interview with Michael-Christopher

1. Wow! I can't believe this book is out already. Seems like yesterday when you told me about it. Give me a general synopsis of the book. LOL, maybe I told you late in the game! The story is about a brother named Virgil who's been bottoming for his total top boyfriend in their relationship. While Virgil is out of town he gets hit on by someone who wants him to top. Afterwards, another side of Virgil's sexuality is awakened and he struggles with whether or not to try and get his lover to become versatile.

2. What triggered you to write this story? My desire to turn the whole community versatile-LOL...seriously, the issue of sexual incompatibility has long been an obstacle in the gay community, which is one thing that keeps us from having relationships. It's never been discussed in this fashion before, and as fiction, this story could have taken many differenct forms.

3. Is any of this book taken from personal experience? Not the storyline itself, but I've definitely had potential relationships fizzle because of sexual positioning issues. Flipping tops is not an easy task! LOL

4. Several friends of mine in DC and Atlanta have told me that they love the book. Do you think the New York kids will be equally as receptive? I think that the topic will intrigue New Yorkers, but they may not relate as much. I know from my own experience, living in the New York area, I didn't have that problem as much as I do now, here in DC. Seems to me that in DC we have a lot of fake "tops" —brothers who are trying to retain their masculinity or are only tops when they are messing around. If they're into you, they'll own up to being versatile in a relationship! Just depends on the time of day! LOL.

5. How many books have you written up to this point and do you think this is the best one to date? This is my third novel and yes, by far, I believe it is the best. Since my first, LIVING THE LIFE PREQUEL - HANK, the spinoff novel to my comic series, I have learned a lot about writing. I feel that I've grown considerable since LIVING THE LIFE PREQUEL - KURTIS as well.

6. Have you faced many challenges as an independent writer? Certainly have. Everyone wants you to visit their city, but being self published means financing everthing; printing, marketing, promotions, etc. Its all you. Many times when the book is finally out, there's not a whole lot left of extensive travel. That's why we need the public to support us. The major publishing houses aren't feeling stories about black gay men. It's all about the "down low" at the moment. I, for one, don't feel the need to tell those type stories.

7. I know this book is fresh, but what can we expect next from Michael-Christopher? I have a few more novels in my head, and some screenplays. Hopefully, a collabo' with me and one of my director friends! ;o)

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