What’s up y’all? It’s ya girl De La’Cruz, the Latin Goddess coming to you live from the station that brings you today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B hits, WCHR 95.7 the beat. Now, y’all know that every month, ya girl introduces new books and authors to my book club rigggghhhhtttt? Well today, I got something even better in the studio with me. “Ladies, I finally did it! I managed to get the man that made us all fall head over hills with Derrick Sanders in his latest novel Guilty Pleasures,” De La’Cruz announced with much enthusiasm. “He’s the author of two critically acclaimed novels, and he’s one of Washington Post, Blackboard, and Essence bestselling authors. Not only is he here today to hear your feedback on Guilty Pleasure, but also to introduce his newest upcoming novel. “Now, I know a lot of my male listeners out there aren’t too familiar with him, but listen fellas, if you’ve ever came home from work and your lady had just put a book down and came over to you and without saying a word, undressed, and made passionate love to you on the spot — well eight times out of ten this brother here is the reason. He’s known for his powerful storylines, plots, his strong character voices, intense drama, and exquisite sexual interpretations. His work has captured and cultivated contemporary African American fiction. He has reached a broad audience all around the world. And for those of you that don’t know, even though he presently resides in Cleveland, Ohio, he is from our very own Duval. “However, unlike many authors, he didn’t pull up in a limo with a driver, nor have with him a snotty demanding assistant! No ladies and gentleman, he drove himself here and surprisingly, despite the fame he has accumulated, he is one of the most humble, and down to earth person you could ever meet. And ladies, the brother man, is finnnneee!” Brian gave her a bashful grin as she continued to introduce him. De La’Cruz looked down at Brian’s hand and said, “Sorry ladies, but yes, he is married with kids, and from what I understand he’s extremely faithful. So, with no further ado, it is my honor and pleasure to bring to you Mr. Guilty Pleasures himself, Mr. Brian Johnson.” She hit the applauses button on the laptop, which made it sound like a room full of people applauding and cheering. “Please, just call me Brian,” he said after clearing his throat. Brian approached the microphone closely. “Good morning beautiful people, Miss. De La’Cruz, thank you for having me here today.” “It’s our pleasure,” De La’Cruz assured him, batting her big brown eyes. “Now, I’m quite sure our listening audience would like to know when and where the book signing is taking place.” Brian cleared his throat again and spoke clearly. “The book signing is going to be this evening at 7:30 at the Books-a-Million in the Orange Park business plaza. Katie Price and the good people at Books-a-Million have it setup to where I will be signing books, answering questions, take pictures, and also reading an excerpt from the novel.” “Well, y’all heard it here first. He will be there tonight to meet, greet, take pictures, read, and sign books. So make sure you come out tonight with your books in hand. If you don’t have one, buy one. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Fellas, even if you don’t read these kinds of books, your lady does, so get her one, get it signed, and I’m sure she’ll show you how grateful she is.” De La’Cruz laughed. “Now y’all know your girl is definitely gon’ be in the mix tonight, even though I’m getting my book signed as we speak, I’m still gonna be there to hear him read a chapter.” “Can I say something?” Brian interrupted. “I’ll also be giving away fifty signed hard copies of my book to the first fifty people there.” “Whoa! Now you know… it’s about to be some women right now that’s about to come up with all kinds of excuses so they can leave work early to go get in line.” They both laughed. De La’Cruz then turned her attention to Brian. “I see you brought some special guests with you today.” Brian’s smile widened and he said, “Yea, you know I can’t travel without my favorite supporters, though my wife is at my mother-in-laws’ today. She was feeling under the weather, being that she’s almost seven months pregnant, so she decided to stay in. But I know she’s listening. Love you Hun.” “Aww, that’s sweet,” De La’Cruz commented. “Girl or boy?” “Triplets!” Brian said with no hesitation. “Wow, are you serious?” De La’Cruz asked, shock written all over her face. “Calm down, I’m just joking.” Brian chuckled. “I’m sure my wife just had the same look you did.” They shared another laugh. “But seriously, be it God’s will, I’m looking forward to a healthy baby boy, but she‘s looking forward to another girl. We chose to not find out this time around until the day of birth. Either way, we’ll be prepared.” “That’s what’s up,” De La’Cruz said, nodding in admiration. Brian then motioned to each side of him as he spoke. “But here with me today is my two number one fans and supporters, my gorgeous daughter, Zion, who’s five, and my handsome son, Jalen, who’s turning four in a couple of weeks. I figured, since school is out for them, that we could travel as a family to all my book events this summer.” “Now that is something you don’t see or hear much of,” De La’Cruz commented. “Most authors only travel with their personal assistant and publicist.” “Well, in my case, my wife is my personal assistant, and when she’s not around Zion here keeps me in line. Especially since she feels Jalen and I don’t know how to behave ourselves in public.” Brian grinned at his daughter, who was trying to hide herself under his arm. “So, she takes it upon herself to be our chaperone.” De La’Cruz laughed. “You go girl, make sure they stay in line.” Zion gave her a huge snagged-tooth smile as she and De La’Cruz exchanged high fives. “You told me before we got on the air that you’re presently working on you newest novel, is that right?” “Yes I am. It’s called No Rest for the Weary. First, before we get into that, let me share that I’ve recently gotten a deal for Guilty Pleasures to be put into film. Although I can’t release the producer’s name right now, because we are still working the deal out amongst our attorneys, I will say that though I personally won’t be in the movie, I will have all rights and say so, in the film. Also, for those of you that has read the book Taraji P. Henson will play Monica, and Michael Ealy is playing Derrick. So, please look for that to be coming within the next year or two.” “Alright then big money, I’m sure the movie will be just as successful and good as the book, especially since you got my future baby daddy playing in there. Now to fast forward, what can the readers expect in this new one?” De La’Cruz asked. This story, is basically about an author who struggles to move beyond his past, and who almost loses his life trying to right the wrongs of his past. It’s a really deep story, real emotional at times. I don’t want to give the story away but the character goes on a journey that only a few would survive mentally,” Brian explained. “I used a different formula than what I used with my previous novels. There’s a lot more drama, more intense daily situations to deal with. It shows the struggle of a man that’s been putting everybody’s happiness over his own. Then, just as he decides it’s time that he started pleasing himself, all hell breaks loose in his life. People he thought had his back start to really show their true colors, and revenge becomes the name of the game. I think the readers will enjoy it.” “Wow, sounds like that’s going to be a good one. Is there any truth to it? Are there any of your own personal experiences in it?” De La’Cruz asked. “But of course. Every book that I write has bits and pieces of my life’s experiences.” “Let me ask you another question that again I‘m sure our listening audience wants to know.” Brian interlocked his hands in front of him, leaned in closer to the microphone, and said, “Ask what you may.” “Alright, you know I’m a huge fan of yours, but I’m curious to know, who do you read? Like, who are your influences as far as writers goes?” Brian stared off, as if in deep thought. “Well, I read and listen to tons of books from many different authors. But if I had to put my favorites in a listing, umm… I would have to go with Walter Mosley, E. Lynn Harris, Ed McBain, Robert Ludlum, Brad Meltzer, Eric Jerome Dickey, Brandon Massey, Carl Weber, Omar Tyree, Eric Pete, Keith Lee Johnson, and Travis Hunter. I definitely dig those male authors. Now, as far as female authors goes, there’s Mary Monroe, Kimberla Lawson Roby, I’ll go with La Jill Hunt, Millenia Black, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Mary B. Morrison, Zane, Cheryl Robinson, and definitely Gwynne Foster. Now though, I read plenty of different authors. If any of those that I’ve named, have written it, believe me, I’ve read it atleast twice.” Brian laughed. “Wow, those are some great writers. With the exception of three or four of those you named, I believe I have books by the rest of them featured in my book club. Though I don’t think I’m familiar with the Pete guy, the Johnson guy, the Brad, Robert, and Ed um,” she stumbled to remember, “Ed um…” “McBain?” “Yeah! Ed McBain.” “I’m most certain if you and your listeners enjoy Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series, then you’ll definitely enjoy Ed’s 87th Precinct series. His writing style is beyond exceptional, and like Walter Mosley his catalogue is amazing. He’s won the highest award given for mystery writers, along with numerous of others. And as far as Eric Pete, he is an amazingly realistic writer. I really admired his penmanship,” Brian said. “He has a catalogue that you certainly have to read: ‘Gets No Love,’ ‘Don’t Get It Twisted,’ ‘Sticks and Stones,’ and ‘Lady Sings The Cruels,”’ Brian explained with high gratitude. “Now, Keith Lee Johnson. Ah man, after his ‘Black Girl Lost’ series, I was hooked. He too is an amazing author. Brad Meltzer, now he’s just phenomenal. ‘Book of Lies,’ ‘Book of Fate,’ ‘Dead Even,’ his whole catalogue is just…” Brian took a deep breath. “You just have to check it out for yourself is all I can tell you.” “I know it might be hard, being that you’ve read so many titles, but what book or books would you say had the greatest impact on you?” “Without questioning, ‘Someone Knows My Name’ by Lawrence Hill. That book is probably my favorite book of all times. I cried, I laughed, I cheered, I was in that story living it, as I read it. No other book have touch me like that. Now, I will say ‘Brother I’m Dying’ by Edwidge Danticat came close, but not like that. They banned that book in the U.S when it first came out, because it was called ‘The book of Negros.’ What touch me the most about that story is, even today, you still cannot convince me that that book isn’t a true story. I refuse to believe it. The story is too intimate, too raw, not to be. Although I didn’t come here today to advertise someone else’s book, I would recommend everyone to read that book. You’ll never be the same when you finish.” “Well, my book club family, it seems as if we got some homework to do,” De La’Cruz announced. “So brother man, before you leave us, do you have time to speak with a couple of callers?” “Yeah sure! Why not?” Brian shrugged. The studio engineer pointed out to De La’Cruz through the glass that there were already callers waiting on hold. De La’Cruz hit a button on her switchboard. “Caller, you’re on the air with your girl. What would you like to say to our guest?” “Am I really on the air? Oh my god,” the surprised caller squealed. “Hi, my name is Shalonda. I’m calling from St. Augustine, and I wanted to say to Mr. Johnson that I’m a huge fan of your book, and even more now that I hear how down to earth you are. I just wanted to know, are you going to make a series of Derrick Sanders books or was he just a onetime character?” Brian’s left brow rose as he tilted his head slightly and nodded. “You know what Ms. Shalonda, that’s a good idea. I might just make a series with him. I hadn’t really thought about it before, and just because you gave me the idea, if I do decide to make a series, I’m going to name a character after you.” “Oh my god, are you serious?” she squealed again. Brian could tell from the way Shalonda giggled that she was indeed surprised and impressed with his notion. “Dang…..girl you beat me to the punch,” said De La’Cruz. “That was one of my questions.” Brian grinned and shrugged his shoulders at her, raising his hand in a surrender jester. “We’re moving on. Next caller.”
