Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it.
Uptown Flava BK Style
by Shamarie Knight
Genre: Urban Fiction
Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps
taking it.
The long-standing rivalry between Harlem and
Brooklyn persists at the High School of Environmental Studies, where the flashy
Fly Boys of Harlem and the grimy Crooklyn Crew from Brooklyn are in constant
conflict.
The tension is palpable, and when their beef gets personal, the outcome of their inevitable clash is uncertain. However, one thing is sure - it will not be a pleasant sight.
INTERVIEW
Stuff about you:
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author? Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a 42-year-old lifelong New Yorker, a self-proclaimed introvert who finds solace in music during my long walks. Despite having my passport since 2018, I've yet to venture outside the United States. I'm unmarried and don't have children, but I've found my passion in writing.
In 2017, I became an author when my good friend and editor Natasha Brooks published my first book, "Monica Hershel: Predator on Top.” I'm glad she suggested that I publish my short stories and share them with the world.
What is something unique/quirky about you? I have a distinct fashion sense, often opting for clothes that stand out in my neighborhood, like Philipp Plein. My daily walks around Manhattan are not just for exercise but also a time for self-reflection and idea generation. I'm an avid internet user, always looking for new things to share online.
What are some of your pet peeves? Some of my pet peeves include ignorant people, loud chewing, being interrupted while speaking, slow internet, and traffic. These things annoy me and could put me in a bad mood.
Where were you born/grew up? I was born and raised in East Harlem, known as El Barrio. It's situated in the northeastern part of Manhattan in New York City. It's a diverse neighborhood with a vibrant street culture. Despite experiencing some gentrification in recent times, it still manages to maintain its distinctive character and charm.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day? I would spend my final day with my family. We'd go out to eat, watch movies, and drive around the city for sightseeing. I would also take a lot of pictures with them.
Who is your hero, and why? My hero is my mother because I witnessed her sacrifice her time, energy, and resources to ensure that I have a happy and healthy life. She is a role model and a source of guidance, teaching me valuable life lessons and instilling essential values in me.
What kind of world ruler would you be? I would be a compassionate world ruler dedicated to serving the greater good. I prioritize the well-being of my people, strive to maintain peace and stability and work towards creating a better future for all.
What are you passionate about these days? I am passionate about my family because they encourage me to be the best person I can be. I am also passionate about maintaining my health and expressing myself through writing.
What do you do to unwind and relax? I go for a walk, read, listen to music, watch movies or my favorite TV shows, and write. I also enjoy spending time with my family, whether going out to eat, shopping, or traveling.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less! When describing myself in five words, the words that come to mind are attentive, creative, energetic, organized, and thoughtful.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? After publishing my first book, I started identifying as a writer. It was in 2017 that my first book got published, and it made me realize that I am a real writer. I have a genuine passion for writing and dedicate enough time to it. Writing has become a significant part of my life, bringing me immense joy and satisfaction.
Do you have a favorite movie? I'm unsure if I have a favorite movie because I love so many, but one of my favorites is Heat. The film has everything: stellar acting, incredible action, an excellent cast, and pitch-perfect direction. The performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro were epic!
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie? The three novels that I imagine could be made into films are "Uptown Flava BK Style," "Maré and Monica: The Best of Both Worlds," and "Ecstasy Around the World." The stories are engaging, fast-paced, and entertaining. As a reader, those novels feel like movies.
What would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal as a writer? I prefer a knight because of their endless loyalty, passion, and strength. Plus, it's a cool last name.
Stuff about the Book:
What inspired you to write this book? The Columbine High School massacre was the inspiration for the book. I remember it being one of the most horrific and tragic moments during my high school years. Watching nonstop coverage of that event, I wonder what would have happened if that had occurred in my high school. How would it unfold? So, I wrote a story based on Columbine but from a New York point of view.
What can we expect from you in the future? What you can expect from me in the future is to write more books and poetry and share my ideas with the world.
Can you tell us a little about the characters in (Name of book)? How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book? In the book, the main characters are New York urban teenagers trying to enjoy their youth while dealing with the stresses of urban life. They experience love, fights, and laughter and crave respect. I came up with the concept for the book by reflecting on the comparisons between Harlem and Brooklyn, which were common in my school. I wanted to create a fictional story based on these comparisons.
Where did you come up with the names in the story? I drew inspiration from my friends in school and played with words when coming up with the names. I use it once I feel confident that the name fits the character.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book? I particularly enjoyed writing this book because it allowed me to reminisce about the late '90s, including the fashion, music, and overall vibe of that era. It was a fantastic time to be a teenager. Additionally, I had a great time crafting the dialogue and action within the story.
Tell us about your main characters—what makes them tick? What makes my main characters tick are jealousy, envy, and disrespect. Those things have the potential to cause them to do the unthinkable and be almost careless about the consequences of their actions.
How did you come up with the title of your first novel? My online friend Monica created the title of my first novel, and the main character is based on her.
Who designed your book covers? The talented artist and illustrator David Edwards designed the covers for my last two books. I am a big fan of his incredible artwork. A special thank you to him because he is a fantastic artist!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I wouldn’t change anything in the book because I strongly feel that the pages flowed naturally well.
Did you learn anything while writing your recent book? I learned that writing this recent book takes time and effort to create something great. It took me over twenty years to write, edit, and feel comfortable sharing this book.
If your book were made into a film, who would you like to play the lead? I don't have a particular actor in mind. I think DeVante should be played by someone new, talented, and in the high-school age range. However, I believe the late Merlin Santana or Wesley Jonathan would have been excellent choices for the role.
Do you have anything specific you want to tell your readers? Thank you so much for your love and support. I am grateful for all your efforts to promote my books on social media. Your contribution means a lot to me. Please purchase my latest book from a nearby bookstore or order it online. It is my best book yet, and I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy it!
How did you come up with the name of this book? I came up with the name of this book by creating something that would appeal to my target audience. I knew they could relate to and connect with the title once they saw it.
What is your favorite part of this book, and why? My favorite part is when DeVante and Sadira are at Sylvia’s Restaurant and discuss the differences between Harlem and Brooklyn. DeVante shares with Sadira his hatred for Brooklyn because his father and older brother lost their lives in that borough over senseless violence. I felt that scene stood out in the book.
If you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be? And what would you do on that day? If I could spend time with a character from my book, it would be Sadira. She is beautiful and intelligent and enjoys spending time with others. During the day, we would walk around Manhattan, take photos, grab something to eat, and go shopping.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination? The characters are a combination of both. They are based on people I know and from my imagination.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? I feel like I have control over the story I'm writing, but at times, the characters take on a life of their own and influence the plot's direction. I try to write in a way that allows the words to flow naturally and enables readers to get to know the main characters.
Convince us why you feel your book is a must-read. My book is a must-read because it is fresh and unique. It is something that needs to be read during this out-of-control gun violence in America. Even though the book takes place in 1998, it deals with the same issues some teenagers face today. I believe the violence on school grounds needs to be addressed.
Have you written any other books that have not been published? Yes, I have written a book that has not been published. It is a collection of short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I plan to publish this book later this year or early 2025.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be? The scent would be Ralph Lauren Romance because it was released in 1998, the year the story takes place, and it was one of the most iconic fragrances of the ‘90s.
Stuff about Writing/ Reading
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors? These are my top 10 favorite books: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Pimp: The Story of My Life, Whoreson, Coldest Winter, Just Say No!, True To The Game, B-More Careful, The Cartel, The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, and Trouble Man: The Life and Death of Marvin Gaye.
And these are my top 10 favorite authors: Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Omar Tyree, Alex Haley, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Teri Woods, Shannon Holmes, K'wan, and Gianni Shamari.
What book do you think everyone should read? I believe Whoreson is a must-read for its realistic portrayal of societal issues. It is one of the best books ever.
How long have you been writing? I have been working as a professional writer for seven years. It has been a good journey and experience. I pray that I can continue writing for decades to come.
Do the characters all come to you simultaneously, or do some of them come to you as you write? My characters come to me simultaneously. While writing, my characters appear in my mind with their names, appearance, personality, and how they sound and respond to different situations.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book? I research on the Internet, read books on the topic or theme I’m writing about, and converse with people who understand the subject.
Do you see writing as a career? Writing can be a career for those who have a passion for it. Many authors have made successful careers by writing books, articles, and other forms of content. Writing requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and improve one's writing skills.
What do you think about the current publishing market? I think it's excellent for celebrities writing books because the general public knows who they are. They have massive platforms that bring more awareness to their books. Competing with hundreds of books could be challenging if you're a new author because most people are unaware of you.
Do you read yourself, and if so, what is your favorite genre? My favorite genre is fiction, and I also enjoy reading biographies of celebrities and poetry. I recently started reading noir-style stories, which I find engaging.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? I prefer both. When I'm not writing silently, I enjoy listening to rap, R&B, or soul music, depending on my mood.
Do you write one book at a time or have several going simultaneously? I often write multiple books at once. If I get stuck on one, I switch to a different story with fresh ideas.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose? I would choose The Bible because it is the best-selling book in history.
Pen, typewriter, or computer? While lying in bed or traveling, I use a pen and paper to jot down my ideas and notes, while I use a computer for most of my writing.
Tell us about a favorite character from the book. My latest book centers on a captivating character named DeVante. He's an unapologetic, flashy, and confident eighteen-year-old from Harlem who loves hip-hop, beautiful women, and staying ahead of the fashion curve. DeVante lives with his devoted single mother, and they have an unbreakable bond. Tragically, DeVante lost both his father and brother to violence. He has no tolerance for envious individuals, particularly those from Brooklyn. His arch-nemesis is Bishop, a rough kid from Brooklyn, and they are in constant battle.
DeVante is a character who can evoke a range of emotions in the reader, including love, hate, and sympathy.
What made you want to become an author, and do you feel it was the right decision? What made me want to become an author was knowing I have a love for writing. I had journals filled with my creative writing and wanted to share my ideas. I feel it was the right decision to be an author because I have a strong passion for writing. I wouldn't be an author if I didn’t love to write.
A day in the life of the author? I wake up early every morning to fulfill my caregiver duties. Afterward, I check my emails and write new stories. I take long walks to find inspiration for my writing. In the evening, while watching television, if I’m in the mood, I’ll continue working on a project or start something new.
What advice would I give new authors? I advise them to be original, write the stories they love to read, love the craft, and not cheat their audience. Write a book that they would celebrate and brag about for many years.
Describe your writing style. My writing style is cinematic, fast-paced, and action-packed. I write stories that make my readers feel like they are in a movie, TV show, or a fast-paced hip-hop-driven music video.
What makes a good story? A good story engages readers with relatable characters, an awesome theme, actions that set the tone, conflict, and a resolution. Also, it makes the reader feel like they are part of the story.
What are you currently reading? I am reading "Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography" by Staci Robinson. It is a book that I have been looking forward to reading, and as a huge fan of 2Pac, I am glad to have it in my collection.
What is your writing process? For instance, do you write an outline first? My writing process typically involves a few key steps. First, I start by developing an idea and brainstorming potential characters. Then, I usually dive right into writing a rough draft. Once the draft is complete, I revise and edit my work to ensure it's polished and well-written. While I sometimes start with an outline, I often prefer to jump straight into writing dialogue for various scenes and thinking of creative ways to describe my characters and themes.
Do you do the chapters first? When writing, I usually start with the chapters, but if I come up with new ideas for later sections, I jot them down on paper so I don't forget. I write paragraphs and dialogue for different scenes and then piece them together like a puzzle.
What are common traps for aspiring writers? The common traps for aspiring writers are self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, comparison, insufficient reading, resistance to editing, and giving up too quickly. These things can significantly negatively impact an aspiring writer and stop that writer from reaching their full potential.
What is your writing Kryptonite? Perfectionism is my writing Kryptonite. Pursuing perfection can hinder my progress, and a lack of inspiration also holds me back.
Do you try to be more original or deliver to readers what they want? I strive to create original work that feels new and fresh to readers.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? I would advise my younger self to be patient, avoid procrastination, and have confidence in your writing abilities. Enjoy the journey because everything will eventually fall into place.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? The most difficult thing is making the tone and dialogue believable. You might feel what the opposite sex might say or do, but it’s not always what you think it is.
How long, on average, does it take you to write a book? It takes me about two years to write and complete a book. Although I strive for perfection, I know it's impossible to achieve.
Do you believe in writer’s block? I do,
though I've never experienced it. I've been stuck on projects before but found
inspiration in a new idea and could return to the original project to complete
it.
EXCERPT
Chattering and laughter mixed with the hum of passing cars. The scent of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches wafted as a light breeze blew. The bell rang, letting the students know the school day had begun. The Fly Boys joined the crowd of students streaming into the school building, still discussing Spades.
DeVante felt the energy pulsating through the hallways. Lockers slammed shut, and students rushed to their classrooms, exchanging quick hellos and good mornings. Chatter echoed off the walls, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby vending machines.
“Hey, DeVante,” one of his classmates called out. “What’s up, man?”
“Not much,” DeVante replied. “Just trying to make it through the day.”
“Yeah, same here,” the classmate said. “I heard we have a pop quiz in English today. Did you study?”
DeVante shrugged. “A little bit. But honestly, I’m just ready for lunch. You know what I’m saying?”
The two chuckled as they went their separate ways, and DeVante continued down the hall, making his way to his first-period class, Math. The floors were polished to a shine, and the walls were adorned with motivational posters and student artwork.
“Good morning, class,” the teacher greeted as DeVante sat. “I hope everyone had a great weekend.”
As the teacher began the lesson, the room was filled with pencils scratching against paper and the occasional rustling of notebooks. DeVante tried his best to focus, but his mind kept wandering to his top client in school, his girlfriend, and the Spades game he planned to play during lunch.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, and DeVante hurriedly left to earn cash and visit his girlfriend, Sadira. DeVante walked through the High School for Environmental Studies halls and was met with a flurry of activity. The sound of lockers slamming shut, the chatter of students discussing their weekend plans, and the occasional shout of a teacher trying to maintain order all blended in a symphony of noise.
The air was thick with the scent of adolescent sweat and perfume, and the fluorescent lights overhead cast an artificial glow that added to the harshness of the environment. Students rushed past DeVante, some with their heads down and their backpacks slung over their shoulders, while others walked with a confident swagger that suggested they owned the place.
Book Links:
Amazon ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1BYFPM
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/uptown-flava-bk-style-by-shamarie-knight
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210142444-uptown-flava-bk-style
About the Author
Shamarie Knight was born and raised in East Harlem, New York, and after graduating from the High School for Environmental Studies in 2000, he decided to continue his education at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to study Business. Later, Shamarie transferred to City College of New York in 2005, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Science with a minor in Creative Writing, which he completed in 2009.
Throughout my life, I have always been
passionate about writing. I draw inspiration from various mediums such as
television shows, movies, music, music videos, and books. Writing allows me to
express myself freely on paper and share my ideas. It's not just a hobby but a
way of life for me. If you want to read more of my work, you can check out some
of my other pieces on Medium.com. Be blessed, and stay safe.
Medium * Facebook * X * Goodreads
Author
Links
Medium: https://medium.com/@ShamarieKnight
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmergingEdgePublishing
X: https://twitter.com/EmergingEdge
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49042685.Shamarie_Knight
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