Plainfield Street Certified: Author K.A. Akram .
Excuse me Reality TV, but you need to move your ass over because Author K.A. Akram’s book is not scripted. Therefore, if you’re looking to read a book based on 100% realness then you should do yourself some justice by turning off the Tell-Lies-Vision and pick up K.A Akram’s book Feel My Pain.
Yes I like reading Urban Fiction just as much as a fat man loves eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts. However, if you decide to take a short break from reading some of those humdrum, everyday, run-of-the-mill type stories about imaginary drug dealers who kill more people in broad daylight than Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator character in Judgement Day, then you ought to take the time and read K.A. Akram’s new novel (loosely based on his actual life) entitled Feel My Pain — which gives you actual chronicles of his personal experiences growing up as a young African American male who was taught by his father to show no fear within the mean streets of Plainfield, NJ and elsewhere.
The book follows snippets of his actual life from childhood, transitioning through his rough albeit difficult progression into manhood. Through his writing K.A. Akram manages to bring forth a powerful message that many others are still struggling to overcome; that is, a life full of beautiful women, luxury cars, money, and most of all the lesson of how to surpass giving up possession of power that corrupts one’s very soul.
Within the pages of his book this author holds no punches so readers beware. If you are looking for the glamorification of fakeness written in many street fiction novels I wouldn’t recommend this book to you. However, if you are looking for real insight about a panoply of struggles that resonate throughout many darkened neighborhoods across America – from a man who most assuredly knows what it’s like to lose everything you ever loved — then Feel My Pain is a must-read for you!
What makes this story unique is not based on the actual common struggles that the author has been through: many have faced similar situations on various levels. What brings such a highly-evolved aspect to the pages of this book is that it is written by a man who pours out his very soul– right down to the period within every sentence, and the cherry on top of this tasteful masterpiece is that this book is an open diary written by a man who has walked into the belly of the beast and risen, like the mythical phoenix that rose from the ashes.
It’s not everyday that someone gets to sit down with a man who has served a twenty year sentence in the Federal BOP.
Whether or not you may agree with my take on this book written by one of my fellow peers from Plainfield, New Jersey, you must agree that this book is a treasure. It’s a heartfelt warning to those who dare to take the path that leads to nowhere except prison bars or the deathly shallows because concrete does absorb a lot of blood. This book definitely will not take you into the Land of OZ.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this all-telling book you can purchase a copy at www.nudaypub.com or on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Feel-My-Pain-Part-I/dp/0615883230/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385007226&sr=8-1&keywords=feel+my+pain .
Author Interview
Q: Is your book Fiction or is it non fiction?
A: It’s a real novel.
Q: Are you self-published or under contract? Why did you choose to self-publish?
A: I’m self published because I rather have control on what’s goin’ on.
Q: What inspired you to write your book?
A: During the 20 yrs I served I realized how much I enjoyed writing so I figure gill give it a try.
Q: How is your book different from others who have written on the same topic?
A: Over the years Urban Novels lost the realness so I figured I wanted to bring back the true essence of street novels. Everyone will be able to relate.
Q: What have you learned from your writing experience?
A: What I learned so far from writing is the power in the pen.
Q: Have you written any other books, and where do you see yourself headed in the next few years?
A: Yes, Feel My Pain Part 1 is available now…Part 2 is done already just waiting a little while before releasing. I’m working on After All The Pain now , and I would really like a movie deal in a few years.
Q: Do you think that Urban Fiction is just a passing fad, or is it here to stay?
A: It’s like I said, I’m bringing back the essence of true urban novels…so that means I gotta put them back on the map!
Q: Do you have any advice for up and coming authors, and what are some of the do’s and don’ts have you learned during the publishing process of your book?
A: Yes, the advice I have for up and coming authors is to make sure what they write is some real shit although it may be a novel…know how to make the readers relate.
Q: What is the message that you feel is most important to your reading audience portrayed through your life’s story?
A: That I always was a stand up guy (smiling), just a good person all the way around. Regardless if I was in the streets or not .
Q: I know that you spent several years in the Federal BOP, where did you do your time and how has it affected your life? Has prison influenced your writing in any fashion.
A: I did my first 8yrs in Lewisburg Pen, 3 in West Virginia, 3 in Cumberland MD, 3 in Petersburg VA, and my last 3 in North Carolina. If it wasn’t never for Prison then I would’ve never known that I had a gift in writing.
Q: How much time were you facing and why did you plea?
A: I pleaded guilty for 2 reasons… To let my co defendants loose and to avoid that 360 months to Life that they wanted to give me if I would’ve went to trial.
Q: You grew up in Plainfield, NJ my hometown as well. In your personal opinion has it changed for the better or worse?
A: Plainfield has changed for the worse most definitely!!! Nothing like it use to be…and I’m just gonna leave it like that.
Q: I see within the pages of your book you take a a no-holds-bar approach of pouring out your soul even to the point of sharing some of the most intimate moments of your life. Has anyone become offended that you are so forthright?
A: Although it’s considered a novel I used a lot of my life experiences. No one can get offended because at the end of the day it’s still a novel.(smile)
Q: Since your book is based on realism within your life would you consider doing a reality show if asked in the future?
A: I would love to do a reality show!!!
Q: What do you feel is the hardest part of marketing, and have you had any setbacks?
A: The hardest part of marketing in doing it yourself is getting the exposure that u truly need.
Q: How many book signings have you done thus far, and what does it feel like inside to see people actually standing in line just to meet you?
Q: This last question is more serious than when the federal judge asked you how do you plea. May I ask?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you have any money in your pockets or credit cards, etcetera?
A: Yes. (Laughing)
Q: Are you willing to treat me for lunch?
A: Yes, I guess I can. (LOL)
Well, this interview is over let’s go eat on you. You are a successful writer. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to interview you. LOL
NO COMMENTS