Nov 5 Free Book Friday, my latest Interview: In Conversation With Author Greg Granderson

Day 5 of NaNoWriMo Update: 3472 words as of yesterday. 5 cups of coffee, 1 glass Cabernet.

About the interviews:

When I published my first book, I looked for ways to reach new readers, and being a brand new author, participating in various book bloggers interviews was a good way to start. Some interviews were standard questions, while others had more individuality built into them.

I then did a twist on the author interview by interviewing myself (Leon Interviews Himself). I then thought it would be fun to get to know some of the authors I was cross-promoting with, and the Friday Conversations were born. Guess what? They are a lot of work. I look up the authors information, visit the website so I can craft a unique set of questions (OK, there are a few standard ones) to let my readership get to know these new authors. Worth the work? You bet. Here is today’s conversation:

Greg Granderson is a Science Fiction and Faith-based Graphic novel / comic book creator and publisher. As a former police officer, he has worked in the school system, and he has a passion for seeing young people being highly encouraged and making excellent life choices.

In Conversation With Author Greg Granderson

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Greg Granderson. Thanks for stopping by.

Thanks for having me, Leon, it’s a great honor!

Honor? That’s debatable…Can I interest you in a beverage?

No, I’m good thanks.

Easy guest. Nice. I’ll have to admit, I never was much into comics or graphic novels, although I did start to read The Walking Dead after getting into the show. Were you always drawn to this style?

Well, I’m an 80’s kid from Brooklyn New York, and comics were a huge part of my life growing up. I never thought I would ever be creating my own books though, LOL! I just really enjoyed the characters and all the adventures they got into.

Do you do your own illustrations?

Yes, but I am not a traditional artist. I use digital 3D modeling and sets, to craft my visual stories.

I read that you were a police officer. How did you choose that career path?

I would have to say that came from a heavy influence of comics and movies growing up. It shaped a lot of my career choices because I also serve in the military. I guess you could say that I developed a heavy hero complex, LOL! It gave me a strong sense of servitude and desire to help people.

How did being a police officer guide your writing?

TEAM GREAT: Decisions And Outcomes by [Greg Granderson]

I used to teach the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program to 5^th graders as a police officer. I visited many schools within my city and taught the program which has been around for close to 30 years, much like the D.A.R.E. program. I came up with the idea for Team GREAT, about a super powered team of officers of the future, that protect the citizens of their city from gang violence, among other high tech threats, while teaching the program. I negotiated a vendor contract with the founders of the G.R.E.A.T program and am now creating my own series.

It sounds like a great (excuse the pun) way to reach out to youth with a medium they are familiar with.

Yes, the curriculum series is three issues, which two are available on Amazon now in ebook form. There is a platform for police officers to order the books in paperback for their students as well.

Did you have a love of reading and writing as a child?

ABSOLUTELY! I’ve always loved reading comics and choose your own adventure books. I actually wrote a school play in the 10^th grade that my creative writing teacher was so impressed with, that she submitted it to a Young Play writers Competition in Brooklyn. It didn’t place and I didn’t think much of it at the time, but her enthusiasm about my writing was very encouraging, especially when most kids at my age mostly had dreams of being a prize athlete, LOL!

I hear you. I wanted to play football, but my high school didn’t have a program, and neither did my community. Guess I’ll never know how it could have been.

When you are not writing, what are you doing?

I’m very active in my church and like to spend time with family…LOVE WATCHING MOVIES!!!!

Favorite movie?

That would have to be Big Trouble in Little China, starring Kurt Russell

I usually have music playing, except when I’m writing. You?

I like silence most of the time…although lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of musical scores, LOL! Dude is an epic composer, really love his stuff!

I just looked him up. I didn’t recognize the name at first, but I do recognize all the moves. He has quite the resume.

Yep, my favorites are his Batman and Superman (Man of Steel) scores.

Care to give the lightning round a go?
Sure, lets do it!!!

Dawn or Dusk?
Dawn
Favorite city?
New York!
First book you remember reading?
Super Fudge by Judy Blume
What is the tallest building in the world?
Empire State building
It was, but not for a while now.
Name three thing that begin with a double letter.
Eel, oozing, ooh! LOL
Did you have to Google that?
YES! LOL!!!
I’ll have to deduct a few points, sorry.

This has been fun, but we need to wrap it up. Any links you wish to add?

Thanks Leon, this has been great! I will share my Amazon author page link:

https://www.amazon.com /Greg-Granderson/

The story behind Free Book Friday:

I’ve met many authors and readers during my time marketing, cross-promoting, and blogging. I think writers have a responsibility to inform readers about all the indie authors out there in the very crowded world of book publishing. You can’t do it alone, and why would you when you have a supportive group available?

Readers don’t just read one author – they stick with their favorite genres. There lies the power in cross-promotion. If one of my readers buys a book from an author I promote, then chances are there will be a reciprocal effect, or so is the hope. Do I want to boost sales? Of course I do. Do I want to boost other’s sales? Why not. It’s called karma.

Featured Author: J.P. Cawood

Poetry Gift Ideas

Print books (Paperback and Hardcovers) for Gifts!

Free Samples from new Poets

Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.

My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/