BY: STAFF

Q: What made you choose to make the girls so diverse?

I feel like in literature, and the media in general, there is such a lack of diversity. I made it a point to break stereotypes with these girls and that's honestly my favorite thing about the book. I love that they are so different because it makes the story that much more interesting. 

Q: Why was it important to include so many different cultures?

I really wanted everyone reading to feel like they were a part of the story. I wanted them to see these girls who are very different and be able to say "Oh i have a little piece of Adeema" or "Libby Gray reminds me of myself." And I believe I accomplished the goal I set out to do. 

Q: What did you learn writing in this book?

A lot of things culturally and language-wise when it came to the characters specifically Kenzie and Adeema. Both of these young ladies have very different upbringings, so I had to really research some things. When it came to Adeema, I did quite a bit of research on Arabic culture and Islam/Muslim and when to use each term. There was just so much I didn't know, but I was happy to learn.

Q: Do you plan to add more and/or different cultures or simply build on what you have going forward with the series?

BOTH! I'm incredibly excited to dig into each character more and really explore their individual cultures. I definitely look forward to adding more culturally diverse characters as well.

Q: What's next for Adeema, Janais, Libby Gray and Kenzie?

If i told you that it would ruin the surprise - just know that you need to buckle up for an amazing ride.

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The Unlikely Tale Of The Royal Elite Squad is available now on Amazon, Kindle, B&N and Vital Narrative.

BY: STAFF

Tell us about your background.

I was born in 1989 in Chicago and still live there to this day. When I was 9 years old, I started drawing and taking art seriously. My personal work is inspired by my life experiences, the city of Chicago and pop culture. I have experience in drawing, painting, airbrushing, animation, and graphic design. I've won awards in my art and design career as an individual and collaborative since high school. Last year, I participated in group and judged art exhibitions in the city. 

What was your goal with the cover for Royal Elite Squad?

Before I explain that, I want to thank D.A. Alston and Vital Narrative for allowing me to create the cover for this book. I'm beyond grateful to create for them now and in the future.

My goal for the cover was to create the vision that D.A. Alston had. I actually created two front covers. The first one featured the four girls hanging out in front of their school's park bench. They were spaced out and doing their own thing, but were still shown as a close bunch of friends. The second one, which became the actual cover, is a silhouette of the four girls in their superhero costumes with the city of Atlanta. That one was the easiest one to complete because of the simplicity and I love how it draws you in.

Do you feel like you accomplished that goal?

Yes, I think I achieved that goal. Funny story, when I sent in the second cover with the silhouette of the main characters, D.A.'s mom actually thought it was better than the original, which is funny because it took me less than two hours to make after sketching the silhouettes on paper. The original cover took me over three weeks because of all the details of the characters and background. Sometimes, its best to keep it simple. Shoutout to her mom.

Describe your creative process.

Once I have an idea or subject that I'm interested in, I will make rough sketches until I am satisfied with it. Depending on the end goal, I either choose to make it a digital or a traditional piece of art. If it's digital, I use my graphic tablet and Adobe Illustrator to create my digital art and illustrations. If I choosing traditional art, I'm working with my ink and markers on Bristol Board. I'm currently expanding from paper to canvas as I plan on painting again. I've had the itch to do more since live painting at Qfest 2016 by the Expo Collective.

How do you get unstuck creatively when you can't quite figure out how you want to do something?

I usually just take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. One of my graphic design teachers told me that you shouldn't be stuck at your desk or on a canvas for a long period of time trying to fix something that will only take five minutes to correct. So, I usually just walk around the downtown, watch TV, listen to smooth jazz or read a book. Then, I'll come back and see what changes I can make with a fresh mind and a fresh set of eyes.

What are some of the biggest mistakes you've made as a graphic designer?

Taking on projects that I didn't connect with. After college, I just wanted to build my portfolio and resume so I could apply for a graphic design jobs. So, I posted on Craigslist in order to do that. If you're starting out as a young designer, don't go that route. Most of the projects were flyers for shows and parties. I wish I hadn't done some of the projects just because they didn't connect with my morals or my values. Plus, there's the "exposure" gimmick that people use to get young and naive graphic designers to complete work for free. What good is exposure when it's not directed to your target audience? But that's a whole other story.

How have you learned from those mistakes?

For one, I know not to accept any and every project request that comes my way. I try to make sure it reflects my brand's values. This past summer, I took a three-day course called the Exchange by the Expo Collective to learn how to build my brand as a creative. The three courses were for branding, involving and connecting community through art and entrepreneurship. During the course, they explained why you have to choose who you work with wisely and think about how it will reflect you and your brand. Since then, I've been more aware of what projects I will and will not take on. I've turned down more a lot more projects this year than I have in previous years. 

How do you handle criticism?

As long as it's constructive and genuine, I can take it. In college, my Portfolio II teacher was a woman named Katie. She was an incredible teacher, but at the same time, she was brutally honest and would rip your portfolio to shreds if it wasn't on point. I used to be super sensitive about my work (and I still am to a certain point). However, taking that class helped me grow thicker skin when being critiqued. 

What's your next project?

Besides working on the Royal Elite Squad series, I'm currently revamping my brand so it can be cohesive and ready by next year. I'm also working with YouMedia on another art and design workshop for teens. I did my first one in May and it was an wonderful experience. I'm also the Creative Director for my high school ten-year reunion (John Marshall Metro High c/o 2007). I'll be creating the branding, the shirts, banners and everything else. I can't wait! When I have the free time in between projects, I'll be working on my fine art that I've been creating. I'm hoping to to be a part of some really great art shows in the future.

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Here are a few sites where you can find Jonathan's work:

jonathancarradine.tumblr.com
Behance.net/JonathanCarradine
Instagram.com/Jonathan.Carradine

Q: What made you sign with Vital Narrative Press?
A: Three words: "Our stories matter." It’s important to me that I work with people who feel the same way about certain key things—like visibility and representation—and the Vital Narrative team is passionate about many of the same things I am.

Q: What made you want to write A Body Held Still By Fear And Loathing?
A: When I write poetry, it’s like I’m painting my internal landscape with words. It feels like I’ve been at war with myself and everyone else during the last few years, emotionally and creatively. And I guess I just wanted to put together all these textual pictures, so I could make sense of what happened and figure out where I need to go next.

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“I hope people get whatever they need out of this book.”

— A.A. Redd

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Q: Describe your writing process.
A: Aside from lots of procrastinating, I don’t really have one. I’m still experimenting with different methods and habits while I have a little free time.

Q: What is your most unusual writing habit?
A: Writing poetry in the body of an email, saving it as a draft and then forgetting it forever.

Q: What literary/movie/TV character is most like you?
A: I’m a combination of Hermione Granger, Ilana Wexler and Michael Scott.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
A: Writing. Making TV and movies.

Q: What writing advice do you have for other authors (especially those looking to release their first book)?
A: The only person you should be working to please is yourself. Do right by yourself first.

Q: Do you plan on reading your reviews?
A: I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself!

Q: What's your least favorite thing about the writing process?
A: Editing. I didn't write second drafts for years.

Q: What is your next project?
A: A short story collection and a web series.

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“I once told someone I met Stephen King way back in elementary school before I realized that lying was bad even when there was no obvious victim. I even thought my mom was going to buy it.”

— A.A. Redd

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Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: I’d love to be able to stop time. I’d have endless time to do everything.

Q: If you were a superhero, what costume would you wear?
A: Something very low-key. All black with a dash of color, like a jumpsuit with a royal purple hood and purple shoes. I want to be stylish, but still practical. No capes.

Q: What is something you want to accomplish before you die?
A: I really want to shoot a feature-length film.

Q: What were you like as a child? What was your favorite toy or activity?
A: I was curious, intense and trusting. My favorite thing to do was read—normally, things I wasn’t supposed to be reading! A close second was constructing sordid, soap-opera style dramas with my dolls and action figures. They usually ended in a graphic death.

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“My biggest fear is failure.”

— A.A. Redd

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Q: What has been your biggest failure?
A: Giving in to fear.

Q: What has been your greatest triumph?
A: Choosing to keep living when almost every fiber of my being was telling me not to.

Q: What books do you wish you could have written?
A: Cloud Atlas, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Chronicle of a Death Foretold.

Q: Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?
A: Stephen King, Zora Neale Hurston, J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes and Margaret Atwood are all authors whose work stirred something in me that has—so far—never stopped moving.

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A.A. Redd will release her first book, A Body Held Still By Fear And Loathing on October 21.

BY GREGORY HEDGEPETH

There are a million different independent book presses out there. What made you sign with Vital Narrative?

A: As cliché as it sounds, I feel like they chose me. I wasn’t even setting out to be an author honestly. I fell into it after an idea snowballed into this book. I’m so excited they did though. It feels amazing to be a part of something greater than me. I love the vision that’s being created.

What made you want to write this particular book?

It actually didn’t even start out as a novel. Initially, it was just an idea for a coloring book. I wanted to create a coloring book for people of color about girls who happen to be superheroes. Then I thought about how cool it would be if it had a story to go with it. And from there, it spiraled into what we have now.

Describe your writing process.

A: It’s nothing fancy - I just write. I have a notebook that I pour all my ideas and thoughts into. It’s more personal for me to use pen and paper.

What is your most unusual writing habit?

A: All my writing habits are pretty unusual. I normally blast music, sit criss-cross applesauce on the floor and rock side-to-side as I hum lyrics and write until my heart is content. That’s normal though, right?

Who would you cast to play in a live-action movie adaptation of your Royal Elite Squad?

A: I would love for Skai Jackson to play my studious song bird Janais. Kenzie would be played by Jenna Ortega from Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle.  I'm not sure about Libby Gray and Adeema though. I would want to make sure I found someone who really embodies those characters.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A: Hopefully as a very successful author, working on my sixth or seventh book. Married with a kid or two. I really hope to be at a point in my life where I have the means to help people and send smiles with ease.

What writing advice do you have for other authors (especially those looking to release their first book)?

A: Just write! That’s the hardest part. Write and don’t stop! No matter what. Your story needs to be told and only you can tell it.

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“I hope people see themselves in each of the characters, and realize that, even with our differences, we are all pretty similar. I also hope they realize how truly gifted and amazing they are. It’s all about finding your talent and letting it guide you.”

— D.A. Alston

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Do you plan on reading your reviews?

A: Most definitely! I can’t wait to see what people have to say, both good and bad.

What's your least favorite thing about the writing process?

A: Revisions! I detest revisions. The actual writing part is easy, but continuously going back over the book and rewriting is so tedious and time-consuming.

What is your next project?

A: My next project will be the second installment of the Royal Elite Squad series. I will also be working on creating merchandise and doing speaking and empowering gigs for young teens.

Characters often find themselves in situations they aren't sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of and what did you do?

A: I was unemployed for months after being let go from one of my favorite jobs at a crucial point in my life. It took me awhile to get out of it. I had to rely on my faith in God and keep pushing until something happened. There were very hard days sometimes, but thankfully I made it through. Now, I have two jobs and I’m about to release my first book. Needless to say, God is good.

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“The biggest lie I ever told was ‘I love you, too.’”

— D.A. Alston

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If you had a superpower, what would it be?

A: Telekinesis/telepathy. I love being in control (which isn't always a good thing). But being able to control people’s minds and having control over matter in general would be dope.

What literary/movie/TV character is most like you?

A: Mindy from The Mindy Project. I identify with her so much. I love her awkward quirkiness.

What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

A: I want to inspire as many people as possible. I want to encourage the next generation to be greater. I want them to stand on my shoulders and see farther than I could ever see.

What were you like as a child? What was your favorite toy or activity?

A: I was (and still am) the hand game queen! I am talking about Slide, Shame, Down by the River, Double This Double That, etc. To this day, my hand game skills are A1.

What is your biggest fear?

A: Inadequacy. I always fear doing everything possible in my will and still not being good enough in the end.

What has been your biggest failure?

A: Not finishing college. I beat myself up about it all the time. I will finish though. I won’t let that hold me back anymore.

What has been your greatest triumph?

A: This book! This is such a top-of-the-steps, hands-in-the-air-like-Rocky-Balboa moment for me. All the hard work I put in is finally about to see some fruit. I’m elated.

What book do you wish you could have written?

A: The Great Gatsby or The Poisonwood Bible. I know those are two totally different books, but I love them both. They make you think and paint excellent visuals.

Q: Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?

A: Nikki Giovanni and Rudy Francisco inspire me daily. I was introduced to Nikki Giovanni in ninth grade and reading her work made me want to write as well. Rudy Francisco is someone I fell in love with late in high school. His poems and delivery are phenomenal.

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D.A. Alston’s first book, The Unlikely Tale of the Royal Elite Squad is available here.