by Radiah Hubbert
www.urban-reviews.com
Urban Reviews: Tell us about Harlem's Dragon.
David Rivera, Jr: Harlem's Dragon is the story of a professional, African American man trying to come to terms with the choices he's made and how it's affected his life. It's a story about adapting under extenuating circumstances. It's a mystery. A love story. An erotic adventure all rolled up into one book.
Urban Reviews: Harlem's Dragon has a strong, interesting martial arts theme incorporated into the story. Was there any research involved in this?
David Rivera, Jr: I have always had an interest in the Martial Arts. I have studied with and admired practioners of the arts. It is also a very under acknowledged community in Harlem.
I thought it would be a unique concept to create an African American character with principles. Martial Artists - true martial artists, exemplify honor and discipline as part of their lifestyle. What better model to base a character on?!
Urban Reviews: What inspired you to pen this novel?
David Rivera, Jr: I wanted to write a story that had the same elements the popular books out there had, but something MEN could enjoy reading. Openly. In public!
Urban Reviews: You used your wife and children's names for some of the characters in this story. Why did you decide to do this?
David Rivera, Jr: I wanted to create a familarity with my characters. It was also my way of incorporating and immortalizing the people who mean the most to me into my dream of becoming an acclaimed author.
Urban Reviews: Harlem's Dragon was originally self-published and then picked up by Zane and Atria books. Can you give us a brief summary of your literary journey from a self-published author to being signed with a major publisher?
David Rivera, Jr: I've been writing stories for my own amusement since grade school. As I got older, I began to broaden my literary horizon. I tried to support the African American literary community, but I became frustrated because I would too often be disappointed with what I was reading. I decided upon the encouragement of my friends and family ("you're always telling stories - why don't you write a book!") to write a book myself. Once I developed the concept in my head, the story just seemed to pour forth. I researched the cost and procedure to get published. Found a graphic artist (a friend), a model for the cover (a favor), and set aside the money for the first printing of the book. My cousin designed the website and through word of mouth and a few appearances at book fairs, I nearly sold out in 6 months. My linking up with Zane could be considered fate or just sheer good luck. Zane saw a copy of my book at a store in Maryland. The cover intrigued her, so she bought the book. After reading it, she sent me an email to tell me how much she enjoyed it and that she was posting a review of the book on Amazon.com. We later met a book conference in NY. She offered me a contract with her publishing company Strebor Books Intl. Shortly after, Simon & Schuster offered Zane an imprint deal under Atria. This was major as Zane was one of the first African American publisher/author to do this type of deal with Simon & Schuster.
Urban Reviews: Are you working on any upcoming projects?
David Rivera, Jr: Well, the sequel to Harlem's Dragon, "Street Sweeper: See No Evil" is due for release in October 2006. I am currently working on a new novel. The success of the first two books will determine whether or not I will continue to write additional stories for mainstream publishing.
Urban Reviews: Have you always wanted to be an author?
David Rivera, Jr: Not professionally. But when I realized that I enjoy reading and could actually earn money writing stories...
Urban Reviews: What has been the biggest challenge for you in the book industry so far?
David Rivera, Jr: Getting people to buy the book!!! Getting the attention and support from the literary community and media. Without sounding conceited, I know "Harlem's Dragon" is better than a lot of material that is out there these days. The book is one of so many great books out there. But one of the downfalls with being under a larger umbrella is I am now one of many authors and may not always receive the focus I need to get the buzz going for MY books. It will also be a while before I will see enough residuals to rely on the sales as a source of income. Whereas as an independent author, I keep what I make.
Urban Reviews: Who are some of your current favorite authors or books?
David Rivera, Jr: Tananarive Due (Joplin's Ghost), Octavia Butler (Wild Seed, Kindred, The Xenogenesis Trilogy), Anne Rice.
Urban Reviews: What is one thing that the world may not know about David Rivera, Jr.-the person?
David Rivera, Jr: I am NOT Chemah Rivers! (LOL) I'm sure there are subconscious aspects of my personality in his character. But I am not the hero type. I'm actually kind of shy.