Interview with Curtis Alcutt

THE ROCK: Who is Curtis, tell us something about you?
Curtis: Well, for one, I'm glad to have this opportunity to be interviewed by you. I'm pretty much a person that views the proverbial cup as half full. Dealing with stress is too stressful.

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Curtis: I was born and bred in Oakland, Ca 1/16/62. About 4 years ago I moved to our state capital, Sacramento, Ca.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Curtis: Not in my immediate family, but after a family reunion in Lake Charles, La last July, I met a LOT of family for the first time and a few of them write for newspapers, magazines, etc.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Curtis: When I was in the 4th grade, I created this comic strip called, "The Nose People." My teacher caught me working on it when I was supposed to be doing math. Instead of punishing me, she praised my work. I used to write music lyrics years ago when I was an up and coming Rapper. After that career flamed out I gave up writing until about 3 years ago.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Curtis: I read a lot. Also, I spent many hours learning the craft of writing before I had the nerve to actually do it. Also, I read a few African American fiction books so I could get an idea of the formula. Writing, I've learned is a never ending learning experience.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Curtis: Back in 1998, before I met my current wife, I became frustrated with the dating process. So, as a favor to women, I wrote a chap book called, "How to keep your man, 101." I never intended to publish it, but after it got so many laughs from those that read it, I thought maybe I could write a novel.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Curtis: After reading, "The Sex Chronicles" by Zane, I wanted to try my hand at erotica. But as the book went along, it bloomed into a full blown fiction novel, laced with sensuality.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Curtis: My book, "Dyme Hit List," is about a world class Player named Rio. He's been raised by the male role models in his family--including his father--to be a straight up playboy. Internally, he desires to have a serious one on one relationship. He then meets Carmen. She's everything he's looking for in a woman, but he's torn between the life he leads and the life he desires. The conflict leads to many trials and tribulations until a dark secret shatters his world...

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Curtis: I was picked up by Black Pearl Books, Inc. earlier this year. "Dyme Hit List" is due to be released on 4/30/05.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Curtis: No. When I started this project my goal was to get published by a traditional publisher. Self-publishing was my second option. I wanted to see if I was good enough to get the attention of a traditional publisher first.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Curtis: Besides an error free and highly polished GOOD story, It's hard to say. After all the rejections I received, I learned that this business is VERY subjective. One thing I advise all new writers to do is research the publishers you want to query. Make sure they handle the type of books you write. This will save you a lot of postage and rejection slips...

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Curtis: Fiction. Actually, I love horror, sci-fi, fantasy and the like. I like books and movies that take me away from the everyday. Fiction writing to me is the best way of taking a mental vacation.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Curtis: To me it's important. I strive to be the best at all I do. Even though I may fall short, It feels good to know I went for the gusto. Don't get me wrong; I got serious respect for those that choose to self publish, but personally, I had to challenge myself and see if I could make it going the traditional route.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Curtis: One of my proudest achievements was earning my CCNA certification. Even though I didn't attend college, I self taught myself to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate. I left the computer industry and now run my own trucking company, but my burning desire is to write for a living.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Curtis: Hmmmm... thats a hard one. I have quite a few. Eric Dickey, Mary Morrison, Omar Tyree, Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Winston Chapman and a few others I can't recall right now.

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Curtis: Sitting in my Sun Room with nothing but a desk, computer, chair and stereo as the sun beams down on me through the large stained glass window above my head as I get the news from my publisher that my 5th consecutive novel has topped the best seller list as John Singleton, Ice Cube, the Hughes Brothers and Spike Lee fight over rights to film the sequel to "Dyme Hit List."

THE ROCK: Where can readers find you?
Curtis: You can check out "Dyme Hit List" at www.blackpearlbooks.com or hit me up at blackauthor@yahoo.com. Thank you for having me. I really appreciate it.

THE ROCK: Thank you, Curtis.

New Site: www.mralcutt.com