Can you please tell us who is AK Henderson?Well A.K. Henderson is a husband of 11yrs, a father of 3, a poet, songwriter, graphic artist, and last but not least a budding young Fiction Author with a new found love for writing. My first fiction novel is titled “Henderson’s Heart” and I’m so excited about the support this book is receiving.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My inspiration for writing actually came from my not being able to record any music. I was fully immersed in the Gospel Rap industry when I found myself questioning if I should take a break. A couple weeks later one of my kids spilled a cup of water next to my laptop and it was a wrap. My first book actually started as a short story that I began writing because I was frustrated about not being able to do music. So basically all of the stress and depression I was dealing with led me to write to vent my frustration.
My inspiration for writing actually came from my not being able to record any music. I was fully immersed in the Gospel Rap industry when I found myself questioning if I should take a break. A couple weeks later one of my kids spilled a cup of water next to my laptop and it was a wrap. My first book actually started as a short story that I began writing because I was frustrated about not being able to do music. So basically all of the stress and depression I was dealing with led me to write to vent my frustration.
What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of
things?
One of the major things I wish people knew was the amount of work involved in the process from start to finish. A lot of people think you can just sit down and pick away at the keys and the next thing you know you have bestseller. The real successful people in the literary world are those that are invested in their craft. This means when you read someone’s book you are literally getting a piece of them.
One of the major things I wish people knew was the amount of work involved in the process from start to finish. A lot of people think you can just sit down and pick away at the keys and the next thing you know you have bestseller. The real successful people in the literary world are those that are invested in their craft. This means when you read someone’s book you are literally getting a piece of them.
How did you come up with your title?
I usually have the title picked out before I start writing. When I write I approach a story that same I a songwriter approaches a new song. My inspiration usually comes from a weird dream I’ve had or something I’ve experienced. Once I write the first hundred or so words I sit back and consider what title best describes the story. For me the title set the tone for the entire book and I usually revisit the title the further along I get in the story. If the plot doesn’t fit I usually change the title.
I usually have the title picked out before I start writing. When I write I approach a story that same I a songwriter approaches a new song. My inspiration usually comes from a weird dream I’ve had or something I’ve experienced. Once I write the first hundred or so words I sit back and consider what title best describes the story. For me the title set the tone for the entire book and I usually revisit the title the further along I get in the story. If the plot doesn’t fit I usually change the title.
What author(s) has influenced your writing style?
Now that’s a hard question mainly because I wasn’t really a fiction reader before I started writing. I’m more of a researcher; I have a bachelors in Biblical Studies so I spent 5 years in Bible College doing research. My wife tried introducing me to different authors but because I knew the stories weren’t true I quickly lost interest. So I can’t say that any authors have influenced my writing style in that sense. What I can say is that people like Treasure Blue, Cash, NeNe Capri and Rio Terrell have shown me what it means to write compelling material that is believable.
Now that’s a hard question mainly because I wasn’t really a fiction reader before I started writing. I’m more of a researcher; I have a bachelors in Biblical Studies so I spent 5 years in Bible College doing research. My wife tried introducing me to different authors but because I knew the stories weren’t true I quickly lost interest. So I can’t say that any authors have influenced my writing style in that sense. What I can say is that people like Treasure Blue, Cash, NeNe Capri and Rio Terrell have shown me what it means to write compelling material that is believable.
What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?
You know one of the main reasons I couldn’t get into to reading a lot of Urban Fiction was the fact that it was so graphic. No shade toward anybody because we all come from that upbringing. What I noticed though was that there was a need for those same types of books for people who couldn’t handle the foul language and strong sexual material. So for me the legacy I wanted to leave for my readers was and is that I there is something for everyone. Every real writing pours their heart out in their book and leaves you feeling like you part of their legacy. So I want my readers to feel like they are part of my legacy, without them I’m just a writer.
You know one of the main reasons I couldn’t get into to reading a lot of Urban Fiction was the fact that it was so graphic. No shade toward anybody because we all come from that upbringing. What I noticed though was that there was a need for those same types of books for people who couldn’t handle the foul language and strong sexual material. So for me the legacy I wanted to leave for my readers was and is that I there is something for everyone. Every real writing pours their heart out in their book and leaves you feeling like you part of their legacy. So I want my readers to feel like they are part of my legacy, without them I’m just a writer.
How important was a "platform" in selling your books?
Platform was absolutely key for me in selling my books. I had no idea how people would respond to my book and I never wanted to seem too confident in myself. I used to be a very conceited person and I always thought some writers were arrogant. What I realized was the platforms that have been made available to us cannot be taken for granted. The tempting thing is to rely on someone else to do the footwork for you but there’s nothing like being able to reach out to readers through different platforms. Plus if people don’t know who you are and what you have to offer they’ll have no incentive to support you.
Platform was absolutely key for me in selling my books. I had no idea how people would respond to my book and I never wanted to seem too confident in myself. I used to be a very conceited person and I always thought some writers were arrogant. What I realized was the platforms that have been made available to us cannot be taken for granted. The tempting thing is to rely on someone else to do the footwork for you but there’s nothing like being able to reach out to readers through different platforms. Plus if people don’t know who you are and what you have to offer they’ll have no incentive to support you.
Do you have book signings coming up where readers can meet
you?
I am currently working on planning book signings in St. Louis where I currently reside, in Indiana where I was raised and anywhere else that will open their doors to me. The literary community of readers, authors and publishers have been nothing but supportive and I feel I owe it them to make myself available to all my supporters.
I am currently working on planning book signings in St. Louis where I currently reside, in Indiana where I was raised and anywhere else that will open their doors to me. The literary community of readers, authors and publishers have been nothing but supportive and I feel I owe it them to make myself available to all my supporters.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
I am excited about my upcoming projects and I can’t wait for everyone to experience this journey with me. I am currently going through the rewriting process of my second novel titled “Army of One”. I am in the beginning stages of the second installment of the “Heart Series” title “Bella’s Heart” as well as a several short story collaborations. Lastly one of the most exciting projects I have coming up is my first Children’s Picture book titled “The Brothers”. I’m telling you God-willing I have loads of material that I can’t wait for the world to read.
I am excited about my upcoming projects and I can’t wait for everyone to experience this journey with me. I am currently going through the rewriting process of my second novel titled “Army of One”. I am in the beginning stages of the second installment of the “Heart Series” title “Bella’s Heart” as well as a several short story collaborations. Lastly one of the most exciting projects I have coming up is my first Children’s Picture book titled “The Brothers”. I’m telling you God-willing I have loads of material that I can’t wait for the world to read.
What advice do you have to an aspiring author?
I’ll pass on the most valuable jewel that has ever been given to me to anyone aspiring to be an author. Research is your friend not your enemy. Do your research on every person that promises you anything whether it be another author, a publisher, editor, so on and so forth. People will only do what you permit them to do so DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Always trust your gut, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog and I look forward to providing the most exciting material to all lovers of reading. God Bless.
I’ll pass on the most valuable jewel that has ever been given to me to anyone aspiring to be an author. Research is your friend not your enemy. Do your research on every person that promises you anything whether it be another author, a publisher, editor, so on and so forth. People will only do what you permit them to do so DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! Always trust your gut, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog and I look forward to providing the most exciting material to all lovers of reading. God Bless.
About the book, Henderson's Heart:
What happens when love and success are no longer the common thread between a husband and wife? This power couple finds themselves haunted by the unresolved issues from Mike’s childhood when his first love Lida masquerading as his closest friend changes the rules to the game. Accusations of infidelity plague Mike and Rachel’s marriage as Rachel becomes convinced that her happiness is more important that her family and a forbidden love interest Marcus offers to rescue her from her unfulfilling circumstances. The stakes are raised as Mike taps back into the streets he was once saved from to reconnect with his childhood mentor Cali to find out about the man that has stolen his wife’s heart. Henderson’s Heart gives new meaning to the phrase “For better or worse” and one thing is certain, everything changes when passion outweighs promises.
More about the author:
A.K. Henderson is one of the most refreshing and dynamic new writers in Urban Literature today. This Michigan City, IN native is putting the industry on notice with his brass and power heavy writing style. Gritty, Raw, and Dynamic best describes the literary prowess of A.K. Henderson as he has fused his knowledge of street life with his Faith. Drawn to a lifestyle of drugs and violence he would rise out the dark shadows of the inner city to experience a moment with God that would change his life forever. In the midst of going to jail as a teen he realized the king that lay dormant inside him.
Now as an awesome writer, husband and father of 3 children, A.K. Henderson is Best Selling Author in the making walking in the fullness of God’s vision for his life. As a writer he has written and performed music and poetry for over 8 years and he is now prepared to leave his mark on the world of Urban Fiction. He finds great pleasure in communicating his heart and experiences to anyone interested in reading what he has to say. As a writer he intends on bringing a breath of fresh air into the world of literature and with his first novel “Henderson’s Heart- When Passion Outweighs Promises” he’s bound to get the attention of readers everywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment