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.

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.

Are your books appropriate for young people, say, teenagers?
I won't lie to parents and educators who ask me this question just to sell books. My novels are for adult readers, but the reality is that young people do read them (especially on the subway!) A Black Artemis novel is pretty gritty with strong language and occasional (never gratuitous) scenes of sex and violence. If they were films, they would be rated R.

However, there's a great deal of substance to my novels as well because I try to educate as well as entertain. They raise socio-political ideas and issues that youth should be exposed to, and this is why each novel contents a reader's guide that educators can use to focus students discussions. My books are read in college and universities, and I think conscientious high school teachers - especially of social studies and English - can use them in their classrooms as well. So what I say to parents and educators and other adults who want to know if my books are appropriate for the teens in their lives is that they should read the novels themselves first and decide if they want to pass them. Every young person is different. Still adults have to recognize that youth may read them anyway, and I would much rather they do so with the guidance of a caring adult who will engage them about the substantive issues raised in the novel so that the important lessons are not lost.

I also encourage parents and educators to use young people's interest in my novels to introduce them to other kinds of literature. Tell them if they like my books, they should check out novels like Native Son and Down These Mean Streets.

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.

Did you write those rhymes that appear in the Explicit Content? 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.

Do you have any other novels in progress?
I always have a novel in progress! As soon as I have a cover and sample chapter, I place them on this website. If you'd like to be notified when those are available, please subscribe to my e-letter by sending an email to subscribe@blackartemis.com.

Who is your representative?
Black Artemis is represented by literary agent Jennifer Cayea at Avenue A Literary. Ms. Cayea can be reached at Jennifer@avenuealiterary.com.

Any plans to turn any of your novels into a movie?
That'd be hot, wouldn't it? I can hear the soundtrack to Explicit Content now! I am currently writing the screenplay for Picture Me Rollin'. Nevertheless, the film rights to all my novels are available. To inquire about them or other rights, contact Jennifer Cayea at Jennifer@avenuealiterary.com

I'd like to receive a copy of your latest novel 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 Paola Soto at Paola.Soto@us.penguingroup.com.

I want Black Artemis to come read or speak at my neighborhood bookstore, community organization or school. Visit the website regularly and check the calendar to see if and when I might be headed to your areas. 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.

I would like to interview Black Artemis. How do I arrange that?
If you're with the mass media please send your request to Paola.Soto@us.penguingroup.com. If you're with a small outlet like a campus newspaper, grassroots radio or independent website, email interviews@blackartemis.com.

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.

Damn, Ms. Thang! So what novels would you consider hip hop fiction? That is, besides your own.
Check out the page of links and resources on this site.

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'.

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, visit the page and links on this site.

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. It takes a lot of discipline to churn out a book every year so please be patient with your girl.