As it relates to your earliest
memory as an artist, did Art choose you or did you choose Art? The Art of
writing that is, explain.
Good
question. I think the art chose me. As I look back I’ve been writing of and on
since the fifth grade. I never thought of it as a talent. It was just something
I did when I felt like doing it.
Who or What were your earliest
inspirations and present influences that inspire your art/comics/writing?
I read non-fiction, mostly history,
until high school. The first writer to catch my interest was James Baldwin. I
love the way he could say so much with so few words. My second inspiration was
Frank Herbert’s Dune. It was the first time I read a science fiction novel
where the world building felt real. It became my standard for world building.
The book that made me think what I write was possible is Segu by Maryse Conde.
It was the first fiction book I read using African history as the backdrop.
Charles R. Saunders is my most important
present influence. We met online shortly after I finished Meji and we’ve been
friends ever since. If I’d read Imaro when it was originally released I
probably would have tried my hand at writing Sword and Soul years ago.
How important is it to study
your art and how do you approach keeping your skills sharp?
It’s very important to study your art.
I took two writing courses when I decided I wanted to write, and I’m constantly
reading. Some authors I read not because I particularly like their work, but I
read them because the writer is considered good and I want to figure out why. As far as my skills, I write every day.
I think that’s the key.
What are some books that are on
your personal shelf?
Wow. That’s a long list. I just
completed The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabelle Walker, a book about the Great
Migration. Fiction wise I have all of Charles R. Saunders books, the first two
books of the Acacia trilogy by David Anthony Durham, and Dances with Dragons by
George R.R. Martin waiting in the wings. And a slew of books by my independent
writing friends.
Are there any titles that you
are currently reading?
I’m
currently reading the Tarik al Fattash,
a history of the rule of Askia Muhammad, one of the rulers of the Songhai
Empire. I’m also reading Moses: The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman, an excellent alternate
history/steampunk/horror mash up by Balogun.
WORK/STYLE
Give us a description of your
Creative Lab or Studio where you work and how is the environment a co-creator
or partner in ultimately what you create?
I write either in my study or at the
kitchen table. It’s nothing fancy. I don’t need much, just a clear space and
some good music.
If Art can save the world, then
that makes the Artist a Superhero; and every Hero needs theme music. Name
the song or songs that you listen to for inspiration as you create?
My musical inspirations change based on
what I’m writing. I have a jazz playlist that I usually put on when I’m writing
in my study. It includes songs by Herbie Hancock, Esmerelda Spalding, Al
Jarreau, and others. I’ve recently been checking out the soundtrack to
Inception, and I love me some reggae.
What techniques & tools do
you employ to bring ideas to life?
My ideas come from many sources, but I
think the main two sources are history and music. I’m constantly reading
history, which has been a gold mine for many writers. I love music, and
sometimes the mood and lyrics of a song will spark an image that I’ll build a
story around. In general, my Sword and Soul stories are inspired by history
while most of my science fiction is inspired by music.
How would you describe your
writing style or artistic technique?
When
I decided to write I wanted my style to be exciting and efficient. I like books
where the writer describes things by using the right words, not by being
verbose. I also wanted my books to be action filled. Based on the feedback I’ve
seemed to have accomplished my goal. I still have a ways to go yet.
SOUL/ART
In terms of personal projects,
what is the Flagship creative project for your company and how did you come up
with the idea for the concept?
Meji started it all. I had the idea for
the book for years but it didn’t really come together until I got deep into my
research of African history and culture. I wanted to write a book that
celebrated these things while also displaying the beauty and diversity of the
continent. This book set the tone for everything I’ve written since.
What are some of the most immediate follow-up
projects?
I’m currently working on Woman of the Woods, which will be my first
Sword and Soul novel with a female main character. I’m also working on my first
publishing only book, Once Upon A Time In Afrika, a Sword and Soul novel by
Balogun. I’m also laying the groundwork to release Charles R. Saunders first
new trilogy since Imaro and Dossouye, titles Abengoni.
The Griots Anthology had been very successful. I released it last year and it has become a flagship for Sword and Soul. If anyone was to ask you, 'what is sword and soul?' you could give them a copy of Griots. We're currently working on Griots: Sisters of the Spear, an anthology of Sword and Soul stories featuring women of color. Our sisters have been seriously neglected in this industry, so this is our way of giving them their recognition and respect. The stories have been selected; the anthology should be available early 2013.
Talk about the difficulties of
being an independent artist and the hurdles you've overcome to produce and
publish your own works.
The biggest challenge of
independent writing is that you have to do everything yourself. You have to
handle it like a business, which it is. Everything is a challenge; writing,
artwork, editing, printing, etc. I had my own business a while ago so I have
some experience at this. It’s been a challenge but it’s working out well.
What is your preferred medium
for your stories; comic book, graphic novel, animation or movie?
My preferred medium is novel. I’d love
to see my works 3D animated, and a movie would be great, too. Graphic novel
would probably be my last choice, but in terms of cost it’s probably the most
realistic.
Here's a fun question.
Name a mainstream project/character or an independent project and/or character
that you'd love to work on or revamp and what would you do to put your twist on
it?
I can’t answer that one. I don’t
have an interest in doing that. I’d rather concentrate my energy on creating
new and hopefully unique characters.
For the independent artist, how
has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on
your art? For example, but not limited to: Finding Clients? Artistic
Collaboration? Getting work done?
Today’s technology is essential
to what I do. Ten years ago it wouldn’t have been possible. Print on Demand,
social networking and e-books have leveled the playing field and freed writers
from the limits of mainstream publishing. I think the internet has been the
greatest tool for not only selling and promoting my books, but for also finding
and collaborating with other artists.
Here are two questions about
event presentations, conferences, fairs etc.
What are the conferences that
are on your yearly schedule to attend?
I attend OnyxCon every year. I’m
looking to expand to other conferences once my sales get more consistent. I
have my eyes set on Dragoncon.
What advice do you give to
aspiring artists of all mediums about the importance of events and how do you
prepare to maximize your potential at these fairs?
I think it’s important to attend
these events. You expose yourself to potential customers and you get immediate
feedback on your work.
LIFE/EXPRESSION
On the idea
of Art Imitates Life or Life Imitates Art, is the role of Art in human
existence a catalyst for behavior and community building or is Art a mirror to
reflect the world of what was and what is?
I think it goes both ways. I think art
imitates and influences life. I believe this very strongly. Many artists and
writers accept this and I think they create art for that very purpose. Other
artists create for themselves and don’t concern themselves with the influence
their work might have. I write for myself, but I also write to create positive
images of black men and women with a sense of pride and place.
Due to budget cuts for schools,
classes and after-school programs, primarily in black and Latino communities,
the youth are not getting exposed or are exposed to very little physical
education and the arts. How important do you feel the arts are to the
lives of the youth?
I think art is vitally important.
Children must have a venue to explore and express their imaginations. That’s
where progress comes from. Without the fresh imagination of youth there is no
change.
Whether it's the concept of Six
Degrees of Separation or Its A Small World, the culture to are smaller than
outsiders know. To bridge the gap between yourself and your peers, do you
belong to any artist groups or forums, if so which ones?
I’m a very active member of the Black
Science Fiction Society. I also participate on my own social site, Wagadu. I
spend a fair amount of time at SFreader, Blacksuperhero, and of course,
Facebook. It’s essential as an independent writer to participate on social
networking sites. It’s how you get the word out.
Now to bridge the gap between
your art and the public at large, give the name and address of your sites and
forums where people can see your creativity and how people can get in contact
with you for commissions and/or to follow your work?
My site is www.mvmediaalt.com. This is where you can
find and purchase my books. My social venue is www.wagadu.ning.com. This where I post
stories, share ideas and fellowship with Sword and Soul fans. I’m also on
Twitter (Milton Davis @thegriot) and Facebook.
What impact
would you like your art to make on the world?
Wow,
that’s a deep question. I have modest expectations. I just hope people enjoy my
writing, and that people find it positive uplifting.
What are your favorite quotes or
philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist?
My favorite quote? How do you eat an
elephant? One bite at a time. I think it’s the perfect quote that explains how
to deal with big challenges. Take it step by step, a little at a time.
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That's it
for now and If you or any visual artists or writers would be interested in an
interview, be sure to contact me via one of the links below:
Be sure to
connect with me on:
360BEYOND@gmail.com
Stay
Creative,
Pharaoh
