Robert Laboo 'Suffer With Me' Interview | Respect The Author
Tell us the story of how you got into writing
The most prominent demographic of readers, where I'm from, are incarcerated. When it comes to young black men and women very few books from people of our ethnicity and background give them any hope. At the point of my incarceration where I decided to try to pen this novel, I really just wanted to show the masses ignorance wasn't all we could write. As I began my attempt the story took on a life of it's own. Instead of writing it, it was like I was witnessing it being lived out. Then "Suffer With Me" was born.
What was your favorite book growing up?
If have to say my favorite book growing up was The Odyssey by Homer.
What is your favorite book as an adult?
I'd have to say my favorite book as an adult is Two Sided Mirror. Because the author was doing a thirteen year bid when it was published. His determination to create something great even in the harshest of conditions was beyond inspiring.
What is the name of your new book?
Suffer With Me
What inspired you to write the book?
The overflow of talentless authors jotting down just enough meaningless words to fill a book and disrespecting the consumer by allowing them to buy it. So I decided to write something that would leave the people satisfied with the money they spent.
Tell us more about your new book
"Suffer With Me" is a book that can fall into multiple categories. From Urban Fiction to suspense. Mystery/crime to romance, then onto psychological thriller. It touches on so many things. The main character is a female detective and the lead man is a reformed gangbanger. The detective is being stalked by a murderer, tainted by her choices and judged by her peers. All while trying to live her life normally. This is a story that a reader of any age from teenager to senior years could enjoy. This is a story that will make anyone from the gutter proud to be from the bottom, because it shaped us.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?
I started writing in prison so solitude is my perfect location. I put on my headphones and zone out to Fabolous and let the words flow naturally.
Who needs to read this book?
Honestly I couldn't put a demographic on this book. I feel like the masses need to read it. From the critics who view Urban Fiction as ghetto trash to the people outside our neighborhoods who don't understand our plight. To the people who need hope or insight and something they can relate to. This books is a must read for everyone.
Who inspires you?
The ghettoes. I watch us fall into the most savage ways of living because we lack any of the amenities afforded to upper classes. We touch the bottom daily but still manage to hold our heads high and keep our chest out. I'm inspired by every baby stuck in a household where the parents are drug addicted, and motivated to be one of the people who shows them it gets greater later. The gutter is my inspiration!
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?
Extremely important. I once read somewhere that a man who ceases reading after he finishes school has subjected himself to a lifetime of mediocrity. Books and knowledge are the key to elevation.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?
Go for it. The worst shot you can ever take in life is the one you never shoot. I'm living proof that we can be greater than anyone has ever given us credit for. While exceeding the expectations of all our critics. We just have to believe in our dreams enough to work at them. Everybody could say what they're going to do. But it takes a special person to match the words with actions.
Where can people find your new book?: http://www.shopbetterdaysbooks.com
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