Monday, November 21, 2011

Edward Snipes' "I Called Him Dancer"


Title: I Called Him Dancer
Publisher: GES Publishing

Cover blurb:I Called Him Dancer is about a boy growing up
in a broken home. His fragile world is shattered when his mother leaves him with a relative and walks out of his life. After seeing a man dancing with grace and acrobatics, he decides to imitate the man and discovers a natural talent for dance. His life's passion becomes dance and eventually the young man achieves his dream of Broadway. A drug addiction and his inner demons destroy his life and he eventually becomes homeless. His previous dance partner refuses to let go and reaches out to him, but he rejects her. Bitter at God and the world, the dancer embraces a solitary life on the streets. Though he lashes out at God, the Lord has other plans for the fallen dancer.

1) How did this story come to you?
In 2009, two song writers named Tralena Walker and Tom Webster visited the Atlanta Writers Club. They were scheduled to speak at the second hour of our meeting. I almost didn’t stay since I had no interest in song writing. I headed down the hall after the first session ended, but when I reached for the door, I had the strange urge to stay. At the end of their presentation, Tralena performed a song titled, Dancer, and then said, “I’ve been trying to find someone to write about this song. I think it would make a great novel.”

Until then, I was a passive spectator, but her words made my head explode. Embarrassed by the loud pop, I quickly scooped up the pieces and reassembled my head and discovered that the book was mixed into my brain matter. The whole story hit me at once. I met with them and we worked together shaping the story into what it is today.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I never expected to become a writer, much less did I plan to get published. When I was a child, I got my first book. I flipped through the pages, then tore it apart. I didn't know it at the time, but that's exactly what you do when editing a manuscript.

I hated writing when I was younger. I only did what I had to do, and sometimes not even that. Writers block was more like writers dementia. My mind didn't return to me until after... hmmm. What were we talking about?

In 1998, I became active in prison ministry. Many of the men I ministered to were eager to learn. Someone asked me if I had my studies or notes on paper. I agreed to write out the next study and then my writing career was born. The problem wasn't that I couldn't write. It was that I didn't have something to say. Or didn't realize I had something to say. Over time writing transformed from a task to a passion.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I’m dyslexic, but hey, slysdexics are teople poo.
I have 5 kids – all girls. I did get a male dog to get some testosterone in the house.
My favorite hobby is to tap dance on oatmeal while reciting Shakespear.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have many project going. I’m working on my new release, Sound Mind. It’s a non-fiction book about how to deal with emotions in a healthy way. This was inspired by many discussions with my 5 girls. While working through a problem with my third daughter, I realized these same issues keep coming up. Maybe it’s time to put these things on paper.

5) Parting comments?
I try to make my books affordable. The ebook version of I Called Him Dancer is only .99 cents. The ebook version of my discipleship books are free downloads from my website. All are available in print as well.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.eddiesnipes.com/
Twitter: @eddiesnipes
I’m also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

9 comments:

  1. I'm sure we will see more of you Edward Snipes.

    I would love to read I CALLED HIM DANCER.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I couldn't imagine ever walking out on my children but I know a couple people who did. Actually, my daughter's father has never been a real part of her life...he comes and goes...years in between.... and it hurts me so to see how it's hurt her. She's an adult now but I see how it shaped her as she's a mom of two littles one now. A very devoted mom!! I'm glad you wrote this book. Too many marriages end these days...mine included, but not by my choice. People just don't take marriage and family as important these days and that's so very sad.
    Tracey Krieg
    krieg.tracey@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this book!!!! I have it in E-Book, however I would SO LOVE TO HAVE A HARD COVER OF "I CALL HIM DANCER" . To me it is an amazing book! Eddie just brought me into the book from the very beginning and I could not quit until I finished! I would rate this book high on my list of books I have read and I am an avid reader! I really hope to win this book!!! :)
    Thanks, Judi.
    mrst72443@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is very interesting as it is from the eyes of a boy rather than a girl who discovers the love of dance. Thank you for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. thanks for the chance to read this book :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. So awesome to have the opportunity to win one of your books. Thanks..

    breathoflifebookreviews@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. This book sounds very interesting. Thanks for the chance!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  8. 'I called him Dancer' a real life sounding novel will be very fascinating to read! Thank you for participating in the free book giveaway. Have a blessed Christmas Season!

    ReplyDelete

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