Jamal Mayfield: Crafting Conversation in 'Smoke Kings'

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"The only thing that's going to make a change is real, meaningful, honest conversation from everyone that has a stake in this issue." - Jahmal Mayfield on "Smoke Kings"

Welcome Jahmal Mayfield

We’re joined on the Starline by a man whose debut novel has the book world in a tizzy. “a stunning book that takes the reader on an intense and harrowing journey that is truly unforgettable,” says legendary Don Winslow. E.A. Aymar says my guest is “unafraid of addressing issues most people would prefer to ignore.” His novel is “Smoke Kings” and we welcome Author Jahmal Mayfield.

Jahmal, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your initial draft got you an agent in six months, then you worked through a baker’s dozen drafts before you were comfortable submitting to editors. What did you prune from your initial draft that you are glad you did today?

Why is having a conversation on sensitive issues today important in these times?

Your character Nate leads his friends on a mission of retribution, searching for justice. You wrote in “Smoke Kings” about reparations and what would happen if people are made to pay for their crimes. Your full time job is in helping people with disabilities. Do you believe justice is possible in society today?

What are the answers that we need to grab a hold of and realize?

Why has anger replaced common sense conversations?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Your day job is director of a nonprofit assisting employment support to people with disabilities. When one of your clients returns after getting a job with a smile on their face, how does that make you feel?

2. Top 3 authors of all time?

3. How does music soothe your soul and what’s another favorite song from Nas that isn’t “Thief’s Theme”?

4. Top 3 underappreciated hip hop artists of all time?

5. What was the best moment with your kids this last year?

6. The one hobby you never have enough to do?

7. If your mom was going to make your favorite meal, what she making?

8. Has anything came to you in a vision or a dream and what was it?

The Back Half:

The Smoke Kings is referenced from a poem “The Song of Smoke” by W.E.B. Du Bois, a pioneer in sociology. What is the power of writing to you and how has it changed you as a man?

You’ve dealt with tragedy in your life. What’s the one moment in your life you would like to have a do-over for?

In the end, you leave the “Smoke Kings” reader hanging wanting to know more from your characters. How do you relate to your characters and are there friends in your life you based these characters from?

How is writing for you? Did you create an outline? Or do you just write and figure it out later?

How has your family and friends support you since you started writing show the power of the family in “Smoke Kings.”

On Writing:

So how does recognition by your peers give you what you need in writing book two?

Nate’s the obvious answer but which of these characters were the hardest and easiest for you to write?

So which of your characters is the closest to you?

Why was the conversation you want people to have after reading “Smoke Kings” important?

Will change happen?

When you go out on tour, what do you want people to think? What are the conversations you want to have with your fans?

One Big Question:

James Baldwin famously said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” What do you believe needs to be faced but isn't able due to the environment or circumstances right now?

The Wrap:

He thinks LL Cool Jay is underappreciated, loves to read as much as he can and wrote his book starting on yellow legal pads. He wants you to read his novel “Smoke Kings” Jahmal Mayfield, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

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