What advice would you give a new writer without your credentials?

Erasure Book Review Excerpt Thelonius "Monk" Ellison is an engaging character. He is an award-winning author with higher standards than most, yet he is struggling to earn the kind of money enjoyed by writers who pen embarrassingly stereotypical novels about African American life. His father is dead, having committed suicide seven years prior. His mother is fighting Alzheimer's. His sister, the doctor, is squaring off with those who oppose abortion enough to threaten her well being. Meanwhile, Monk longs for the kind of success that will allow him to make more money and to aid his family. Complete Review

The best advice I can give any writer is the advice I give myself. Read everything, write what you want and keep things in perspective.

Is there any justification for writing bubble gum novels?

There's nothing wrong with light and fluffy entertainment. I watch television on occasion. I personally can't get through crime and science fiction novels, but it's not because they're not well-written. I simply don't respond to them. It saddens me that challenging novels are considered entertaining.

The jury is out. Should a writer ever write for free?

I'm pretty close to doing that now.

Do you believe in writing an outline and a synopsis before letting the story pour out?

Whatever works for the writer. I work with a pile of notes that seem unrelated.

What's next for you?

I have a new novel coming out in either fall 2003 or spring 2004. As well, I have a book of stories due out spring of 2004.

Thanks to Percival Everett for sharing his insight on writing and his books. You can purchase his novels, including Erasure, through this site by visiting Amazon.com, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble or visit your favorite bookstore for more details.