Interview with Vincent Alexandria

THE ROCK: Who is Vincent Alexandria, tell us something about you?
Vincent: I am an author, actor, producer, director, composer, lyricist, vocalist, screenwriter, and musician. I am the father of four children. I hold a Masters degree in literature at Baker University and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rockhurst College. I was a GED Teacher with the Upper Room Program in Kansas City, MO. I am the owner and chair of his two companies, We Must X-L Publishing and Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Vincent: I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, but I am now residing in Ruston, LA.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Vincent: Two of my daughters, Azia and Nia are budding novelists. They really write well and I’m very proud of them. My oldest daughter, Randi has amazing talents as a writer, but doesn’t use it as much as I would like her to.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Vincent: I started writing at a very early age of 7. I would make comic books and draw my friends into super heroes and sell them for twenty-five cents. (Smile)

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Vincent: Reading, education, observing, and listening. I really wanted to take myself serious as a writer so I decided to get my Masters in Literature. I write something everyday, be it a short story, poem, or notes on a story.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Vincent: Living in a family of fifteen n children, it was easy to become a writer because I had so many stories to tell. My father really nourished my love for reading with his stories and sitting and listening to how much color and life he would display when I would sit and talk with him. I would be crying from laughing so hard.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Vincent: My latest work is Marvelous Marvin and the Case of Mr. Potatoe Head. It deals with a twelve year old private investigator that goes on a hunch that his female friend who is his next door neighbor is in trouble. It’s a hilarious story for youth. Marvelous Marvin even has a five-piece band called the marvels. It will be a series. I’m currently talking with illustrators and the book will be out this summer.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Vincent: My agents name is Faye Childs and she’s currently talking with Harlem Moon of Random House, Simon and Schuster and a couple of other major houses.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Vincent: I’ve self-published all my works and have had a lot of success with them. Self-publishing helps you learn the business and know your worth. It takes a lot of time, energy, effort, money, and marketing, but the control of running your own business and marketing is so self-rewarding. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as well as instant gratification.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Vincent: This is a hard question, because most "traditional publishers" have a formula that they are looking for. Good writing, editing, and a great story is always essential, but most authors I know who were picked up by a major house were rejected at least twenty times before they were picked up and they have the same stories they shopped before. So go figure.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Vincent: I am a publisher and I just love a great story that captivates my attention from first page to last. It must have a great plot and a knock-out ending. I hate when I can predict a story. Mystery novels would be my preference, but I read everything.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Vincent: I would say, yes. The biggest reason is that you are no longer spending your own money and you have wide distribution. People treat self-published authors different. You have to chase people for your money and other things, but it’s a badge of honor that you’ve been accepted into the publishing system. For some it may be good, for others a nightmare. (Smile) You do get wider distribution with a major publisher, so your book s are known more across the country.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Vincent: I have published three novels and one poetry book; If Walls Could Talk, Postal Blues, Black Rain, and Poetry from the Bottom of My Heart. I have written a screenplay, Walls of Deceptions based on my first novel. I’ve written, directed, and produced three musical stage-plays, His Eyes Are on the Sparrow, The Changing of an Uncle-Tom, and If She Only Knew. I’ve founded a 501C-3 to promote reading and literacy, the Brother 2 Brother Literary Symposium and our third event is this year at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, the 18th and 19th of March. Last year I completed a 560 mile bicycle ride from Kansas City, MO. to the Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago, IL. I’m still waiting on Oprah to show me some love and yes, my butt is still sore. (LOL)

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Vincent: Victor McGlothin, Travis Hunter, Bernice McFadden, Walter Mosley, Blair Walker, Toni Morrison, Karen Thomas, Donna Hill, Author Flowers, Eric Jerome Dickey, James Patterson, Patricia Cromwell, Vanessa Miller, Patricia Haley, Victoria Christopher-Murray, Kim Roby, and many others.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Vincent: I want to be the Assistant President of Grambling College. I want to be producing movies and have at least six novels out and three children’s books in the Marvelous Marvin series out.

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Vincent: www.vincentalexandria.com or www.theliteraryevent.com/symposium or email me at raychone@swbell.net.

THE ROCK: Thank you, Vincent: Thank you for your time, energy, and getting the word out to the people.