 Anthony Fields: Street Bangers
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti
November 2008
After being sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, Anthony Fields discovered his gift of writing. Chronicling his life stories and experiences, rave reviews from his family and friends encouraged him to seek a publisher, which he did, and so began his promising literary career. Best known for the street lit classic Angel. He later went on to author Bossy and Ghostface Killaz, street bangers in their own right. Now Anthony calls The Cartel Publications his literary home. Read on to see what Anthony has to say and make sure you look out for his new releases.
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Anthony Fields and I am from the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C.
How did you start writing and why?
I started writing after I was convicted of my current charge. I was in a D.C. Jail and frustrated about my situation. I was on 23-hour lockdown for several assaults. With a lot of free time on my hands, I got a few pencils and some paper and wrote my autobiography. After completing it in months, I decided to put it under wraps. I decided that the world would not be interested in my life story because they didn't know me. A few months later I was transferred to the Feds. At Terre Haute,  I was becoming more and more frustrated. Writing became my salve on an open wound. I formatted a storyline about a female growing up in D.C. and taking over the drug game. I entitled it "Fallen Angel." I wrote a little everyday to maintain my sanity. It was my release, my escape.
What books do you have out and when where they released?
I currently have three books in print: Ghostface Killaz, Bossy (which I co-wrote with Crystal Perkins-Stell) and Angel.
Angel came out first in July of 2006 and reached the Essence best sellers list. Bossy was released in February of 2007 and Ghostface Killaz was released 60 days later in April of 2007.
Describe your books and writing style?
I would describe my books as urban street tales. My writing style is one that I can't explain. I write in first person and third person. I try to be original. My newscast scenes are my trademark. My writing style is reality based and hood.
How have readers reacted to your books?
For the most part readers accepted Angel and took that book to the highest peaks. Ghostface Killaz was received well by those that could get a copy. The publisher didn't put a lot of resources into the development, promotion, and marketing of the book.
What authors do you admire and what books have you read lately?
I recently read Eric Jerome Dickey's Sleeping with Strangers and Waking with Enemies. They were great reads. I read a book entitled Raised by the Game by Antonio Graham and enjoyed it. I also read your joint Street Legends which was informative. I need to get a copy of Prison Stories as well.
I also recently read label mates Jason Poole's Victoria's Secret and Eyone Williams', Hell Razor Honeys. I admire Eric Jerome Dickey, Al-Saadiq Banks, Quentin Carter, K'wan, and Kwame Teague as male authors. Storm, Zane, and Tushonda Whitaker, they represent for the females.
What do you think of the street lit genre?
I think highly of street lit. This genre has given me a platform to express my creativity and I'm grateful. It's growing and people are jumping on the bandwagon daily. But I also believe that the street lit game is saturated with bullshit!
How did you get hooked up with your past publishers?
I sent a letter in 2004 telling referencing Fallen Angel. The publisher wrote back and asked for the manuscript. I sent it and I was contacted and we worked out a deal.
What type of deal did you get and how do you feel about it now?
When I first spoke to them, I had no idea how good the book really was. Or what it was worth. They made me an offer and I took it. They dropped the "Fallen" and released my book as Angel.
What do you think about the shady publishing deals and gossip coming out?
I applaud Kwame Teague and Caleb Alexander. They deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments. These publishers need to be exposed for the frauds that they are. How can they look into the mirror, knowing their blatant wrongdoings? The readers and authors have all been hoodwinked. I read the reviews and people really believe that these publishers are actually writing. It's sad! Kwame and Caleb did the game some. I respect both of those brothers. Big ups to Kwame Teague and Caleb Alexander.
What's next for you?
I am now with The Cartel Publications. I will be heading up an exclusive new line with the release of my novel.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
My advice to aspiring authors would be to be persistent in your quest to become published. Don't let anybody tell you that your work is not good enough. For every door that closes, they say a window opens. So keep writing and keep doing what you need to do to achieve your goals. If all else fails, self publish.
For more information, visit: www.myspace.com/anthony_fields
Seth Ferranti is a contributing writer for The Urban Book Source and accomplished journalist having written articles for Don Diva, Slam, King, Feds and many more. View more of his articles at: www.gorillaconvict.com
THE URBAN BOOK SOURCE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COMMENTS THAT ARE POSTED. IF A COMMENT IS DEFAMATORY, PLEASE CONTACT US AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
|
Urban fiction authors are just the first to be so outspoken about it.
I think poeple need to REALLY understand this buisness before jumping in.