Your books are gritty enough to bring male readers to the stores, how do you balance writing to them and catering to a majority female audience?

Honestly, I don't cater to either. I write according to how I'm feeling at the time. Like when I'm having fun with the writing you get books like Street Dreams and Hood Rat. When I'm feeling more like a throwback you get books like Hoodlum. When I'm taking heads you get books like Gutter. Its the stories themselves that keep the balance, not really me.

What can teens get out of reading your books?

Teens can get real spit and a crash course in fucking your life up 101. I want them to take a good look at not just the characters, but their mindsets. I want them to see the demons for what they are and how fast one wrong decision can completely ruin you. TV is a liar and there's no riding off in the sunset when you play the game. You die or go to prison, PERIOD.

What books did you read growing up?

I read a lot of different kind of books because my mother made me read. I was allowed one hour for tv and I had to read until dinner. I hated it back then, but I understand a little better now and try to pass it on to my kids. My daughter won several awards for reading just recently and she's just getting to first grade.

The first real book I read was Fear of Flying" which was an erotic novel that a cousin who was babysitting gave me to shut me up. From then I graduated to Anne Rice, Bram Stoker and so on. I have a thing for vampire novels. Its been with me since I was like ten.

Do you feel books should be censored or carry the parental advisory sticker?

Not at all. When you put those labels on books you automatically think its something dirty. I do advise the parents to read the books before letting the kids read them. That's something we as parents should do anyway, screening what our kids read and watch. But in this day and age a lot of these parents don't have the time, or so I'm told. LOL

What impact do you feel that street lit has made on the teen literary market (I have my own opinion which I will share with y'all prior to publication of your articles)?

I think that street lit, for the most part has had a positive impact on teens because its gotten them to read. I explain my stories like a trick of the mind. I rope you in with the promise of sex and gun battles, but you find yourself being educated and entertained at the same time. Now that I've gotten you past the first stage, which is being comfortable reading, you can be introduced to something else, like EJD (Eric Jerome Dickey), Zora Neal, and so on. The hardest part is getting them from in front of the TV or computer to pick up a book. Once we get the books in their hands it makes the parents job easier. We can get them into the libraries, but YOU Have to keep them there.

What is the common question teens ask you when you speak at high school (and your answer)?

Do I make a lot of money...LOL. Its funny but true. A lot of kids are more interested in the monetary side of being a writer instead of the blessing of being able to share your thoughts with the world, and the freedom that comes with it. I tell them, money is cool but to know that being published immortalizes you is even better.

What advice would you give teens trying to enter the market?

Give yourself time to grow and learn. Some of these kids are not emotionally ready to deal with the downside of this game. The bullshit publishing deals and the people who claim to be street but have secretly worked for the police. I'm not calling anyone out, but you'd be surprised. I'd tell them to enjoy being a kid for a while and don't be in such a rush to grow up because when the blinders are snatched off you see the world for what it really is and not everyone can handle it. Also learn the business inside out before you jump in so that way you see the bullshit before it comes.