEAR G-SPOT. All I can say about this one is that it is the steamiest story I have ever written. It's plot? Well... you just have to read it to believe it. August I'll be in EROGENOUS ZONE, a collection of erotic stories edited by Jessica Tilles. (Shows where my mind is between novels, huh? -LOL.)

My next novel won't be out until late 2010. How Come, How Long deals with rape and forgiveness. I only hope I pull it off.

Critics have highly praised William Fredrick Cooper's latest book There's Always a Reason. It's in stores now.




Interview by Shelia M Goss, an entertainment writer and author of My Invisible Husband and Roses are thorns, Violets are true. For more information, visit www.sheliagoss.com.