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Frequently Asked Questions/Interviews |
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Interview with IREP Magazine
On November 9th, the fantastic novel by Edward M. Baldwin, "Learnt" was released to the public. This is the first novel of a true literary FutureStar. Edward synthesizes the excitement and drama of the classroom into incredible stories that anyone who's ever seen a chalkboard can relate too.
For our readers around the country, tell us what it was like growing up in Jacksonville, FL. Wow! Are you trying to get me to write another book? I've lived here since I was four years old. I've visited other cities, and the thing about Jacksonville is that it isn't as busy as many of your popular cities like Miami, Atlanta or New York. Yes, Jacksonville is a major city, and it's still growing, but it still maintains its relaxed demeanor. It's like a great, big, giant, small town. Busy, but in a quiet sort of way.
Of all the comic books in the universe - why is Batman your favorite? Batman's determination is unmatched by any other superhero, and his greatest weapon is his mind. And this is true about a normal human being who received his abilities the old-fashioned way-he busted his butt training to be the best at what he does.
As "America's Educational Novelist" you have positioned yourself to become the pre-eminent voice of the "Classroom Drama" genre. Do you feel a sense of responsibility for the "mainstreaming" of this genre into the minds of the American populace? This genre is already "mainstreamed" into the minds of Americans. Movies like "Lean on Me," "Dead Poet Society," "Finding Forester," and "Mona Lisa Smiles" have made sure of that. I'm simply an author who writes more classroom dramas than any other author. And, well, I did coin the phrase "classroom drama," but it was only to have a good answer to "What kind of stories do you write?"
While the teacher/student relationship is the central theme of all the short stories on your MySpace page, you also take the opportunity to indirectly highlight some social issues - such as underage parenthood and the financial exploitation of the elderly. Is this meant to be simple social commentary or do you feel that these social issues are symptoms of gaps in our educational values? I want readers to enjoy my stories, but I also want them to walk away with something. I don't write for the sake of writing. I have to have a point, something that drives me to write the story in the first place. Some writers write for the sake of writing. Some writers write because they have some "neat idea" for a story, and that's all. They like telling stories. Well, that's not me. I like illustrating points. I want people to be genuinely glad they read my work and have the urge to show it to someone else. If I can't answer the question "Why am I writing this story?" with a good answer, the story won't be written, which is to say I have an answer before ever putting pen to paper.
Of the six short stories posted on your website http://www.edwardmbaldwin.com/ (all of which we plan to feature in IREP Magazine) which one has elicited the strongest reactions from your readers? It's a toss up between "Winning" and "Forty-Three Dollars."
Why do you think that story has had that type of impact? These stories center on the relationships between parents and their children. Well, most of my readers are parents.
Without revealing too many details, tell us about your novel "Learnt". Why should we run out and get this novel today? "Learnt" illustrates many issues we all have opinions about. One is the issue of our language. How important is it to learn how to speak proper English? Some people say very important, while others say it isn't important at all. Regardless of where you stand, you'll be glad you read "Learnt." Another issue involves the word "smart." How do we really know when a student or anyone is "smart"? Is it grades? Is it the diploma or degree that he or she holds? Or is it something else? Regardless of your answers, you'll be glad you read "Learnt." Throw these issues in with a few others, sprinkle it with a healthy dose of plot twists and surprises, and you have my recipe for a classroom drama you don't want to miss.
You have three additional novels that are planned for release after "Learnt". I impressed that you have finished novels just waiting to be released! Can you tell us when the next novel "Victims of Shakespeare" will be available? It's not definite, but I'd say early 2009. After "Victims of Shakespeare," the plan is one book per year, with an emphasis on the word "plan."
Are you working on any short stories or novels that aren't currently listed on your website? If so, what can you tell us about them? I keep folders with short story ideas and novel ideas. Currently, I have 14 short story ideas and 42 book ideas. At the moment, the only thing I can tell you about them is that I can't tell you about them.
You appear to have a genuine interest in diverse cultures. From where and how did you gain this appreciation? Our country is the ultimate melting pot. I merely take an interest in my neighbors. I live in America, and I act like it.
Has it influenced your writing? If so, how? Of course. My interests are a part of who I am, and who I am is responsible for what I write.
How do you feel about where you are in your career? Good. Good feels good. And yes, I'm trying to be funny. I can say that I'm not satisfied with where I am because I'm not supposed to be. With each mountain climbed, I get a better view of the next mountain. "Do more." That's one of my dozens of mottos.
What do you enjoy most about being a writer? I enjoy feeling like I've accomplished something, and finishing a story is still the strongest feeling of accomplishment I've ever had.
What is a normal day like for you? I couldn't tell you. I no longer have normal days.
Where do you work? Wherever I happen to have my favorite pen and my favorite pad. I've written pages everywhere. I don't need "peace and quiet" to write. I just need to be left alone.
Your dedication to your family is admirable and beautiful. Do you think your passion to be a good father and husband is driven by the positive relationship with your step-father, or the lack of a relationship with your biological father? My passion to be a good father and husband is driven by the love I have for my family-period.
Tell us the story of how you met your lovely wife? We worked at the same restaurant. I asked her out. She said yes. The date was April 18, 1995. Every April 18 since then, we've celebrated what we call "Date Day" by doing the same thing we did 12 years ago-Taco Bell and a movie. We keep the ticket stubs in a scrap book, and, of course, we buy all of the movies on DVD. "Losing Isaiah" was the first movie.
How do your family and friends feel about your career as a writer? Excited and proud.
How have your family and friends impacted your writings and your writing career? Liz, my wife, is the only family member who is included in my writing process. She's my first editor, so to speak. My friends and loved ones give me the same support that I receive from my readers, telling me how much they enjoyed my latest work. However, I know that it isn't wise to believe friends and family when it comes to telling the truth about your work. They love you and may not be as honest as you need them to be. Liz is honest, and Jeanice Lue, a teacher friend who lives in Brooklyn, is honest.
What is your ultimate goal? To make a difference in as many lives as possible. I'd have to do some research on some of the greatest theme parks in the world and get back to you. I love theme parks. Whether I see myself as a role model is irrelevant. You can't choose who's going to model themselves after you. Whether you're a writer, teacher, police officer or a notorious convict, you're a role model if someone is trying to pattern his or her life after you. Knowing this, we should all strive to be careful of what we say or do. At any time, we all have the potential to be someone's model.
What was your most embarrassing moment as a writer? I wouldn't really call it embarrassing, but the moments that get me is when I've made a grammatical error in my writing. After all, I have a degree in English Education. Homonyms are my demons. Lots of times eye can't seam two sea win eye have uses the wrong words. And, of course, spell check won't catch homonyms because the words are spelled correctly.
What was you proudest moment as a writer? Finishing "Learnt," my first book, was my proudest moment. Do you have any idea how many people in this world has started a book and never finished? It took three years, but I finished it.
You don't find many African-American writers that attempt to venture into unique genres. Why do you think this is? Simply because you don't find many writers attempting to venture into unique genres-period. It's a ratio thing.
Tell us about a time when you felt like giving up on your dream to be a writer? How did you get through that challenging time? You have to motivate yourself every day. Zig Ziglar says motivation is not permanent, but neither is bathing.
Tell us something about yourself that the world would be surprised to know? I didn't grow up with a love for reading and writing.
Tell us what you want us to know about Edward M Baldwin that we haven't asked today. Edward M. Baldwin believes that if everyone in the world read 20-30 books a year that the world would be a better place. |