A Chat With Author Eric E. Pete
ACR: Your book, Someone's In The Kitchen is an interesting read. Would you care to share with us the inspiration and genesis for the characterization and storyline?
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 EEP: The overall "feel" for Someone's In the Kitchen came to me after completing my first novel, Real for Me. I wanted to create something a little darker & steamier in tone. I also wanted the story to be set somewhere other than LA or New York this time, so I picked Houston, my old stomping grounds. There is a lot more drama, but I wanted it to be within the context of the characters. With Real for Me, I had the chapters alternate between the male/female perspectives. With Someone's In the Kitchen, my two main characters are both male.
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ACR: Time and circumstance brings about change and success if it's warranted, but tell us Eric how has it been for you since you first started on this journey to writing, and the publishing of your first two novels?
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EEP: It still feels a little odd, to tell you the truth. I have met so many wonderful people and have been exposed to so much more than I would have had I not begun this journey. I think I've grown as a person. It has been a very positive experience.
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ACR: I met you recently in Ft. Lauderdale at a book signing session. The assigned authors that were scheduled to appear were yourself, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Vincent Alexandria...What is it like touring with, and sharing venues with contemporaries?
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EEP: Like being with old friends. When you're on the road, it's really reassuring having someone that has been through the same the trials and tribulations that you can share with and bounce ideas off.
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ACR: I want to formally thank you for promptly sending me your book to review per my request. Its due diligence like this that make my job as a Book Reviewer much easier. What do you expect from Reviewers, and how do you handle less flattering reviews (of your books)? |
EEP: I don't expect anything but for the reviewers to communicate their honest thoughts to the readers, etc. Not everyone will be a fan of your work...and that's all right. I just want a fair shot & for the work to be judged in its entirety. There's always room for growth & improvement.
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ACR: With the sheer volume books being written by African-American authors, and the reaction to them from major publishing houses enhancing the wherewithal for providing specialized imprints...What are you and the people in your camp doing to capitulate Someone’s In The Kitchen as a MUST read entity? |
 EEP: Word of mouth (followed by book clubs and publications such as yours) is the most important aspect in getting people "to the pages". I think a strong story keep's people coming. Also, it's very important to get out amongst the people and to give them the face behind these stories they're reading. The Internet plays heavily in leveling the playing field when competing against major publishing houses. My website, www.ericpete.com, keep's readers abreast of what's on my mind and where I will be heading next.
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ACR: Assuming that you've already quit your day job and success not withstanding is eminent, what will change first and foremost about you and how you approach the literary industry?
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EEP: That first assumption is a BIG one. (haha) I have learned a lot about the nuts & bolts of the business and I think that will come in handy for what is ahead. If this heads where I expect it to, a little financial freedom would be nice. My approach to writing won't change much, but perhaps I'd have more time to actually do it.
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| ACR: Care to share any of the poignant, witty, and strange happenings to you while on tour promoting the book? |
| EEP: Not a lot of strangeness has occurred...and I think that's a GOOD thing! One of the most poignant things that have happened to me was an e-mail I received from a woman who had read my first novel, Real for Me. She had lost her child earlier this year and wanted to thank me. Reading that novel was the first time she had not thought about the death since then. I was humbled and really didn't know what to say. I know I write to give people an escape, but really didn't know how much of an effect my writing could have. |
| ACR: Authors are always asked the question relative to their beginnings as a writer. Was it your goal to become a writer, or was it something that inspired you to choose this field? |
| EEP: No. I had written short, 1-2 page stories for English assignments, but never considered myself a writer. My imagination has always been there and I'd considered writing, but always put it off. My wife twisted my arm as she saw the untapped potential. I began writing my first novel to appease her, got bit by the writing bug, and haven't looked back. |
| ACR: Who do you admire most that would be in your opinion one that comes closest to either emulating your style, or someone that you'd like to write like? |
EEP: I'd have to count BeBe Moore Campbell & Eric Jerome Dickey among my influences. Movies have a large influence on my writing also. I try to write with their flow in mind.
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| ACR: What's next on the agenda for you? What are you working on? |
| EEP: I'm currently working on my fourth novel as well as a few short stories. |
| ACR: What were your experiences like having to go the self-publishing route and would you recommend it to others? Why or why not? |
EEP: I'd recommend self-publishing only after researching the business & knowing the ups & downs of it. There are many good reference books on the subject, but learning from other authors about their experiences can help too. It's the path many African American authors take, as the major publishers are slow to notice them w/o a proven track record.
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| ACR: And lastly...What advice would you is willing to share to give an aspiring writer? |
EEP: If you're a writer and you're serious about being published AND successful, then you better be prepared to wear both hats-the artist & the business person. You may face some rejection, but if you stay focused, positive, and have a good support system (friends and/or family), then there's nothing you can't do. Most importantly...write because you love it
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