Hi Ivan, and welcome to All the Buzz! It is a pleasure to spotlight you.

It is indeed my pleasure to be here. I am already buzzing!

Please tell me about your new release, Indentured Scholars.

Indentured Scholars – The Inner City Scandal introduces the lovely yet tenacious news reporter, Synthia Pearson who is determined to unravel the mystery of New Passage Academy.

Hearts are troubled and soon incensed as the community learns that a mandate of the academy is that the child is not only educated by the institution but that the parent must relinquish all child-rearing rights.

A once angry Synthia soon entertains mixed feelings when she meets Joseph Franklin, the intriguing founder of New Passage Academy. Synthia continues her quest even as she becomes the unknowing prey of Fellyard Beedley, a dark and ancient presence.

Where did the idea for this novel come from?

The idea for this book was born out of a painful and longtime observation of many of our nation’s inner city public school systems.

Far too many bright-eyed young jewels enter re-cycled classrooms with crayons and promises only to be soon placed in the “discard” bin and essentially “milled” through the grades. The bar is significantly lowered as academic indifference and disturbing drop-out rates are merely the community’s-expectations.

You have also written another novel titled Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only. What is that book about?

Oh yes, “Black People,” my first born.

Just how does America see us? More importantly, how do we really see ourselves?

Jurney Swiftwood is the main character in this suspense novel that offers both humorous and serious dialogues regarding the awesome power of perception. The community and even Jurney’s crazy family are troubled that the title of his new novel implies that the purpose of black people is for America’s entertainment.

Jurney’s book has also placed him in the cross-hairs of a politically manipulated killer. The distraught author must protect himself as well as provide safety for his new-found eight year old daughter.

Do you write full time, or do you work another job as well?

I am working toward that new day in which I can write full-time, but I am still in the healthcare profession…sigh.

You have a degree in respiratory therapy, and you are a writer. How did that happen?

Still trying to figure that one out!

Even as I sat at well-worn grade school desks, I would sneak and read the pages of non-assigned books. “We Are Neighbors” just wasn’t doing it for me. I was quickly intrigued regarding the magic of the written word as I realized that the author did not have to be present, not even alive, for her words to mesmerize the reader! I was hooked.

Are you currently working on another novel? If so, can you share a little bit about it?

I certainly have a few drafts on the side table but right now I am concentrating on speaking engagements and promotional activities. But keep looking out for the sequel to Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only.

Are you an author who closes themselves off to the world for days at a time to write, or do you have certain times that you write?

I am nocturnal by nature. A world that is hushed allows me to shut down other “mental files,” freeing me for private discussions with my book’s characters. Sometimes they let me know what or how they might express themselves. Uh, Renee, I’d kinda appreciate it if you could keep that last remark to yourself.

How much time do you spend on research for your novel?

The topics and dialogues in my books are a reflection of current events as well as giving respect to our ancestral pillars. Research is not so much an assigned task but an expression of my never-ending fascination with people and community.

If you could sit down with one great literary icon and pick their brain, who would it be, and what would you ask them?

Ahh, you’re good.

I would most certainly love to spend an evening with the late August Wilson. I know that he was more of a playwright than novelist, yet he exhibited such a wondrous ability to extract and then re-weave the story of the black experience.

I would pick just the right moment to lean forward and ask Mr. Wilson if he could recall the first time that he recognized the “ancestral whispers” that ushered him into his phenomenal body of work.

What has been your most rewarding experience so far in this literary journey?

I simply love the ongoing opportunity to dialogue with new-found friends and fellow artists, especially as it pertains to discussions of our dynamic African American landscape.

Now, please tell readers how they can find out more about you and your books.

I invite all of your wonderful “All the Buzz” family to visit my website at HYPERLINK “http://www.ivanwright.com” www.ivanwright.com. The unique website pages will give further evidence regarding the tone of my books as well as my respect for our troubled yet fascinating historical journey.

Thank you again for allowing me to spotlight you on All the Buzz! I wish you continued success in all that you do!

Thank you ever so much for allowing me a moment in the “spotlight!”

Blessed journeys to you and your fine literary family.