BEN BURGESS JR: THE REALITY OF A REFORMED MONSTER

Ben Burgess Jr is the author of the award winning novels "Monster", "Wounded", the poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and the new novel "Love and Happiness" He is an active performer of spoken word poetry. Ben Burgess Jr uses his love of writing to inspire and influence youths to strive for what they believe in, and to never give up on their dreams. His poetry book "Times Have Changed and Life is Strange" and his novel "Monster" are currently used in schools on the lower east side of Manhattan. Ben Burgess has a BA degree in Business Management, and a MA degree in Educational Leadership. He is the proud father of his daughter Jaelynn and is active in trying to improve urban neighborhoods and communities.

Imani: Pink Noire is please to have talented writer, Ben Burgess, Jr, this week to The Lounge – welcome. So, Ben, when did you discover writing was your talent?

Burgess: When I was in 8th grade, I read Richard Wright’s “Native Son” When I read that book, I felt that it was life changing for me. I knew that I wanted to one day write something that could have the same effect on people. While in 8th grade, my English teacher Mrs. Marcus gave the class a poetry assignment. My poem was on basketball. I don't remember what I wrote, but I remember my teacher was blown away by it. She encouraged me to keep writing. She was one of my most influential teachers, and I promised her if I ever wrote a book, I would write a poem about the Holocaust for her. (She was Jewish, and had family that were survivors.) My dream was to publish a book. I continued to write throughout high school and college. My college professors told me I had talent as a poet and writer, so I decided to go to lounges that had open mics to perform my poetry. Hearing people cheer for me and appreciate my words, inspired me to keep writing. My first published book was a poetry book titled “Times Have changed and Life is Strange.” I wrote a poem for Mrs. Marcus titled “Holocaust”, keeping my promise. The poem “Ugly” from “Times Have Changed and Life is Strange”, is the poem that inspired me to write my first novel “Monster.” I reflected on my life, and felt it would be a good story that would teach and possible change people’s lives the way Richard Wright’s “Native Son” had done for me.

Do you have a particular writing process? I know some authors rely on outlining, while others – like me – go with the flow. So do you have a preference?

I write whenever I have time or as soon as I have an idea. I have a Samsung Note 4 so if an idea comes to mind, I literally write it down or use the voice memos to record my thoughts and write them out when I get time. I try to write something every day, even if it’s only paragraph. I’m a huge perfectionist so I’m constantly editing and re-editing while I’m writing. Once my project is completed, I edit again to try to make my work the best it can be. When I’m writing, I can have music or a movie playing in the background, but I totally zone out and focus on writing. I turn the internet off when I’m working on my laptop because honestly, I usually end up looking at Facebook or checking out stuff on ESPN. To include my daughter in my writing process, she puts her desk next to mine while I’m writing and practices writing her letters and/or doing her homework.

Now, your award-winning novel, Monster, is well-loved by the literary community. Tell us the premise of this story and its main character, Ken Ferguson.

My story begins with my main character Ken Ferguson, a guy in his twenties that is put through the wringer growing up in a dysfunctional family. As an adult his heart and ego are ripped to pieces when his girlfriend, the one he thought was "the one", emasculates him and dumps him for a bad boy. Ken begins his transformation. Fueled by anger, and tired of being the “nice guy”, Ken drowns himself in one-night stands, threesomes, affairs with married women, and sleeping with one conquest after another. He adopts the philosophy of having no commitment and no attachments, but meets his match with Ashley, a girl that makes him want to stop his promiscuous ways. Ashley turns out to do even more damage to his ego and his heart, wounding him deeply. With his philosophy reinforced, Ken spirals out of control and becomes a MONSTER. Sleeping with and mistreating random women he meets at bars and clubs, Ken uses sex to forget about his insecurities, his anger, and his sadness. He becomes a predator that uses and abuses women to no consolable end.

Kenny from “Monster” is me. Ninety percent of “Monster” is real. Of course some situations and characters had to be changed, but for the most part, getting to know Kenny is like getting to know me. My “Ken” character is based off my past. After enduring some pretty interesting experiences, I believed that "Monster" is a story that can benefit everyone and a story that needed to be told. I was inspired to write it to teach people and I hope others will learn from my mistakes.  The poem “Ugly” from my first published work “Times Have Changed and Life is Strange”, is the poem that inspired me to write “Monster” I reflected on my life, and felt this would be a good story that would teach and possible change people’s lives.  I wanted people to learn that:

• Every action has a consequence- It can be good or bad, but there is a result for everything we do.
• We need to take time to truly heal emotionally and mentally after a break-up. If we don't we are bound to bring that pain into future relationships.
• We need to be conscience of our actions. We never know the effects they can have on other people.
• In order to move forward in life, we have to learn to let go of negativity, and to forgive ourselves.

What inspired you to write this book?

At first, I was working on another novel which has now turned into my next novel “Love and Happiness” when my co-workers asked me to write a book with a Lesbian protagonist. At first I thought it wouldn’t be possible since I wasn’t a woman, I knew nothing about being Gay or the LGBT community. My co-workers decided to take me to a Lesbian bar. (They took me to the Cubbyhole, which is the first bar I mentioned in Wounded.) After going there with them and talking to the women, I decided to work on the book. To make the book feel as authentic as possible, I did a lot of research. I interviewed fifteen women and five couples, to hear their thoughts, feelings, and philosophies about being a Lesbian, and life. I also used one of my family members as a basis for my character development, so I felt personally invested into creating “Samantha”

Usually, I don’t ask this of my guests, but your book cover for Monster is pure genius. Who came up the concept – your graphic designer or you?

I came up with the concept of the cover. I wanted the cover to let readers know what they were getting themselves into which is why I have the words “Sex, Love Deceit, Betrayal, and Pain” displayed on the cover. I wanted the cover to be “Dark” yet appealing. Sexy, yet not too over the top. I felt having the guy on the cover, hinted that the protagonist was African American, and the shadow was a metaphor that his actions were devilish.

Another wounded character is Samantha Miller from you other book aptly named, Wounded. How did you develop this character? Is it based from a real person, or just real life?

Samantha is my favorite character from Wounded because I wanted a tough, outspoken protagonist that had a lot of depth. I wanted her to be “layered” meaning that there are a lot of elements to her character. Samantha has a tough demeanor, but she is also suffering from PTSD due to child molestation, she’s a stripper, a lesbian, and she has so many stresses and struggles in her life. I wanted her to also be able to show that she could be naïve, loveable, and humble. I feel that all of these things makes her a survivor and makes her feel more human to the readers. I based Samantha off of some of my friends and one of my family members. I wanted a name that was feminine but could also be turned masculine (Samantha= Sam)

Ken Ferguson, Samantha Miller, and Karen from your upcoming novel, Love and   Happiness, all have some sort of embattled spirit. What makes these characters important and why should readers care?

When I write, I never write characters that are completely “The Good Guy”. Why? Because in life whether we want to believe/accept it, we are not always “The Good Guy” I make my characters flawed because I feel readers connect better and see themselves in the characters or are realistic and believable.

Now let’s switch gears: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received since becoming an author?

There will be lots of times when you want to give up. There will be times when people will talk bad about your book or sales might be low. Never give up. Believe in yourself and believe in your work. Listen to critiques and push your pride to the side. It doesn’t matter how great of a writer you believe you are, you can always improve. There will be those who will not be fans of your writing, but you should never give up. Keep improving and learning your craft. Edit and re-edit. (*always have your books professionally edited. You want people to take your book seriously and not feel that it is amateurish.) Learn from your mistakes, take classes and read other authors. Research the industry. Two of the most important things to do are: 1. Find a credible editor and 2. Promote, promote, promote. You have to put your heart and soul into your work. While it will be hard and you will go through trials and tribulations, in the end it’s worth it when your book is entertaining people and it’s successful.

We all have that special person(s) that helped shape our craft. If they were here now, what would you say to them?

That person for me would be author Eric Jerome Dickey. To him, I would say “Thank you for influencing me to become a writer.” In the bonus section on my new book “Love and Happiness”, I actually made a poem in honor of him.

What’s your next project(s)?

My next project is called "Love and Happiness" It is a sort of spin off from "Monster" based off a character named Karen that was one of Ken's clients in that book. A sample for "Love and Happiness" can be found in the back of "Wounded" *All of my books are connected in some way. For example in "Wounded" Ron is friends with Dr. Andrews. They were in the same Fraternity and roommates. Also the characters Will and Lou make a cameo in "Wounded" they are in the next book "Love and Happiness" I like all of my books to share the same universe.

And finally, Pink Noire will begin a series call, Def:Hope (Definition Hope) to share stories of inspiration based on these simple four letters. So briefly, tell us your hope. How has these four letters helped you?

The word “Hope” is very big for me. I hope my books will be successful enough to be adapted to film. I hope I inspire other minorities to become authors. Having hope helps you to dream and aspire. Without those two things goals can’t be accomplished.

Thank you, Ben, for this interview. I had a blast. If readers would like to know more about your work, where should they go online?

                                            

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Ben-Burgess-Jr./e/B00BCKZPHK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Facebook Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/BenBurgessJr

Email address for fans to reach me: AuthorBenBurgessJr@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ben_Burgess_Jr

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MICHELLE CUTTINO HAS A GOOD REASON TO SMILE!

Gracious. Gritty. Gifted. 

The three-G's that fits this Bronx resident. 

Michelle Cuttino is no stranger to the literary world. She's a blogger; a book reviewer for the popular African American on the Move Book Club (AAMBC), a columnist for several magazines, including Proud Times Magazine; a CEO of Big Body Publishing; an Executive Producer for Big Body Broadcasting, which owns three shows under her belt -- and from the looks of it, Michelle is not slowing down. 

Affectionately known as "The Queen of Plus-Size Fiction", Cuttino has become a role model to many women. The belief she carries, which hold true to her heart, is to use her storytelling ability to represent the "underrepresented" portion of this country -- the size 14 and up. 

For someone like Cuttino, her infectious personality will rub off on you. A smile will gleam from her natural humor, or find yourself inspired from her words of encouragement; that's just who she is: the woman with the "unapologetic strength"

Imani: Pink Noire is proud to present, "The Queen of Plus-Size Fiction", columnist, and radio show host, Michelle Cuttino to The Lounge -- welcome. Before we proceed, tell us what makes "Michelle Cuttino" the woman who she is today?

Michelle: Thank you for having me. I was raised by strong matriarchs who led by example. They taught me the importance of education, generosity, and humility. Growing up, I was too fat to be skinny and too skinny to be fat. I learned from a young age I was beautiful no matter what, and I could not let my size define me.On the outside, I was one of the cool kids, who talked back to her teachers and cut classes. On the inside, I was a bookworm and nerd who played the viola, violin, and cello. I was confident and clever enough to never let my two worlds collide, and I am pretty much the same today. No one anticipates the level of professionalism and knowledge I possess, so I keep them guessing. With me, you never know what to expect.

 I love the name "Queen of Plus-Size Fiction". To me, it represents unapologetic strength. So what's the story behind it?

My parents taught me the key to success is doing something you love, and getting paid for it. My passion is writing. With writing, I was told you must write what you know. Incorporating the two concepts, I decided to write fiction geared towards the plus-size population. I am a full-figured woman, who loves the skin I’m in. My characters personify me as well as those I encounter in my daily surroundings. I always felt if I was going to do anything, I needed to do it bigger and better than the competition.  In order to reign effectively, rulers assume a title. My title is the Queen of Plus-Size Fiction.

Your latest title, "Love and Happiness", has received favorable reviews since its release in October. And from what I read, your character conveys the realism of today's African American woman. So tell us of Roxanne Linden. What's the inspiration behind the character?

Roxanne Linden is my alter ego. She is bold and sassy, with just a hint of tramp. My goal was to write a character who is aware of herself, and is not afraid to be exactly who she is. Everyone faces moments of uncertainty, or finds themself in compromising situations. Roxanne is no different. Strong black women are often negatively stereotyped. With Roxanne, my mission was to show the vulnerable side of a woman who appears to have it all together on the outside.

How much research did you have to conduct before writing the book?

I didn’t have to conduct any research, because I wrote what I knew. I kept the storyline and the characters within my own reality, so they would be believable and likeable. In my opinion, if you write from a place of authenticity, there is no need tostudy.

During the writing process, do you outline by chapters or you go with the flow?

I’m somewhat of a free spirit, and it is mirrored in my writing. I wouldn’t begin to know how to write by an outline; that’s not the way stories come to me. When I sit down to write, it’s like an out-of-body experience. My body is the vessel my characters use to tell their stories. They talk, and I type. I have no say so in the matter.

That cliche, You learn something new everyday. While writing this book, what self-discovery have you learned about yourself?

I learned I am a great storyteller. More importantly, I learned I can spin a tale about a plus-size woman without emphasizing the obvious, and have readers relate to her just as they do the skinny heroines of other novels. One’s physical makeup should not be their defining quality. I know plenty of ugly “beautiful” people. A person can easily camouflage their flaws, so you should judge them for what’s behind the mask.

Let's switch gears and talk about your other gifts. You are a successful radio host for the blog talk, bi-monthly show, "The Q-Spot with Big Body" and you co-host another show with Stephanie "Big Sexy" Adkins called, "The My Big Girl Panties Show, and you're an Executive Producer for the monthly show, "A Different Kind of Love" hosted by, J'son M. Lee. You are one busy woman; and yet a woman with a vision. Explain to the readers how your vision for these shows came to pass.

Each show is unique in its own way. The Q-Spot with Big Body began under Julia Press Simmons’ QMBX Radio. When she cancelled QMBX Radio, I decided to revamp my show and bring my followers to my own network, Big Body Broadcasting. Like my brand, the network caters to niche audiences.

The Q-Spot with Big Body is for authors and entrepreneurs looking to gain additional promotion for their products and new releases. A Different Kind Of Love is a monthly show that affirms the diversity and universality of love. Hosted by J'son M. Lee, the show serves to nurture and honor LGBT persons and their significance within their families and communities.The My Big Girl Panties Show is my baby, and its mission is to embrace, enlighten, and empower the plus-size population.

Your eBook series, "Me and Mrs. Jones" was an adaptation from a screenplay optioned for legendary rapper, actress, and former talk show host, Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Films. How did this opportunity fall into your lap?

What many don’t know is I started out writing screenplays. I have ten completed manuscripts in my library, in addition to Me& Mrs. Jones. Back then, Latifah had just started her Flavor Unit Films production company, and was in search of scripts. I queried, and the rest is history. They optioned the screenplay twice, but the story never made it to the big screen. Since I believed it in so much, I decided to turn it into an eBook series.

You are a woman that stays on her mission, so I'm sure you have plenty in store for 2015. However, you have an erotic anthology set to release this year under a high-profile author. Tell the readers more about this venture.

First, I am super excited to be part of the anthology, which will be released under Zane’s Strebor/Simon & Schuster imprint. Initially, bestselling author N’Tyse was looking for entries for an anthology she was going to release under her own A Million Thoughts Publishing imprint. I entered the contest, and my short was one of those selected. Months later it was revealed she had submitted the anthology to Zane, and again, the rest is history.

Okay...I, on occasion, have read some of your posts online. Some are truly inspirational and some are thought-provoking, but most of them are humorous. I all ways wanted to ask this: Is comedy one of your hidden talents?

Comedy is more like my therapy. I come from a comedic family. When we get together, we crack jokes, relay funny stories, and do impersonations. I am quick-witted and will tell a joke, or give a sarcastic response at the drop of a dime. For me, there are only two options in life. You can cry and wallow in self-pity, or you can laugh and make the most of a bad situation. I choose to laugh. I keep a positive attitude, and the comedy comes naturally.

If you knew then what you know now as a seasoned author and you go back in time to meet your novice self, what would you tell yourself?

I would tell myself not to stop. There was a point in my life when writing was all I did. I ate, slept, and drank it, and I was beginning to garner a buzz and make a name for myself. Then all of a sudden, I just stopped. Someone stole my joy, and I let go of my passion. A few years ago, I lost my seven-year-old niece, who was like a daughter to me. Her death inspired me to live life to the fullest, and do what I love. In writing her obituary and eulogy, my love for storytelling was rekindled. I’ve been on a mission ever since. This time I refuse to quit.

Finally, if you were to interview a legendary figure (living or not) on your radio show, who would it be, and why?

I’m going to give an obvious answer, for a self-gratifying reason. The person I would like to interview on my show would be Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey came from modest beginnings, and an abusive past. She was the plus-size talk show host who struggled publicly with her love life as well as her weight. She was typecast, misjudged,and mocked. Today, she is the Queen of all media, a self-made billionaire, and one of the most influential people in the world. Being a full-figured, African American woman is the cherry on top. Oprah Winfrey is proof that size doesn’t matter; as long as you believe it, you can achieve it!

Thank you, Michelle. This has been a fascinating interview. Please know, the doors to The Lounge are all ways open for you.

You’re welcome. Thank you for letting me share a little of myself with you and your audience. It’s truly appreciated. Big Body hugs and kisses to you.

If you want to learn more about Michelle and her work, visit her socially. She'll love to meet you:

Twitter @MichelleCuttino

Facebook: /MichelleCuttino

Instagram/Pinterest: @BigBodyPub

www.MichelleCuttino.com

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