Anthony Pathfinder grew up in New York City. He’s a firm believer in second chances, convinced that desire, and determination overcomes all obstacles, he has written ten novels, ranging from urban and historical fiction, suspense, paranormal, action, and romance. A voracious reader and lover of Anton Chekhov, Chinua Achebe, Stephen King, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison’s writings. Anthony is insatiably curious about the complexities of our world and considers himself a citizen of the world.

Feel free to contact Anthony Pathfinder on his author website and social media sites.

www.anthonypathfinder.com
www.facebook.com/AnthonyPathfinder
www.instagram.com/authoranthonypathfinder
or reach out by email: authoranthonypathfinder@gmail.com

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you for having me. Since I was a child; I played sports, but once I was done, I was writing poetry and short stories. Creating a world where your characters come alive, and they dictate where the story goes and for how long. It’s like adrenalin once your creative juice starts to flow. That to me is amazing. Sending your best three chapters that you stayed up all night working on, and then have to wait at least six months for a reply. It drives you crazy.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

Fair Game and False Pretense is a series. Dana Estick, the main character is sexually molested as a child, she decides to take control of her life and flee from a harrowing past. Not knowing who to trust or where to turn and left with no alternative; she flees to the big city promises of New York City, where she crosses paths with some questionable individuals. Dana’s story is about redemption, while overcoming the sexual abuse, and eventually confronting her abuser.

Deadly Consequences and Unleashed is also a series. The story takes place in Harlem and follows the rise of Dante “Black” Reynolds, a young man bitter towards his father and whose absence shaped the path he took in life more so than his presence. It’s a look into the life of a complex young man whose life is a paradox. It’s a coming-of-age story as he’s confronted by the underworld of Harlem life. It’s a story that will challenge and unleash your emotions.

Treasure is a historical drama, the story takes place in Alabama, the story follows the lives of sisters raised in an influential black family, who passed for white after Reconstruction and are forbidden to date or marry black men. It chronicles the de jure racial segregation of the Jim Crow era in the south. It is a candid account of the Biloxi family and the decisions they made generations ago.

Website: www.anthonypathfinder.com

Facebook: https//www.facebook.com/AnthonyPathfinder

Instagram: authoranthonypathfinder

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3) What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently working on The Seeing Eyes, Fire and Fury, and Unchartered Grounds, a collaboration with Brooklen Borne.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

The greatest achievement so far is writing eleven books, and publishing others. In the next five years, I see myself expanding my own publishing company.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

Honestly, I don’t dwell on it. It comes with the profession. I simply move on to the next project.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I don’t, when the creative juices start to flow that’s when I write, and the creativeness happens a lot. It usually takes me 4-5months.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No, it’s never too late. Unlike some professions, there’s not an age limit, so it wouldn’t be a hindrance.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

I have always an avid reader. This is a hard one, but I’ll go with Down These Mean Streets by Pira Thomas. James Baldwin is my favorite author. I’m not reading at the moment — writing.

9) How has the current state of the world affected your writing? Because writing is an isolated practice, did you find it easier dealing with quarantine? Did it stifle your creativity or did it make you even more driven to get things done?

The current state of the world did not affect my writing. During the quarantine, there was no difference, not at all. It was the same routine for me. I didn’t miss a beat from the norm that I am used to.

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry as it is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you? 

I do have a problem with it and it’s two-fold. One, I don’t feel like black writers are being represented, not unless it’s academic writing, or you’re a celebrity. It’s difficult for black writers who write in various genres from the norm. Secondly, the material being put out by some writers shows they have not done their homework so to speak, and that is an issue because it affects how some in the publishing industry view your work(s). I self-publish at the moment, but I am looking for a home with a traditional publishing house. Being a self-publish author at the moment helps a lot because it taught me so much about the industry and what to expect. I subscribe to being a hybrid writer.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

There are moments when my writing is the only thing, I can gravitate to that help me to cope when I am going through a tuff time emotionally or mentally. This might sound like a cliché, but it’s the craft, the love of the craft brings out the authenticity in the storyline and creating the characters.