OK, so is Black Artemis
Black, Latina or what?
Glad you asked. I'm not one of those artists of color who
gets touchy when asked about my racial identity. I figure if
people want to question my capabilities or pigeonhole me
because of my race and/or ethnicity, that's their issue. I'm
Dominican and Puerto Rican. But look at my picture! I'm
obviously Black. But I'm not African American 'cause not all
Black people are. I know most of you get it, but you'd be
surprise how many people in this day and age don't.
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So why did you adopt
the pseudonym Black Artemis?
The book Explicit Content also has a reader's guide and
conversation with me in which I explain this so please check
the book for more information on my pen name.
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Are the characters and
plot in Explicit Content based on real people and events?
You have my word that, with except for the obviously famous
names and places I mention to give the novel its realistic
flavor, Explicit Content is a complete work of fiction. But
let's face it. The way some hip hop artists and labels
conduct business, something like what goes down in Explicit
Content is very possible.
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Did you write those
rhymes that appear in the novel?
Yes, I must take all criticism and praise for them. In the
future, I'd like to have a monthly contest based on hip hop
trivia, one which be based on some of the references I make
in those lyrics. If you'd like to be contacted when the
contests begin, subscribe to my e-letter by emailing subscribe@blackartemis.com.
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Do you have any other
novels in progress?
Of course! My second novel is called Picture Me Rollin' and
is about a young Latina (and Tupac fanatic) who returns home
from prison and tries to rebuild her life. I will soon post
a synopsis and sample chapter of Picture Me Rollin' on the
website. If you'd like to notified when those are available,
please subscribe to my e-letter by sending an email to subscribe@blackartemis.com.
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Who is your
representative?
Artemis is represented by literary agent Johanna V. Castillo
at Sanford J. Greenburger Associate. Ms. Castillo can be
reached at jcastillo@sjga.com.
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Any plans to turn
Explicit Content into a movie?
That'd be hot, wouldn't it? With a dope soundtrack, too!
Right now the film rights to the novel are available, but I
don't anticipate that this will be for too long. To inquire
about the availability of film or other rights, contact
Johanna Castillo at jcastillo@sjga.com.
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I'd like to receive a
copy of Explicit Content to review for my newspaper,
website, magazine, radio program, etc. Is it possible to get
a reviewer's copy?
If you can provide proof of your media credentials, we'd
love to have you review the novel. For more information,
contact Kate Coppola at Kathleen.Coppola@us.penguingroup.com.
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I want Black Artemis to
come read or speak at my neighborhood bookstore, community
organization or school.
Visit the website regularly or better yet subscribe to my
e-letter (subscribe@blackartemis.com) to be notified
of when I might be appearing in your area. Or you can
contact my speakers' bureau and arrange to have me visit
your community. I'm a proud member of SpeakOut, the
country's only national non-profit bureau that promotes
progressive speakers and artists on campuses and in
communities. Contact SpeakOut at info@speakout.org
or (510) 601-0182.
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I would like to
interview Black Artemis. How do I arrange that?
If you're with the mass media please send your request to
Kate Coppola at Kathleen.Coppola@us.penguingroup.com. If
you're with a small outlet like a campus newspaper,
grassroots radio or independent website, email interviews@blackartemis.com.
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Just what do you mean
by "bona fide hip hop fiction?"
I go into great detail about this in the interview at the
back of the book Explicit Content so please check that out.
Let's just say that much of what is being called "hip
hop fiction" has nothing to do with hip hop, and I'm
not havin' it. As popular as such stories may be with hip
hop heads, a novel with brothas bustin' off at each other or
sisters windin' around poles in g-strings does not
make it hip hop fiction.
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Damn, Ms. Thang! So
what novels would you consider hip hop fiction? That is,
besides your own.
In addition to Explicit Content, check out the excellent A Hip Hop Story by Heru Ptah.
Dakota Grand by Kenji Jasper
is pretty tight, too. There may be other novels by other
authors that I have yet to read, but these are two that I
also consider bona fide hip hop fiction. And, no, I'm
neither related to or dating either of these guys, I just
admire their work, especially their exploration of hip hop
as both art and commerce.
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Who are other writers
you admire?
My tastes are pretty eclectic and I have too many favorites
to list. At the
top of the list, however, is Richard Price. Regardless of
whether you liked
the movie or not, read CLOCKERS. Also check out his
latest SAMARITAN as well as FREEDOMLAND (which is going
to be made into a movie with Morgan Freeman and Julianne
Moore.) John Ridley's tight, too. He wrote the novel STRAY DOGS upon which the
film U-TURN starring Sean Penn
and Jennifer Lopez was based. He also wrote the comic novel THOSE WHO WALK IN DARKNESS
and turned it into animated internet series starring Li’l
Kim as the voice of the lead character that is now available
on DVD. I was blown away by the
debuts of Ernesto Quinonez (BODEGA DREAMS) and Nelly
Rosario (SONG OF THE WATER SAINTS) so
I'm really looking forward to their next books. As for
nonfiction writers, you'll find clues in my next novel
Picture Me Rollin'.
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What you got against
Scarface?
First of all, not everything my characters say is a
reflection of my own beliefs and opinions. As you can see,
they don't even agree with each other so which ones speak
for me on a given topic, well, you'll just have to get to
know me to find out. That said, some movies are so bad,
they're good and I think Scarface leads the pack (Glitter is
a close second.) I understand why so many hip hop heads love
Tony Montana, and I can recite scenes from that joint as
well as the next one. But why the hell is that considered a
hip hop movie? Just 'cause he's gangsta? C'mon on now. You
want to see some bona fide hip hop movies, peep Play'd, Slam, Whiteboyz, Follow Me Home and the hilarious Fear of a Black Hat.
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Hey, you didn't answer
my question!
So send it to me at faq@blackartemis.com. If it's one that many
people are asking, you'll see it up here soon. If it's not,
I'll do my best to get back to you, but I cannot make any
promises that you'll get a personal reply. After all, I have
to finish Picture Me Rollin'!
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