Norman brings a unique perspective on life in America, the travails of an African American who journeyed the streets of an America, in a culture striving to rise above, resilience in the struggles, indomitable in the forces of the oppression implicit in systemic inequities.

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?

There were inklings of a gift for writing as far back as the 8th grade, and particularly when writing narratives of events in American History. Both the teacher and fellow classmates were enthused to listen to the readings. 

What I enjoy about being a writer, and particularly an opinion writer, is that gift to lead people to think, and perhaps think differently about circumstances, social and political, that are prevailing in our times. I loved writing my first book, a memoir-expose that chronicled a journey through of life in urban, inner-city America. “Down Here of the Ground, God is Here Somewhere” pulls together the life, and struggles, failures and resilience of a man raising a family and striving to rise above the systemic racism that chokes and smothers the genius of the African American. I found it exhilarating and emotionally cathartic. 

It is frustrating at times when I allow the voices of others, the reluctance to take on controversial issues, to disrupt my authenticity. A writer must have the liberty, and courage to have authentic expression. Sometimes the issues require truth and sensitivity.

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

“Down Here on the Ground, God is Here Somewhere” pulls together the life, and struggles, failures and resilience of a man raising a family and striving to rise above the systemic racism that chokes and smothers the genius of the African American. 

The book is available on Amazon. I think that the narrative reveals me, my childhood experiences, and endeavors of life that shape attitude and character. https://amzn.to/4kSylxp

3) What projects are you currently working on?

I am an opinion writer. I submit to the local newspaper in Somerset, and to African American newspapers published. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, a consortium of Black Newspapers in America, has published my opinions. I also submit to the Cincinnati Herald, the Buffalo Criterion, and the Amsterdam News. 

I’m also musing with the idea of my next book. 

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? 

I have to say that my most significant achievement was the publishing of my memoir-expose. I have thoroughly enjoyed the reception of the life story at home, and the feedback from the public that have purchased it. I was recently surprised when, during a Black History program, the speaker, a college president, included my book cover, and a quote from the book, on the last slide of his presentation. And what was most inspiring was that he said to the audience, “you have a brilliant mind in your community, use him”

I had the goal of becoming a syndicated writer; it’s still doable. Another book, and another book. I enjoy mixing history narrative in the lens of the systemic racism they, and we encountered.

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

Yes, rejection is a part of our growth and development as writers. It, rejections, lead us to connect with our authentic self.

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 schedule Saturday night, Sunday night, and Monday morning to churn out my weekly columns. Most often the Saturday, Sunday times are spent deciding what to write about and researching the data. The Monday deadline for completion and submission is by 2:30. For my book research and writing, I prefer late at night and sometimes into the morning for optimal focus. 

I do a lot of mental processing to determine to the context and content of a story/novel. Once I have settled on that, the outline begins to take form. The time it takes to finish a book is largely driven by the content and the bursts of inspiration.

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?

I believe it is never too late in life to start to pursue your passion, your goal, your calling if God is in it. I will admit that breaking into this industry can be frustrating, daunting, but not impossible, there is always the providence of God to put you, your opinion column, your book at the right place, the right time, and into the eyes and hands of the right person.

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? 

Yes, I’ve always been an avid reader. I believe that reading increases our knowledge, exposes us to new ideas, builds our vocabulary, and came provide an escape sometimes from the pressures in your life. 

I’ve read so many books in a variety of genres. E. Franklin Frazier, W.E.B. Dubois, Alex Haley’s Autobiography of Malcom X, Roots. I love books that reveal champions of the struggle. One of my favorite writers is Ta-Nehisi.

I am reading, nearly finished, Battle Cry by Jason Wilson. Just finished “The spirit of Justice” by Dr. Jemar Tisby. “Stamped From The Beginning” by Ibram X, is very revealing.

9) Given the recent shake-ups in publishing, what are your thoughts about how the publishing industry 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 think that the publishing industry favors sensationalism, political scandals and celebrity reveals of their dark sides. I have not pursued traditional publishing. Frankly, I prefer self-publishing where you have greater control over content and tone. I like to keep all options on the table, so being a hybrid author is certainly a possibility.

10) 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?

Writing allows me to be authentic, vulnerable, and opens my uniqueness to my readers. I think my nature of analytical thinking, critical thinking is reflective in my opinion writing, memoir-expose, and certainly in future writing.