Sí Trends

Eric Jerome Dickey is a household name when it comes to reading enthusiasts. Now with the release of his 15^th novel, Pleasure, fans are eager to pack in book signings for a chance to meet him. Here's a little known fact about your favorite author: Dickey got his start doing standup comedy. But his choice to become a writer is definitely one that has proven to be his best fit. Si Trends had the pleasure, pun intended, to speak to Dickey about the release of his latest creation, life as a writer and crazy fans.

Si Trends: After 15 novels does it ever get old?
Eric Jerome Dickey: Well not really. I mean you keep trying to be creative. So the creative process doesn't. Each book is tied over. I think I'm just lucky to be where I am now, where I can sometimes put in characters I've already created but each storyline is new. But because I pull in characters it's sort of like this whole fictional universe is connected.

Si Trends: Let's talk about Pleasure, the book you released this week, when did you start writing this one?
EJD: You know I don't even know. I just move from one project to the next. It's just like working anywhere else. Once you complete a project you start on something else. People think it's like in the movies when you see someone write a book and then they go on vacation for five years on the beaches with pretty drinks in their hand but that's bulls**t. If you do that you're going to have a problem with food, clothing and shelter. But really the best way to put it for me is that you get up and go to work. You know I get questions like, "What do you need to work? What special things do you need?" But really you get up and go to work like any other job.

Si Trends: Well, it's no secret that you know how to write for the female reader...
EJD: Hopefully it's not just the female reader. Women buy more books across the board then guys do and guys don't come to book signings like women do. You gotta have someone hitting a bat or throwing a ball or slamming someone into a mat in order to get a bunch of guys to show up. Book signings are necessarily advertised in a way that's really attractive for guys showing up. And even when women come I don't see them bringing guys or boyfriends or husbands with them, they're bringing babies. I mean back in the day I don't remember there being so many book signings. Now there are way more. There are way more African American writers now then there was back when I started in ‘96.

Si Trends: Let's talk about your novel Naughty and Nice. Is it optioned by Lionsgate right now or did they actually buy it?
EJD: No it's just optioned right now and the difference between optioned and bought is like the difference between getting engaged and getting married. It's just a promise and at this point the ball's in their court so whatever they're doing or whatever is happening I have no idea.

Si Trends: How do you feel about one of your books possibly becoming a movie?
EJD: Ask me if it becomes a movie. Sorry I've been in L.A. and Hollywood long enough to know how stuff works and just an idea that does nothing for me.

Si Trends: I only ask because I'm an avid book reader and when I see books transformed into movies the film lacks so much. Therefore, I always wondered how the author felt about it?
EJD: I understand both sides it's not going to be like the book. Nothing is going to be like the book. You bring in popular actors and actresses and the project becomes about them. It's not about your work anymore. And generally speaking everyone gets paid more than the writer. Not that writers don't get paid but the actors, actresses, directors, producers, you know everyone that comes on to work on the project get more money than the person who created it.

Si Trends: Because you write so well for the female reader have you ever had off the wall comments sent to you on MySpace or a funny story of a female fan at a book signing, something you'd like to share?
EJD: So many things happen. I was at a book signing once and a girl walked up and she just started crying and saying, "Oh I'm meeting you!" It's pretty scary stuff. She was shaking and getting red and hyperventilating. I've had people come up to me like that and then I get those that come up to me and are so nonchalant. But I've also had people jump on tables and get a little too, well, touchy.

Si Trends: It sounds like a novelist groupie.
EJD: Well, more like someone that needs home training. (Laughs).