Author Interview "SS Cohentown"
SS Cohentown's wrote this first novel during the hardship of homelessness. Post-car accident and two back procedures came this story. It was at this time a strong hope to have this book become a play and upon completion it was requested to be put into a play format by a City of Dallas literary group. It is planned to be performed locally with a PG rating. SS Cohentown enjoys the fun and freedom that writing brings and the challenges to constantly improve the skills needed to tell a story proficiently. SS Cohentown is currently reformatting "Ride of My life" as a play, completing the book "Philadelphian Love", and shortly thereafter begin in earnest the urban thriller Murder and "Money don't Mix."
Exclusive Interview
“Ride of My Life.” What inspired you to write this book? After watching the homeless and looking for a common thread, I saw that they wanted acceptance. No matter their background Everyone needs to feel that they belong somewhere. All humans no matter how some may protest that they don't need anyone...I feel that it is the best a human could want, the need to belong.
What’s the most surprising thing you learned about yourself while writing your book? I thought to only write a 10-15k novel the first time around. I had done some ghostwriting of short stories. But they were all under 5k words. It turned out that the characters themselves had a story to tell. Many times, I tried to write them one way...and it just wasn't right. So, I overcame...my personal walls, broke through, and wrote the story as I felt it should have been told.
You’re currently working on reformatting “Ride of My Life” into a stage play, congratulations on that! In your opinion what is the best part of being a playwright? Having a great Director that is supportive of keeping the characters as "true" as possible is wonderful! He has been very supportive of me with this story. That's my number one. Number two is writing for the personal experience of seeing the characters come to life!
How does being a playwright differ from writing books? There is much to consider about the "setting" of the stage. Character locations, costumes, props, etc. Even though you may know a story....it must now be told in a different format and from a different point of view. The audience. This can be challenging.
I’m curious, if "Ride of My Life" was ever turned into a movie, what actors would you want to play the main characters in the movie? Brant Daugherty-- from Fifty Shades Freed...Zev Kraft. He has "it!" Zac Efron--from High School Musical 3...Jon. His sensitive soul comes through. Anthony Anderson--from the Departed...Maurice. This character was made for him! Roshon Fegan-- from Dancing with the Stars...Ervin. Would love to see his tender caring side. Andre Kinney--from Armored...Everett. Big and gorgeous. Sinqua Walls--from Shark Night 3D...Jamal...Definitely looks the part. Harrison Knight--from CSI: Miami...Rolo. a leading role and a change from his usual one. M. Emmet Walsh--from Blood Simple...Mr. Floyd. Just plain old. Got to keep 'em working.
Ed Harris--from the Truman Show...Brett Morgan. The perfect villain next door. Joe Morton--from Terminator 2...Mr. Turner. He is just so expressive without saying anything. Jessica Parker Kennedy--from in Time...Paige. Has the look of vulnerability the character needs. Jazz Raycole--from Jerico...Jackie. Need beauty and a high dose of feminity Paige Hurd--from A girl like Grace...Joy. She has beauty and spunk.
On a more personal note: Tell us a little about your “real” (non-writing) life — family, job, hobbies, etc.
I enjoy reading and coaching reading, and watching Marvel Movies. I am currently Single and loving it!
Does your personal life give you inspiration for your writing? I don't think so. And yes! LOL! Kabbalah teachings of acceptance are written throughout this story. No matter the characters background. The Supplemental Pages are added for those that want to understand who and how a person can influence others lives with the choices they make.
Who is a creative person (not a writer) who has influenced you and your work? The Director. He encourages me to tell it like it is. "We can modify as we go."
Do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers who may be reading this? Write what YOU want and what YOU feel. There is always a reason that stories turn out the way they do. Even though you may not know why at the time.
How can readers connect with you?
Facebook: Ride of My Life Book Fans or rideofmylife@gmail.com
Where can your book be purchased?
Ride of My Life by SS Cohentown can be purchased on Amazon.
If you had to persuade someone to read your book in a tweet (140 characters), what would you say? -- Don't be a p*ssy. Get on the Ride!
The soul of the story; This is an adventure about a community of people that are as diverse as it comes and how they show varying degrees of aptitude in achieving the goal of being an empowered human that not only change the future for the better for his/her own sake but for those he/she care about!