interview with CLARENCE NERO

1. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing for about ten years. I never planned on being a writer. When I started writing, I was working as a chemist with the DC government. It wasn’t until after college that I got the itch to write. One day, I was just sitting in my apartment and something inside of me said, “Go write.” And I did. And as they say the rest is history. A couple of months later, I opened a fortune cookie that said, “You are a lover of words. Someday, you will write a book.” I took it as a sign from God, and I have not stopped writing since that time.

2. What was your favorite subject when you were in high school and why? Math was my favorite subject, because I was simply always good in math. I love the challenge of solving the answers to problems.

3. How did you come up with the title, “Three Sides To Every Story”? The book came to me in three voices, and then the title made sense to me. Conventional wisdom tells us that there are two sides to every story, but then I come along and now there’s three. I’m covering heavy issues in this book from sex, sexuality, the down low, homophobia, and black men in prison--just so much stuff happening out there in the world today that I couldn’t cover the scope and depth of these issues without exploring them from three angles.

4. What would you say has been your biggest challenge to date? It was a real challenge for me to write this novel. My publisher needed the final draft right around the time Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. My entire family and I were caught in the middle of this drama and I was so worried about my relatives, for their safety. I just didn’t think I would be able to finish the novel under so much stress. But somehow with the strength and help from God, I got through it. Once I realized that the 9th Ward of New Orleans was demolished, I actually got inspired to write about this once forgotten community in my novel, “Three Sides To Every Story.”

5. How would you describe ultimate happiness? Living life with passion and love. What I mean is that you have love all around you. You love God and have a spiritual connection with Him. You have friends and loved ones whom you can share your dreams, hopes, and failures with. And you are in the world doing something you really enjoy in life and making a real difference in the lives of others. That’s true happiness to me. There’s no greater joy than giving back what was given to you.

6. What is the worse pick up line you’ve ever gotten? Ever used? The worse pick up line I’ve ever gotten is “You wanna come over to my house to eat pizza!” I’m like yeah right. I was a freshman in college and so unsure about myself, my sexuality. And there’s this older guy inviting me over to his dorm room. He calls me in the middle of the night and asks if I wanted to come over for pizza. I never did go, because I had a feeling we were going to be eating more than pizza and I wasn’t at all ready for that kind of action in college.

Now as far as horrible lines I’ve used on people. There aren’t any. I’m too scared to approach someone so I never get tripped up in the first place.

7. If you could write a novel with anyone famous past or present…who would it be and Why? E. Lynn Harris! I love him so much--the way he puts a story together with so much drama, twists, and turns. He’s one of my favorite writers. I wouldn’t mind combining one of my characters like Johnny with the unforgettable Basil. Now that would be an interesting twist!

Maya Angelou will host a book signing for Clarence at Special Occasions Bookstore in Winston, Salem, NC on Saturday, November 25 at Noon.

For more info on Clarence Nero log onto: WWW.CLARENCENERO.COM

FLAWLESS - NOVEMBER 2006 - Stefon

1. Where were you born and raised and what brought you to new york? West Philadelphia, born and raised on the playground is where I spent most of my days....lol just kiddin. I am a Philly boy though. My family moved to New York when I was 5, so I was basically raised here in Brooklyn.

2. How do you define masculinity? The ability to take responsibility for your own actions. Not afraid to ask for help but definitely not looking for handouts.

3. I know you are into music. What are you currently doing musically? Well I write everyday. Music is something that lives in me so that is how i express my deepest feelings. I plan on recording some of my music very soon so look out!! I also sing in church from time to time.

4. Whenever i see you, you are always dressed to impress. Where do you get your fashion sense from? lol Thank you. My fashion sense comes from my mom. She taught me at a young age the importance of looking your best no matter where you are. I think my style has evolved from that to include several different things, most importantly expressing how Im feeling at the time.

5. How would you describe a really great date? Give me all the details. What does the person look like? Where do you go? What do you do? There you go being nosey. I must admit Im an old fashioned romantic type dude. A great date for me could be several things, I wouldn't care where we go as long as I have chemistry with who Im with. But I love going to a movie and a nice dinner. The person would be down to earth, funny, great sense of style, open and honest!!

6. If you could be an inanimate object what would you be? I would be a Black Diamond, they are unique, and very beautiful.

7. What type of relationship do you have with God? God is my all and all. I have been through many things that I don't think I would have made it through had it not been for my faith. If you dont know him you need to..Trust me!!!!