Interview with C. Kelly Robinson

THE ROCK: Who is C. Kelly Robinson, and tell us something about you?
C. Kelly: I'm just a brother from (near) the cornfields of Ohio, who woke up one day tired of the corporate race, and chose to chase his dream of being a published author.

THE ROCK: Where are you from and currently residing?
C. Kelly: Born in Dayton, Ohio then moved away for college, grad school, and several years of work before relocating just outside of my hometown.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
C. Kelly: My wife, Kyra, has a degree in English from Fisk University, and she published her masters thesis back in 2000. She's my first source for editing.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
C. Kelly: Officially, in the mid-nineties while taking courses in creative writing at night. I wrote about six short stories before starting my first novel, Not All Dogs.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
C. Kelly: My faith in Christ, and the self-esteem and strength instilled by my parents. Publishing is a very tough business, and especially to get your foot in the door you have to have a thick skin and an ability to withstand rejection.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
C. Kelly: With Not All Dogs, guess! I was tired of seeing brothers get bashed in the media - including in most Black novels of the time. I wanted to help present a more well-rounded portrait of our strengths and weaknesses.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
C. Kelly: The Strong, Silent Type is about Deacon, a young, retired NFL star who falls into a dangerous affair with Maria, his newly trained speech therapist.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
C. Kelly: Well, I'm blessed to be on my 4th commercially published novel with a 5th, The One That Got Away, due out next year.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
C. Kelly: I self-published my first book, Not All Dogs, only after dozens of agents and editors praised my talent but questioned whether the book had a real audience. Self-publishing was tough, but proved I could connect with an audience of real readers.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
C. Kelly: It's very hard to figure out frankly. Right now I think they look to Black novelists more for the street-oriented, "Coldest Winter Ever" type of books. But you have to write first what you believe in and what excites you.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
C. Kelly: I've never really thought about that, but I'd probably focus on mystery
and suspense.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
C. Kelly: It's my preference, but frankly people who are skilled salesmen and don't mind traveling constantly can make more money self-publishing. Me, I prefer to write and leave the marketing to others as much as possible.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
C. Kelly: Hitting the Essence best-sellers list three times, being reviewed and praised in national publications like the Chicago Sun-Times and Publishers Weekly, the pride and joy my wife and family showed when I signed my first "real" book deals; having my parents brag about me to friends for daring to forsake the "practical" paths they set out for me, so that I could prove my abilities as a writer.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
C. Kelly: Walter Mosley keeps a plot moving while showing a literary touch. BeBe Moore Campbell entertains while educating. Scott Turow's books are like a literary feast laced with suspense. Richard Wright first sparked my thoughts of even trying to become a writer.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in five years?
C. Kelly: I'm more into taking things a day at a time now, but I'll be happy to have people paying me to do what I'll be doing regardless - writing, both novels and nonfiction.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
C. Kelly: www.ckellyrobinson.com

THE ROCK: Thank you, C. Kelly.

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