Five Questions with Fred Williams
Monday, April 02, 2007
When did you decide you wanted to be an author?I decided to be a writer about fifteen years ago when I saw Eddie Murphy in the movie "Distinguished Gentleman" about a Black congressman. It was a comedy, which is okay, but at some point I felt we needed a serious piece about Black power on Capitol Hill and how it is manipulated and often abused. Having worked for a Black Congressman, Parren Mitchell from Maryland, I felt my experience on the Hill and my love for writing was the necessary ingredient to write the novel. So I wrote The Nomination, a story about a Black congressman nominated to be the first Black Attorney General, and all the obstacles he confronts in his struggle for confirmation. Since that time I have not put the pen down, having written another novel Beyond Redemption and just finished my third novel Just Loving You.
Are any of your characters based on people you know?
In my first novel, the president is based on Senator Birch Bayh, whom I worked for on Capitol Hill and my Black congressman, George Taylor, is based on two Black Congressmen, Parren Mitchell and Louis Stokes. Characters in all my other novels are probably in some manner a compilation of individuals who have crossed my path in life, but not based on any one person.
Does your storylines require you to do a lot of research?
Not in my first three novels, but my next novel will call for a great deal of research because it will be an historical novel.
What is your current release?
My current release (due out now the first of April 2007) is Just Loving You. My first two works were issue oriented, so I tried my hand at a love story, but it does still deal with issues. The theme is that one's love for another individual will rise above all barriers standing in the way of that love, and ultimately loving that special person is more valuable and precious than the burdensome obstacles that serve as inhibitors.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers? (How can readers reach you?)
Write for the love of the art and not to get rich. When you write for money you taint the talent. I can be reached at the following Email fredwilliams@satx.rr.com Excerpts and orders for Just Loving You can be found at www.jaedbookstore.com
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.
