"Whatever experience I had was developed in the military and before I left home at 17. Social networking tends to cut thru the redtape and confusion. I didn't want to make a lot of friends as I was non traditional and a RA for 2 years, and I never wanted to put myself in a compromising situation. The networks established were with faculty and staff and when I need something for my job,I know whom to call without a lot of hassle."
"1. What is "Two of Hearts" about?
2. How do you feel about being published? And how did it all happen?
3. When is your novel scheduled to be published? and by who?
4. Who are some authors that inspire you?
5. What is your opinion of contemporary black literature?
6. What are your plans after graduating from Morehouse College?
1) Two of Hearts is about an emotional and physical fallout of one of the characters who is in a monogamous, triangular relationship with two people. It is as much a psychodrama as it is a tale of unrequited love. Undying passion turns into deadly obsession for someone who emerges from the painful pasts of a successful best-selling author and avant-garde choreographer. Each chapter is an alternating voice that brings the reader closer to learning the identity of this enigmatic stalker (Or does it? I love cliffhangers)! I've peppered clues throughout the novel as lives, and loves, collide. In this age of celebrity, with some all-too-real grief, these characters become isolated, and the people they turn to just may be the stalker they are running away from. I also tackle self-image, sexual addiction, and suicide.
2) I'm grateful, excited, and extremely nervous because people will automatically think I've got firsthand knowledge on this particular premise. One can pray and hope that the reading public will 'get it', but there's always going to be those detractors who will find some fault with your work. I'm at that point in my life where I can say that at least I've fulfilled one of my dreams. I'm grateful that God has seen fit to bless me with a marketable talent. I'm excited that other people are excited about my efforts, and I'm extremely nervous because I feel like a parent sending off his child to college. You hope you've done the right thing, but I believe the work will speak for itself.
The process has been an off and on effort for several years. I initially came up with the concept back in '99 when I interned with a publisher after the death of someone very close to me. I ended up relocating for four months from San Diego to Tampa and the drive alone borne the idea of these three people coming together out of an emotional need not to be alone. The concept was that we all have friends for different aspects of our lives, but then it became much more personal because some people need much more than friends. We never look at friends as lovers, whether they are male or female, so I toyed with that dynamic, this taboo, that one can't be exclusive of the other.
As a manic depressive, I drew upon those mood swings to drive my creativity, which I totally do not suggest anyone do. I learned to funnel my 'moments' into my writing because it was therapeutic.
3) Two of Hearts is in the capable hands of the production department. One of the things I'm excited about is the marketing materials for the book. The cover we're discussing is that of a two of hearts playing with the faces of the characters in the center; think The Young and the Restless opening sequence.
4) I'm not really inspired by any writers as I am enjoying the work they produce. I'm constantly amazed by Walter Mosely who doesn't allow himself to be pigeoned-holed in any one genre; I enjoy Edwidge Danticat whose writing is lyrical and emotional; Mumia Abu-Jamal's writing is poetic and revolutionary; Jamaica Kincaid is so personalized; Stephen L. Carter weaves tight, intricate stories with multidimensional characters and quick dialogue; and, I thoroughly enjoy Samuel L. Delaney, Brandon L. Massey, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Octavia Butler, and Ralph Ellison and Alain Mabanckou.
5) My opinion of contemporary black literature really depends on the genre. I'm not a big fan of the 'street lit' or 'ghetto fiction' because I don't believe it challenges readers beyond the superficial. Look at the videos that appears on BET. It used to be that Hype Williams set the standard for music videos. but it seems that true originality has been dispensed with. There are certainly the exceptions, such as K'wan, but the others seem to be biting off one another. I'm just glad folk are reading and supporting writers. I was a fan of Terry McMillan back in the 90s, and Kevin Powell is dynamic, but this other stuff doesn't challenge me as a reader. I want to be able to be mad, not look for the happy ending, or feel as if I need to be vaccinated against a venereal disease because the book was just one sex scene after another.
Black literature seems to have undergone yet another 'renaissance', and for those Terry McMillans, those Eric Jerome Dickeys, they'll certainly have their fan bases, but I think a lot of what black writers from South Africa and Haiti have to say will get lost in the mix.
6) My plans after graduating Morehouse next summer is to return to South Africa, pursue my master's at the University of Cape Town, enjoying a proposed book tour, which will take me back to Dallas and Los Angeles and revisit some very dear friends; possibly go into teaching. I was inspired by Dr. Uriah Turner and Professor David Stewart, as well as Dr. Eileen Meredith and Dr. Michael Janis. I see that they indeed enjoy what they they're doing.
I want to complete a sequel and prequel to Two of Hearts. I think my readers will want to know how and why these characters came to be with one another and how some loose ends will be tied up. There are questions to be answered and some will be unresolved.
I will also be working on a project tentatively titled FRAT. The only thing I can really say about the premise is that there are four men, seemingly strangers, each with a past just as mysterious as the other. These four men are drawn together, bound by a secret. But, that secret is about to be exposed during Homecoming weekend when a murder occurs and it reopens old wounds, old rivalries, and an even older murder..."
Prior to receiving his Bachelor's degree in English as an Oprah scholar from Morehouse College in 2008, Richard Chartlon Pharris Jones served as Editor-in-Chief for Atlanta, GA's Morris Brown College's student publication, The Wolverine Observer, which won the first-place Southern Regional Press Institute award, which led to a corporate communications position with Delta Air Lines. Relocating to San Diego, CA, Richard became a senior staff writer for the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint. His numerous articles and book reviews have appeared in SBC, VENUS, and the Brothers United Nashville newsletter, The Source, and he contributes to Morehouse Magazine. Richard is the author of two novels: "Two of Hearts" (2007 Publish America ISBN 1-4241-9266-1) and "TRI" (2010 City Stone Publishing ISBN 978-0-9823879-2-4) both of which have received positive reviews. Richard is currently scripting his first web serial, Wicked Wives, for various Internet outlets.
Richard Charlton Pharris Jones, originally from Dayton, OH has led a varied and storied life, that informs his body of work which includes magazine articles, novels, editorials, and book reviews. After an honorable discharge from the US Army, Richard began his award-winning academic career at Georgia Perimeter College and later Morris Brown College. His community service endeavors in Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA with such organizations such as The Atlanta Project, Capitol Area Mosiac, Children Having Children (San Diego), Hands on New Orleans, various Breast Cancer and AIDS Walks in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, TX, and serving as a tutor and co-chair with the Frederick Douglass Tutorial Institute at Morehouse College and serving as a mentor with Project Identity also with Morehouse. Most recently, Richard worked as a Child Care Counselor with the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA in Atlanta, GA.
Most Memorable Moment:
My travel to South Africa
High School: Jefferson Senior High in Dayton, OH
class of 1985
Best Memories:
Can't tell...
Experience
I currently work with Self
as Author, Retired, Traveler
I have 25 years of experience working in the
Publishing industry.
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Tagged by
Ralph White on 06/30/2021
August 14, 2010 4pm - 6pm Afro Books West End Mall 871 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW Meet Morehouse grad Richard Charlton Pharris Jones TRI ISBN: 978-0-9823879-2-4.
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Richard C Jones on 08/11/2010
Morehouse grad Richard C Jones author TRI isbn 9780982387924 www.citystonepublishing.com Atlanta Black Book Expo - Georgia International Convention CenterSaturday, August 7th, 2010 11:00am to 7:00pm FREE Georgia International Convention Center 2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA
Tagged by
Richard C Jones on 08/01/2010
Meet Morehouse College grad & former San Diego Voice & Viewpoint senior staff writer Richard C. Jones July 30 - Aug 1 National Book Club Conference 2010 Hyatt Regency downtown Atlanta. CityStonePublishing ISBN 9780982387924 In the heat of summer, the temperature of sin & sex rises, secrets erupt, & sometimes, things turn scandalous... www.citystonepublishing.com.
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Richard C Jones on 07/24/2010
July 30 -Aug 1, 2010 National Book Club Conference downtown Atlanta Hyatt Regency
August 7, 2010 1st Annual Atlanta Black Book Expo Georgia Convention College Park, GA 11am - 7pm
August 14, 2010 4pm - 6pm Afro Books West End Mall near Atlanta University Center
Hope to see everyone!
City Stone Publishing Presents…*BOOK CLUB SPECIAL*Order 5 or more copies of one bookBook Club Special- $10 per bookRetail Price- $14-$15 per book. Log on to www.citystonepublishing.com for info on each novel.Contact info@citystonepublishing.com for your BOOK CLUB SPECIAL.
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Richard C Jones on 07/04/2010
July 30 National Book Club Experience Hyatt Regency downtown Atlanta TRI now available ISBN: 978-0-9823879-2-4. www.citystonepublishing.com
Tagged by
Richard C Jones on 06/26/2010
Let me count the ways: TRI now available
1) www.citystonepublishing.com
2) www.barnesandnoble.com
3) go to your local Barnes & Noble bookseller (or Borders or where ever you purchase your books) and tell 'em I want my TRI right now! The ISBN number is 9780982387924.
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Richard C Jones on 06/24/2010
http://magcloud.com/browse/Issue/88773
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Richard C Jones on 05/31/2010
Get ready to be turned out!
The wait is over! If you thought San Diego was hot, get ready as Atlanta is about be burned (again) June 25, 2010 at the Barnes & Noble Augusta Mall 3450 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 3090
Tagged by
Richard C Jones on 05/13/2010
Get your copy of my 1st novel Two of Hearts (ISBN 1-4241-9266-8) for only $5.99! publishamerica.com
Tagged by
Richard C Jones on 04/03/2010
