Devon

Devon Callahan

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"The Interview with Devon Callahan"

THE ROCK: Who is Devon Callahan, tell us something about you?
Devon Callahan: I'm just a plain kind of guy. I get high off of laughter and
music. There's a song for every occassion and mood. It can make you
happy or sad, just like a good book

THE ROCK: Where are you from, and currently residing?
Devon Callahan: I was raised in Washington D.C. and I will always claim
that. My being in the military service has taken me all over the world.
Happy to say that I look forward to settling in the state of Texas.

THE ROCK: Are there any other writers in the family?
Devon Callahan: No writers that I know of, just entreprenuers. Sole
proprietorship runs in the family, so I decided that I want to make writing my
business.

THE ROCK: When did you start writing?
Devon Callahan: That's a hard one. I have been writing for well over a
decade. I was into writing and drama really heavy when I was in high
school, so I decided to combine the two by acting and writing the plays.

THE ROCK: What prepared you to become an author?
Devon Callahan: I've had some influences man I wont lie. My influences were
personal experience and personal contacts. These were my best teachers. I wont say that there aren't any writers out there who have inspired me - Reading Claude Brown's novel, encouraged me to develop my own voice.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to become a writer?
Devon Callahan: I didn't know that I was going to be writer. It was a
surprise to me too! Some of my family members know what I was going to do
before I did.

THE ROCK: What inspired you to write your book?
Devon Callahan: My DC brothers and sisters are the ones I give the credit
to. Seeing my peeps out there without a clue, without mentorship, or
guidance made me want to construct something just for them - something
they could benefit from.

THE ROCK: Tell us about your newest creation. What is the premise?
Devon Callahan: My newest thang? I don't know if I should tell you or let
you be surprised. In about 4 or 5 weeks you can expect my next book
"Fire and Rain," which is my first published novel. It's not
called Fire for nothing. It's about a brother who is eager to find his
place in the world. It took him to fall in love before he was able to
understand the meaning of life.

THE ROCK: Any publishing contracts in the working?
Devon Callahan: Let's just say that I am working on that right now as we
speak.

THE ROCK: Have you ever self-published? Why or why not?
Devon Callahan: Self publishing is cool. I think it's the way to go when
you are getting started. I was told to learn to take a job sometimes
for experience over money. Self publishing is a great teacher. you
learn the ins and outs of the book marketing scheme, aside from that you
retain your own rights to your work.

THE ROCK: What are "traditional publishers" looking for?
Devon Callahan: Can't say really. The game is constantly changing on all
levels. What was in last year may not be in this year. I go with what
I feel and if they don't feel me then fine. There's always an audience
for what you are writing.

THE ROCK: If you were a publisher, what would be your niche? Why?
Devon Callahan: I think that I would look for more writers like Relentless
Aron, you know, raw urban fiction clean cut, but still rough around the
edges.

THE ROCK: For an author, is having a publishing contract with a "traditional publisher" important professionally? Why?
Devon Callahan: That is important for reputation, but still I think that
self-publishing is just as important. It allows you time to establish
yourself at your pace, and it gives you the freedom to work as you
please.

THE ROCK: What are some of your professional and personal achievements?
Devon Callahan: For me, I am a facilitator, I teach seminars to parents and
their teens. Nappy is good (my first book) is a contribution to my
people that has proven to make a difference. Still working - but of
course I am with this bomb magazine "The Rock," trying to teach a
little about making money for yourself instead of someone else.

All that I will say is that while I have been in service I have been charged with the welfare of people's children. They look for direction and support. I am proud to say that I had the pleasure in making a difference to many.

THE ROCK: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Devon Callahan:

Michael Baisden
Claude Brown
T. Mcmillan
Donald Goines

THE ROCK: Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Devon Callahan: On Vacation! Seriously, I want to be on a level where I
will have to work only when I want to. I see myself in my own youth
center, a place for children who seek better opportunities.

THE ROCK: Well done, Mr. Callahan:. Where can readers find you?
Devon Callahan: I plan to be everywhere! I have deep roots in the DC MD
and VA area. If you really wanna know where to find me, keep up by
checking my website www.skylarwrites.com.

Thank you to the Rock magazine for this opportunity to share a little
of myself. Peace and God's love to everyone that took the time to read
this.

THE ROCK: Thank you very much, Mr. Callahan.