Jackson, MS – July 2012 AnDerecco does not sit around thinking about ways to kill people.That is, except when he is writing a book.
"I just happen to have a vivid imagination," said theacclaimed author of Who Can I Run To and Love to Luv. "Peopleread my stories and actually think the stories are about me. But I had a prettynormal childhood - besides growing up in the south. I have just alwaysgravitated towards romance movies and fantasy stuff."
"It is a very cool thing that we have authors out doingthings so different from each other," said AnDerecco. "In the past,the industry has been regulated."
AnDerecco’s stories, at times, are stories of love and happiness,sex, success and drama.
They are the stories many readers have become familiar with thatlook at the struggles of identity, acceptance, settling down, etc. They are thestories that have in the past become the more successful of gay and lesbian literaturethanks to the E. Lynn Harris' and James Earl Hardy's of the world.
"It is important for us as creators of literature to thinkabout doing stories that have never been done before," adds AnDerecco.
Today, AnDerecco is revolutionalizing the literary industry and,in effect, turning the page on intolerance.
"The main reason I decided to focus on a coffee table bookthat concentrated on black gay relationships was because so many people I knowdon't think it is possible to have a successful, black gay relationship,"said the 34-year-old.
"I did not see a lot of anything out there that celebratedthose couple that have committed their lives to each other and share it withthe community."
Though his books are fiction, AnDerecco is opening up theissue of African American sexuality. This is the concluding novel in a trilogythat uniquely blends intimacy, love, friendship and sexuality.
"Everyday someone is calling or telling me I am ordering itor sending it to other people I know," he said. "It is still so newand I am still not use to it all."
AnDerecco might be considered a literary trailblazer today;however he shy away from accepting such acclaim.
"I do not think James Baldwin and Langston Hughes werethinking we would be talking about their work and their impact so many yearslater when they were writing," Dean said. "In my mind, I am not doinganything different today that those writers were doing then, necessarily. Theywere writing for their moment."
"I am forever thankful for what the Baldwins, Hughes andHarrises that they did what they did," said AnDerecco. "I am standingfirm and tall on their shoulders. They are the icons. Had it not been a them,it would not have been a me. Their influence could never be minimized."
AnDerecco said he just tries to stay humble.
"There was a void and no one else was stepping up to theplate, so I felt it was something I had to do," he said. "I don'tthink anything I have done in my career is special. We all have the ability toshare our voice."
Undercover Lies, 3rdinstallment to “Who Can I Run To?” is an intricate tale oflove lost and found through the intertwining lives of four engaging charactersall in pursuit of love, happiness and success. This riveting page-turner isembedded with dilemmas of self-discovery, friendship and deception. Be preparedto embrace each character’s hardships, walk with them as they battle demons,journey with them as they rediscover themselves and celebrate with them as theylearn the true meaning of love.
These individuals will take their biggest chanceon finding something that’s eluded them for far too long—true love. But willwhat they discover during their quests be a truth that sets them free or atruth that takes no prisoners? Only time will tell…
Hellhath no fury…
In Torn, AnDerecco takes usinto Junction High School in Jackson, Mississippi where we look into the livesof Demarcus Slaughter, Keira Garcia, Zeshawn Bracey, and Cameron Lawson. Fourlives are about to intersect in romance and scandal. At the heart of the novelis: Demarcus, an All American ball player, Keira, coping with the lost of hermother, Zeshawn, a gay student that is secure in who he is, and Cameron, aspoiled young man that is very carefree.
All of these characters face the challenge of keeping the faith--in themselves.While AnDerecco's heartfelt storytelling reveals how the love of family canhelp one to face the terrible legacy of long-held secrets. Throughout thesecharacters' search for self-knowledge.
Howold were you when you began writing? What encouraged you to give it a try?
I havealways been writing. I wrote out of trying to work some things out in my ownlife. When I would be upset about something or someone I would write them aletter. I never really voiced what I had to say until I was with my ex. Myfirst real project didn’t come about until I was in college and it sat on theshelf for a number of years.
What kept you going when working on yourprojects?
It wasa story that I wanted to tell. I feel like in any kind of special novelwriting, you have to tell a story that is purely your own, that no one else canwrite but you. I went into writing my novels with a quiet confidence. If no oneelse wanted to read it, that was OK.
What was the initial response to yourbook?
Mixed.Mostly family and friends that bought “WhoCan I Run To?”. I didn't have a lot of money to go on the road so I begandoing ground work. I would go to beauty shops, contact book clubs and themedia, attend sorority and fraternity conventions.
When did you realize you had somethingspecial?
When Ireleased “Love to Luv”. I promoted alittle bit more and gained a new audience. And when they found out that it waspart two they would go back and get the first book. Not only did that tell me Ihad secured my base with fans but that I was picking up new people. I alwaysfeel like I have work to do. I want universal appeal. I want anyone who enjoysreading to pick up my book.
Why do you think your books are such asuccess?
Peoplethink the characters are real. They relate to what's going on in their livesand they take them on as their own.
People believe there's always some truthin fiction, are any of the stories based on your own experiences?
Iwould never jeopardize my friendships by writing about friends. I do getinspiration, though, from people I may meet. These are meetings with greatbrevity. I just use my imagination from there.
What are you working on now?
I'mwriting a totally new novel and working on wrapping the “Who Can I Run To?” series and the second installment to “Torn”. Also I have started a fundraiser to adapt “Who Can I Run To” toa movie. Straight to DVD.
With the amazing response to your latestnovel, have you reached the pinnacle of success?
No. Iwill continue to go as far as I can.
Where do you draw inspiration/strength?
Myfaith in God and in myself, from people I consider role models.
Who do you enjoy reading?
E.Lynn Harris, Lee Hayes, James Earl Hardy are my favorite authors. I can rereadtheir work every day.
What do you do when you're not writing?
I playtennis, go bowling, walk, listen to music and go to the movies.
Does the positive reception of your bookmake you hopeful about people becoming more tolerant?
Itmakes me hopeful not only for our race of people to accept all kinds of[differences], but that people can just be entertained without makingjudgments.
Do you have a day job as well?
I am a fulltime teacher. I am starting my 7th year.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Yes. That iswhen I will put everything down and get out of my characters. I will allow themto tell me what they are doing or how they would handle a situation. I try notto force it.
Do you work with an outline, or justwrite?
I have workedwith an outline. But even that changed.
How do you market your work? Whatavenues have you found to work best for your genre?
Of coursewith social media. I place ads in newspapers and other outlets. Word of mouthis the best market.
How did you come up with the title?
Usually Iwill be thinking about the book and what is going on with the characters. Icould be driving or walking and it will just hit me. BAM! And there it is.
Where were you born and where doyou call home?
I was born in Laurel, Mississippi. I was reared in Waynesboro, Mississippi. Inow live in Jackson.
If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves,what would they say?
It would be Jacob. “I am not asweak as some people think that I am. I like to give people the opportunity toprove themselves to me. Now that I have found myself and my love I know thatlife will be better.”
Is there an Author that you wouldreally like to meet?
I would have love to have met E.Lynn Harris. One day I would like to have dinner with Lee Hayes.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacksor hardcover?
Paperback.
Are you a self published (Indie)Author?
Yes I am. I don’t have thebacking of major companies but I have more control of my writings.
Who designed the cover of yourbook?
Me. Once I get the concept in my head I like to use real people on my covers.Not so much real models but everyday people.
Do you buy a book by the cover?
I have in the past.
What date were you born?
March 2, 1978
Do you have a nickname?
Wofat, Papadopolis, Uncle Bo, Bo-cat, B, Professor.
Did you have a favorite toy as a child?
My favorite would be the Knight Rider big wheel. I used to mark up mygrandmother’s porch pulling the brake and making it spin. I love that thing.
An early childhood memory -
Going to Mobile to visit mygrandmother’s Aunt Ester and Uncle Ed. I remember thinking when I grow up withmy wife and kids how we would go down to visit them. Never thinking that theywould die.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
All the time.
White wine or red?
White wine.
Coffee or tea?
Tea.
So you like to cook? Do you havea favorite food?
Chicken and rice.
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanilla with Lays Ruffles Potato Chips
What do you normally eat forbreakfast, of do you skip it and get straight to work?
Skip it.
What are 4 things you never leavehome without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
My jump drive, a pen, body spray, andmy brush.
Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
In my living room anytime of the day.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want withyou?
Janet Jackson, Kandi Burress, and KellyRowland
Where is one place in the worldthat you would really love to visit someday?
Italy
One of your favorite quotes -
“Thething about it is…”
List 3 of your favorite movies?
PrettyWoman, Why Did I Get Married Too, and For Colored Girls
An actor or a book character youhave a crush on -
I pledthe fifth.
If your book was made into a TVseries or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
That ishard to say because I feel that I would audition unknown actors.
Where can your readers stalk you?
My website:
www.anderecco.com
Myfacebook page:
www.facebook.com/anderecco
MyGoodreads author page:
www.goodread.com/anderecco
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/anderecco
E-Mail: anderecco@gmail.com
