Thanks so much for spending the time
with us over the Labor Day weekend, Braxton. We always start with the same
curiosity: What book spoke to you most during your teen years?
The Divergent series. Veronica Roth
really put together an original story with characters that feel real in a
fictional world. It’s gritty, and the sense of desperation if heavy. Of course,
I’d love for all my friends to read The School of Ministry as well when it
comes out in August of this year.
What made you want to write teen
fiction? Is there any link to the stories you read growing up?
Your most recent novel is The School of Ministry: The Windgate. Where did the inspiration for this story come from?
Tell us about the love triangles in this book.
I love this love triangle because it
is built a little differently. Ziv’s heart is for Stephanie – a longtime friend
of his – and they get separated after she brings him some ‘good news’. He
decides that he must make a choice about their relationship. It’s at this point
that he is introduced to another young lady named Evan, who he’s also attracted
to. He knows he must find Stephanie again, and during his quest to do so, he is
constantly being pulled towards Evan. But getting either of them is not easy
because another character in the story reveals himself to be the love interest
of one of the girls, which puts a barrier between Ziv and his decision.
What’s your favorite scene in the book?
Hmm, there are so many great action
sequences, but I love the Quad challenge when Ziv finds out he has to fight –
YOU KNOW WHO! (can’t spoil it) The end is pretty sweet as well.
From inspiration to final draft,
writing a novel is a ton of work. What was it about this story that made you
want to see it through?
It really began to speak to me
through the editing process. It gave me time to go back through it and delete,
add, and connect the timelines and characters. The fluidity of the story really
became my biggest focus. Once that was done, I think crafted a story that
readers are going to become vested in and want to see through to the end of the
series. The second book is going to be huge.
In the course my
research, I’ve noticed that you’ve done joint signings with your uncle, Bill
Cosby. As a fan, I have a tremendous respect for your uncle. I’d love to ask
some questions about your relationship with him, if it’s okay with you? *Braxton agrees*
Funny…really.
I remember finding out that I was related to Uncle Bill when I was lying on my
family-room floor looking at an episode of the Cosby Show. My mom said, “Hey,
you know that’s your Uncle?” I turned away from her and smiled, then turned
back to the television to finish the episode. It’s so funny how kids aren’t
really impressed by the big things in life. Later, I began to see the impact
that he had on people with all his accolades and teachings and appreciated how
cool it was that I was a Cosby.
If you could describe your uncle in one sentence what would it be?
Brilliant.
Did you
watch The Cosby Show growing up? Did you have a crush on any of the Huxtables?
When I’m under a deadline, I occasionally use your uncle’s famous “chocolate cake” rationale for feeding my kids dinner. Do you have a favorite Bill Cosby comedy routine?
I remember
his line about “I’m your father, I brought you in this world, and I’ll take you
out.” I’ve got to admit I’ve never said it out loud, but the thought has
crossed my mind.
*LOL* I
love that one, too! Is your uncle a reader?
Yes. He
loves to read. He says he reads while eating a good apple.
He
instilled the importance of messaging. Yeah, I could easily go out and write a
novel that has foul language and sex in it, who can’t. But how would that
impact people in a positive way. Or better yet, how would that make my kids feel
as they grow up? It’s so much harder to be faithful to your own vision and stay
grounded no matter how much people try to make you into someone else. His
comedy has not changed one bit since he first began his career and I know he
was asked to change here or there to get a ‘broader’ audience. But he stayed
the path and now there is no one on the planet that makes comedy the way he
does. I’d like my writing to speak like that.
Tell the readers something about your uncle that might surprise them.
He is truly
funnier in person than he is on television. Trust me…
Why do you suppose your uncle is so iconic?
He
fashioned a career on doing it his way: from the sweaters, to the cigars, to
the clean humor. I appreciate that about him the most.
Has your
uncle read your books?
*final question* What’s next for you?
The book
launch just before Labor Day, followed by an anthology of sorts with artwork on
The School of Ministry: The Windgate with book tours, speaking
engagements, and book fairs. Then early next year, the re-launch of Protostar
under Winter Goose Publishing. Although it got good reviews and even won an
award in 2012, I just felt that it never really got the clean shot I wanted it
to. Now, I get the chance to give it the life it deserves. I’ve already begun
the re-editing process, with a full re-imagining of the series, complete with
character and narrative overhauls.
And I, for
one, can’t wait!
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Follow Braxton: Twitter | Facebook |
THE SCHOOL
OF MINISTRY: THE WINDGATE
TO CHOOSE,
IS FATE!
A young
man named Ziv struggles to find his place in life after both of his parents are
murdered. Orphaned and alone by the age of six, he bounces in and out of foster
homes hopeless and afraid, wondering if he will ever find a path to happiness. Read more here...
Buy S.O.M. on AMAZON Until next time!
Carey

Join the DOON journey: www.doonseries.com
7 comments:
Hi Braxton!
Thanks so much for stopping by Honestly YA today! I'm really looking forward to reading your book! That trailer really hooked me!!
I *love* what you said about the importance of messaging. And this line is my favorite: "It’s so much harder to be faithful to your own vision and stay grounded." I have to agree that it's harder to go against the societal norms, but well worth it in the long run. As authors, we and our characters are role models whether we like it or not. :D
I hope you have a fantastic book launch this weekend!
I can see a possible joint signing in our future...if you're ever in Ohio, KY or IN let us know. =)
Hey Lorie. Thank you so much for all your kind words and the interview on Honestly YA. It was fantastic. I'd love to do a co-signing you with and Carey. Doon was great! Have a great weekend.
Hey, Braxton! Congrats on your new release. I agree with everything Lorie said--what a fantastic message! Best of luck to you! :)
Congrats on your latest release....great interview! Very insightful (there's still hope for the next generation!!)
~ Carl Prude
Thank you Melissa and Carl. I had a great time stopping by HonestlyYA and yes, there is a great value in messaging. I'm so glad that I can be a part of it. The youth today are still the future of tomorrow.
Wonderful interview, and thanks for sharing about The Cos. I've always loved him, and it's clear you've got those creative genes, too.
Thank you for choosing the right side to fight on. I can't wait too read your new book. Bless you!
Thanks for visiting us here at Honestly YA! I can't wait to read SCHOOL OF MINISTRY--what a fabulous sounding concept!
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