Author Q&A: Geovannie Frazier

With his latest double book, Time Out/Detroit Slim, writer Geovannie Frazier presents a story that even transforms the most passive reader into a bookworm. His simple yet poetic way of writing makes his material an easy read. Frazier gives shape to stories without outlining the entire route; somewhere halfway the reader chooses how the story ends as Frazier gives him the opportunity to choose between several plots.

While finalizing his new book, After Hour Girls, the Detroit native spoke to Ballerstatus about his career moves and how his love for writing saved his life.

BallerStatus.com: You grew up in Detroit as the youngest of ten children. What was it like growing up in such a big family, in a grimy city like Detroit?

Geovannie Frazier: It was good growing up in a large family. Since I was the youngest in the house, all of their friends became my big brothers and sisters as well. Detroit is a thorough city, so the more family you got, the more respect you receive. But it can also back fire when you become guilty by association... but hey you gotta take the good with the bad.

BallerStatus.com: After moving to Washington you became a model. What made you decide to make the transition from a career as a model to becoming an author?

Geovannie Frazier: Well I was always a good storyteller, so I decided one day to write a screenplay. I couldn't get any sponsors for it, so I decided to turn it into a book. A lot of people doubted that I could write one, so that is what motivated me the most. I hate for anyone to tell that I can not do something, so I stuck with it, writing little by little for months and boom I had finally finished. I'm more of a short story book writer. I write books how I like to read them. A lot of guys like me don't have the attention span to read a three hundred page book, but hey, now I have to write whatever sells the most.

BallerStatus.com: How did your interest in writing come about? What kept you going?

Geovannie Frazier: It goes back to the answers that I gave previously. People doubted me and my self-determination kept my head afloat. I feed off people's hate and never forget those who have showed me love. When people tell me that they loved my book, or that it made them cry, it gives me a strange sensation. That's powerful for a person to be able to write words that make their readers become so emotional involved in a character from their imagination.

BallerStatus.com: You are known for your poetical way of writing. How did you develop your skills in poetry?

Geovannie Frazier: I don't know. I started writing poetry at seven because I was pissed about something and it relieved me. As the years went by, my poetry evolved and it became more complex because of personal struggles. They turned darker, more depressing... this made me more creative, which caused some of my metaphors to appear more seductive, therefore women thought my written emotions was romantic. That's how I write my poetry now; with pain, love and politics. I also mix poetry with my stories as if it was a soundtrack to a movie, but you never want to overshadow the main attraction.

BallerStatus.com: How do you come up with ideas for what you write and what methods do you use to give your ideas shape?

Geovannie Frazier: I just take a little bit of everyone that I come across. I watch everyone and everything. My old bird always taught me to watch my surroundings. So sometimes I see things before they happen which saved my life a couple of times but I also use that to learn people. It's amazing how different people are from each other and how they react to situations. I see that and I use it. If I could do nothing else I would just write because everyday there is a new story to tell.

BallerStatus.com: Can you speak a little on your latest book, Time Out/Detroit Slim?

Geovannie Frazier: Time Out is a short story about two playboys, Daunte and Pretty Tony, from the D. Daunte meets this lady named Faith, for her he gives up his Casanova lifestyle and makes a 360 change to be with her. After a few years past her trust for him fades and lust for Pretty Tony rekindles... Daunte ends up being the victim of karma as his partner in crime participates in the ultimate betrayal.

Detroit Slim is a book written from a second person point-of-view, with the reader assuming the role of the main character. Its about this young bully named Damon who assists a few small time drug dealers and a couple boys in blue from the DPD in robbing an after hour joint owned by one of the most notorious murderers in the murder capital, Detroit Slim. Now Slim is out to kill Damon and his crew one by one, but you have a chance to save Damon by making the right decisions for him. Like if Damon should run from the police, go to page 55, or if Damon should throw down his weapon, go to page 87. Whatever choice you make could end his story or continue it. So if you pick the wrong one and your story ends, then you can go back to the beginning of your options and choose again.

BallerStatus.com: What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing Time Out/Detroit Slim?

Geovannie Frazier: I had a lot. There were a lot of personal things going on in my life that kept me down. I mean when they say that most authors are alcoholics; that was true for me at time in my life. I had lost love ones. I just had to keep going. I would stop for weeks and know it is best to never leave anything half finished. That's a rule that will never lead you wrong in life unless you are doing the wrong sh--.

BallerStatus.com: Some readers described the book as an "urban novel for the inner city youth." Do you agree with that? Was the book written for a specific target group?

Geovannie Frazier: I wrote my book for the dudes who don't like to read. I didn't even think about the fact that women were the number supporters of urban fiction. I just wanted young brothers to read, so I wanted to make it short and real. I wanted my characters to be relatable to people where I'm from, so the majority of my stories are urban influenced, but people from all types of demographics have read them and enjoyed them.

BallerStatus.com: How did you find representation for your book? Did you pitch it to an agent or publishers who would most likely publish this type of book?

Geovannie Frazier: First I self published through a print on-demand publisher. Then I just went into a bookstore and checked out all the Afro-American fictional novels and sent copies of my book until I got the best offer. I didn't use an agent, a lot of big name places want submissions from agents, but when you hungry you become your own agent. Qboro Publishing decided to bring me aboard and it's been a great experience with them. Everyone is like family, no one acts like they are too good to take time out to answer any concerns or questions. They really believe in their writers and try their best to help them advance.

BallerStatus.com: Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire you?

Geovannie Frazier: Donald Goines. My first book of his I read was Dope Fiend. I was lost in his words. His books were real street fiction. No one can duplicate his style. A native Detroiter, the majority of his books was based out of Motown and I plan to pen the rest of my books off the cracked concrete curbs of Detroit as well.

BallerStatus.com: You are currently working on a new book called After Hour Girls. Can you give us the scoop on the story line?

Geovannie Frazier: I just wrapped that book up. It will be out August 7, 2007. After Hours Girls is another book where you can choose the progression and ending based off choices you make for the character. Take part of this tale of two best friends Lisa and Tosha as they stalk the clubs and after-hours joints searching for excitement, money, and temporary companionship. Two divas stand tall until the unforgivable Motown streets catch up to them and one must fall, and you as the reader get to decide which one.

For more information visit Myspace.com/Geavonnie

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