Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it: Uptown Flava BK Style, Urban Fiction by Shamarie Knight ➱ Book Tour with Guest Post and giveaway
Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it.
Uptown Flava BK Style
by Shamarie Knight
Genre: Urban Fiction
Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it.
The long-standing rivalry between Harlem and Brooklyn persists at the High School of Environmental Studies, where the flashy Fly Boys of Harlem and the grimy Crooklyn Crew from Brooklyn are in constant conflict.
The tension is palpable, and when their beef gets personal, the outcome of their inevitable clash is uncertain. However, one thing is sure - it will not be a pleasant sight.
EXCERPT # 1
Chattering and laughter mixed with the hum
of passing cars. The scent of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches wafted as a
light breeze blew. The bell rang, letting the students know the school day had
begun. The Fly Boys joined the crowd of students streaming into the school building,
still discussing Spades.
DeVante felt the energy pulsating through
the hallways. Lockers slammed shut, and students rushed to their classrooms,
exchanging quick hellos and good mornings. Chatter echoed off the walls, and
the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the nearby vending machines.
“Hey, DeVante,” one of his classmates called
out. “What’s up, man?”
“Not much,” DeVante replied. “Just trying to
make it through the day.”
“Yeah, same here,” the classmate said. “I
heard we have a pop quiz in English today. Did you study?”
DeVante shrugged. “A little bit. But
honestly, I’m just ready for lunch. You know what I’m saying?”
The
two chuckled as they went their separate ways, and DeVante continued down the
hall, making his way to his first-period class, Math. The floors were polished
to a shine, and the walls were adorned with motivational posters and student
artwork.
“Good morning, class,” the teacher greeted as
DeVante sat. “I hope everyone had a great weekend.”
As
the teacher began the lesson, the room was filled with pencils scratching
against paper and the occasional rustling of notebooks. DeVante tried his best
to focus, but his mind kept wandering to his top client in school, his
girlfriend, and the Spades game he planned to play during lunch.
Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end
of the class, and DeVante hurriedly left to earn cash and visit his girlfriend,
Sadira. DeVante walked through the High School for Environmental Studies halls
and was met with a flurry of activity. The sound of lockers slamming shut, the
chatter of students discussing their weekend plans, and the occasional shout of
a teacher trying to maintain order all blended in a symphony of noise.
The air was thick with the scent of
adolescent sweat and perfume, and the fluorescent lights overhead cast an
artificial glow that added to the harshness of the environment. Students rushed
past DeVante, some with their heads down and their backpacks slung over their
shoulders, while others walked with a confident swagger that suggested they
owned the place.
EXCERPT # 2
DeVante strode down the bustling streets
of Sugar Hill, the vibrant heart of Harlem, on a warm and sunny Wednesday
draped in a
Sergio Tacchini tracksuit. The city’s energy pulsed around him, with cars
honking, people shouting, and music blasting from all directions. Suddenly, a
sleek white BMW convertible cruised with the windows down, and the classic song
“Sugar Hill” by rapper AZ blared from the speakers. DeVante felt the deep bass
vibrate through the pavement, and the song’s lyrics transported him back to the
golden age of hip-hop. The smooth and melodic beat and the gritty lyrics
perfectly captured the essence of the neighborhood, and DeVante couldn’t help
but nod his head assertively along to the rhythm. As the car disappeared down
the street, he felt a sense of nostalgia and pride wash over him, knowing that
he was an integral part of the rich history and culture of Harlem.
DeVante walked up to the door of Sadira’s
apartment and knocked twice. The door opened, and Sadira appeared, dressed in a
flowing silk robe with her hair tied back in a bun.
“Hey, DeVante,” Sadira said, her voice
soft and sultry. “Come on in.”
DeVante kissed her. “What’s up, girl? I’m
glad we didn’t go to school today. It’s a half day, and I’d rather be
chillin’.”
DeVante entered the apartment, and the
sweet aroma of incense and candles filled his nostrils. The space was dimly
lit, with warm orange and yellow hues casting a cozy glow across the room. Hot
97 played in the background, and running water could be heard from the
bathroom.
“Make yourself comfortable,” Sadira said,
gesturing towards the couch. “I’ll be right back.”
DeVante deduced that her mother had
already departed for work as she was absent in the living room. “Thank God your
mother is not home. She definitely would have been screaming at me for being
here.”
Sadira laughed. “You know it. I see
looking you like a Brooklyn dude with that Sergio Tacchini on,” Sadira
jested. I see you, Biggie Smalls.”
“Don’t start no shit, girl,” DeVante
replied playfully. “You know, I’m a Harlem American. I was born fly!”
“Big Poppa.” Sadira winked as she
disappeared into the bathroom.
EXCERPT # 3
The sound of students chattering and
laughing filled the air, but the Crooklyn Crew paid no attention to them. They
were on a mission, and nothing could distract them from their goal. Crooklyn
Crew continued their search, ready to beat down the Fly Boys on sight.
“Maybe they stayed home,” Bentley
muttered, his voice laced with annoyance.
“Nah, fuck that! They’re here somewhere,”
Bishop snapped back. “Keep looking. We’re going to search every floor in this
fucking school.”
The sound of lockers slamming echoed in
the hallway as students hurried to their next class, but the Crooklyn Crew kept
their eyes peeled for any sign of the Fly Boys.
Suddenly, they spotted a group of guys
huddled in the corner, their backs to them. The Crooklyn Crew’s hearts raced
excitedly as they approached the group, ready to confront their rivals.
But as they drew closer, they realized
they had made a mistake; it wasn’t the Fly Boys. The group turned around,
revealing a bunch of freshmen they had never seen before.
“What do you guys want?” one of the first-year
students asked, looking at the Crooklyn Crew suspiciously.
The Crooklyn Crew exchanged glances,
feeling foolish for their mistake. They quickly turned around and headed in the
opposite direction, their shoulders back and heads held high.
“Damn it, where are those Fly Boys hiding?”
Rocko barked, the frustration evident in his voice.
“We’ll find them eventually,” Rook
replied, his tone determined and unwavering. “Let's just keep looking.”
With a deep breath and a renewed sense of
purpose, the Crooklyn Crew continued their search, determined to find their
rivals and settle the score.
Stuff
about you:
Can
you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and
how you became an author? Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a 42-year-old
lifelong New Yorker, a self-proclaimed introvert who finds solace in music during
my long walks. Despite having my passport since 2018, I've yet to venture
outside the United States. I'm unmarried and don't have children, but I've
found my passion in writing.
In
2017, I became an author when my good friend and editor Natasha Brooks
published my first book, "Monica Hershel: Predator on Top.” I'm glad she
suggested that I publish my short stories and share them with the world.
What
is something unique/quirky about you? I have a distinct fashion sense, often
opting for clothes that stand out in my neighborhood, like Philipp Plein. My
daily walks around Manhattan are not just for exercise but also a time for
self-reflection and idea generation. I'm an avid internet user, always looking
for new things to share online.
What
are some of your pet peeves? Some of my pet peeves include ignorant
people, loud chewing, being interrupted while speaking, slow internet, and
traffic. These things annoy me and could put me in a bad mood.
Where
were you born/grew up? I was born and raised in East Harlem, known as El
Barrio. It's situated in the northeastern part of Manhattan in New York City.
It's a diverse neighborhood with a vibrant street culture. Despite experiencing
some gentrification in recent times, it still manages to maintain its
distinctive character and charm.
If
you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day? I would spend my
final day with my family. We'd go out to eat, watch movies, and drive around
the city for sightseeing. I would also take a lot of pictures with them.
Who
is your hero, and why? My hero is my mother because I witnessed her
sacrifice her time, energy, and resources to ensure that I have a happy and
healthy life. She is a role model and a source of guidance, teaching me
valuable life lessons and instilling essential values in me.
What
kind of world ruler would you be? I would be a compassionate world ruler
dedicated to serving the greater good. I prioritize the well-being of my
people, strive to maintain peace and stability and work towards creating a
better future for all.
What
are you passionate about these days? I am passionate about my family because
they encourage me to be the best person I can be. I am also passionate about
maintaining my health and expressing myself through writing.
What
do you do to unwind and relax? I go for a walk, read, listen to music,
watch movies or my favorite TV shows, and write. I also enjoy spending time
with my family, whether going out to eat, shopping, or traveling.
Describe
yourself in 5 words or less! When describing myself in five words, the
words that come to mind are attentive, creative, energetic, organized, and
thoughtful.
When
did you first consider yourself a writer? After publishing my first book, I
started identifying as a writer. It was in 2017 that my first book got
published, and it made me realize that I am a real writer. I have a genuine
passion for writing and dedicate enough time to it. Writing has become a
significant part of my life, bringing me immense joy and satisfaction.
Do
you have a favorite movie? I'm unsure if I have a favorite movie because I love
so many, but one of my favorites is Heat. The film has everything:
stellar acting, incredible action, an excellent cast, and pitch-perfect
direction. The performances by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro were epic!
Which
of your novels can you imagine made into a movie? The three novels
that I imagine could be made into films are "Uptown Flava BK Style,"
"Maré and Monica: The Best of Both Worlds," and "Ecstasy Around
the World." The stories are engaging, fast-paced, and entertaining. As a reader,
those novels feel like movies.
What
would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal as a writer? I prefer a knight
because of their endless loyalty, passion, and strength. Plus, it's a cool last
name.
Stuff
about the Book:
What
inspired you to write this book? The Columbine High School massacre was
the inspiration for the book. I remember it being one of the most horrific and
tragic moments during my high school years. Watching nonstop coverage of that
event, I wonder what would have happened if that had occurred in my high
school. How would it unfold? So, I wrote a story based on Columbine but from a
New York point of view.
What
can we expect from you in the future? What you can expect from me in the future
is to write more books and poetry and share my ideas with the world.
Can
you tell us a little about the characters in (Name of book)? How did you come
up with the concept and characters for the book? In the book, the
main characters are New York urban teenagers trying to enjoy their youth while
dealing with the stresses of urban life. They experience love, fights, and
laughter and crave respect. I came up with the concept for the book by
reflecting on the comparisons between Harlem and Brooklyn, which were common in
my school. I wanted to create a fictional story based on these comparisons.
Where
did you come up with the names in the story? I drew inspiration from my friends
in school and played with words when coming up with the names. I use it once I
feel confident that the name fits the character.
What
did you enjoy most about writing this book? I particularly enjoyed writing
this book because it allowed me to reminisce about the late '90s, including the
fashion, music, and overall vibe of that era. It was a fantastic time to be a
teenager. Additionally, I had a great time crafting the dialogue and action
within the story.
Tell
us about your main characters—what makes them tick? What makes my main
characters tick are jealousy, envy, and disrespect. Those things have the
potential to cause them to do the unthinkable and be almost careless about the
consequences of their actions.
How
did you come up with the title of your first novel? My online friend
Monica created the title of my first novel, and the main character is based on
her.
Who
designed your book covers? The talented artist and illustrator David Edwards
designed the covers for my last two books. I am a big fan of his incredible
artwork. A special thank you to him because he is a fantastic artist!
If
you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? I wouldn’t change
anything in the book because I strongly feel that the pages flowed naturally
well.
Did
you learn anything while writing your recent book? I learned that
writing this recent book takes time and effort to create something great. It
took me over twenty years to write, edit, and feel comfortable sharing this
book.
If
your book were made into a film, who would you like to play the lead? I don't have a
particular actor in mind. I think DeVante should be played by someone new,
talented, and in the high-school age range. However, I believe the late Merlin
Santana or Wesley Jonathan would have been excellent choices for the role.
Do
you have anything specific you want to tell your readers? Thank you so much
for your love and support. I am grateful for all your efforts to promote my
books on social media. Your contribution means a lot to me. Please purchase my
latest book from a nearby bookstore or order it online. It is my best book yet,
and I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy it!
How
did you come up with the name of this book? I came up with the name of this
book by creating something that would appeal to my target audience. I knew they
could relate to and connect with the title once they saw it.
What
is your favorite part of this book, and why? My favorite part is when DeVante
and Sadira are at Sylvia’s Restaurant and discuss the differences between
Harlem and Brooklyn. DeVante shares with Sadira his hatred for Brooklyn because
his father and older brother lost their lives in that borough over senseless
violence. I felt that scene stood out in the book.
If
you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be? And what
would you do on that day? If I could
spend time with a character from my book, it would be Sadira. She is beautiful
and intelligent and enjoys spending time with others. During the day, we would
walk around Manhattan, take photos, grab something to eat, and go shopping.
Are
your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your
imagination? The
characters are a combination of both. They are based on people I know and from
my imagination.
Do
your characters seem to hijack the story, or do you feel like you have the
reigns of the story?
I feel like I have control over the story I'm writing, but at times, the
characters take on a life of their own and influence the plot's direction. I
try to write in a way that allows the words to flow naturally and enables
readers to get to know the main characters.
Convince
us why you feel your book is a must-read. My book is a must-read because it
is fresh and unique. It is something that needs to be read during this
out-of-control gun violence in America. Even though the book takes place in
1998, it deals with the same issues some teenagers face today. I believe the
violence on school grounds needs to be addressed.
Have
you written any other books that have not been published? Yes, I have
written a book that has not been published. It is a collection of short
stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I plan to publish this book later this year
or early 2025.
If
your book had a candle, what scent would it be? The scent would
be Ralph Lauren Romance because it was released in 1998, the year the story
takes place, and it was one of the most iconic fragrances of the ‘90s.
Stuff
about Writing/ Reading:
What
are your top 10 favorite books/authors? These are my top 10 favorite books: The
Autobiography of Malcolm X, Pimp: The Story of My Life, Whoreson, Coldest
Winter, Just Say No!, True To The Game, B-More Careful, The Cartel, The Color
of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, and Trouble Man: The Life
and Death of Marvin Gaye.
And
these are my top 10 favorite authors: Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Omar Tyree,
Alex Haley, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Teri Woods, Shannon Holmes, K'wan,
and Gianni Shamari.
What
book do you think everyone should read? I believe Whoreson is a must-read for its
realistic portrayal of societal issues. It is one of the best books ever.
How
long have you been writing? I have been working as a professional writer for
seven years. It has been a good journey and experience. I pray that I can
continue writing for decades to come.
Do
the characters all come to you simultaneously, or do some of them come to you
as you write?
My characters come to me simultaneously. While writing, my characters appear in
my mind with their names, appearance, personality, and how they sound and
respond to different situations.
What
kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book? I research on the
Internet, read books on the topic or theme I’m writing about, and converse with
people who understand the subject.
Do
you see writing as a career? Writing can be a career for those who have
a passion for it. Many authors have made successful careers by writing books,
articles, and other forms of content. Writing requires hard work, dedication,
and a willingness to learn and improve one's writing skills.
What
do you think about the current publishing market? I think it's
excellent for celebrities writing books because the general public knows who
they are. They have massive platforms that bring more awareness to their books.
Competing with hundreds of books could be challenging if you're a new author
because most people are unaware of you.
Do
you read yourself, and if so, what is your favorite genre? My favorite genre
is fiction, and I also enjoy reading biographies of celebrities and poetry. I
recently started reading noir-style stories, which I find engaging.
Do
you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? I prefer both.
When I'm not writing silently, I enjoy listening to rap, R&B, or soul
music, depending on my mood.
Do
you write one book at a time or have several going simultaneously? I often write
multiple books at once. If I get stuck on one, I switch to a different story
with fresh ideas.
If
you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you
choose? I
would choose The Bible because it is the best-selling book in history.
Pen,
typewriter, or computer? While lying in bed or traveling, I use a pen and
paper to jot down my ideas and notes, while I use a computer for most of my
writing.
Tell
us about a favorite character from the book. My latest book centers on a
captivating character named DeVante. He's an unapologetic, flashy, and
confident eighteen-year-old from Harlem who loves hip-hop, beautiful women, and
staying ahead of the fashion curve. DeVante lives with his devoted single mother,
and they have an unbreakable bond. Tragically, DeVante lost both his father and
brother to violence. He has no tolerance for envious individuals, particularly
those from Brooklyn. His arch-nemesis is Bishop, a rough kid from Brooklyn, and
they are in constant battle.
DeVante
is a character who can evoke a range of emotions in the reader, including love,
hate, and sympathy.
What
made you want to become an author, and do you feel it was the right decision? What made me want
to become an author was knowing I have a love for writing. I had journals
filled with my creative writing and wanted to share my ideas. I feel it was the
right decision to be an author because I have a strong passion for writing. I
wouldn't be an author if I didn’t love to write.
A
day in the life of the author? I wake up early every morning to fulfill
my caregiver duties. Afterward, I check my emails and write new stories. I take
long walks to find inspiration for my writing. In the evening, while watching
television, if I’m in the mood, I’ll continue working on a project or start
something new.
What
advice would I give new authors? I advise them to be original, write the
stories they love to read, love the craft, and not cheat their audience. Write
a book that they would celebrate and brag about for many years.
Describe
your writing style. My
writing style is cinematic, fast-paced, and action-packed. I write stories that
make my readers feel like they are in a movie, TV show, or a fast-paced
hip-hop-driven music video.
What
makes a good story?
A good story engages readers with relatable characters, an awesome theme,
actions that set the tone, conflict, and a resolution. Also, it makes the
reader feel like they are part of the story.
What
are you currently reading? I am reading "Tupac Shakur: The Authorized
Biography" by Staci Robinson. It is a book that I have been looking
forward to reading, and as a huge fan of 2Pac, I am glad to have it in my
collection.
What
is your writing process? For instance, do you write an outline first? My writing
process typically involves a few key steps. First, I start by developing an
idea and brainstorming potential characters. Then, I usually dive right into
writing a rough draft. Once the draft is complete, I revise and edit my work to
ensure it's polished and well-written. While I sometimes start with an outline,
I often prefer to jump straight into writing dialogue for various scenes and
thinking of creative ways to describe my characters and themes.
Do
you do the chapters first? When writing, I usually start with the chapters, but
if I come up with new ideas for later sections, I jot them down on paper so I
don't forget. I write paragraphs and dialogue for different scenes and then
piece them together like a puzzle.
What
are common traps for aspiring writers? The common traps for aspiring writers are
self-doubt, procrastination, perfectionism, comparison, insufficient reading,
resistance to editing, and giving up too quickly. These things can
significantly negatively impact an aspiring writer and stop that writer from
reaching their full potential.
What
is your writing Kryptonite? Perfectionism is my writing Kryptonite. Pursuing
perfection can hinder my progress, and a lack of inspiration also holds me
back.
Do
you try to be more original or deliver to readers what they want? I strive to
create original work that feels new and fresh to readers.
If
you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? I would advise my
younger self to be patient, avoid procrastination, and have confidence in your
writing abilities. Enjoy the journey because everything will eventually fall
into place.
What’s
the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? The most difficult
thing is making the tone and dialogue believable. You might feel what the
opposite sex might say or do, but it’s not always what you think it is.
How
long, on average, does it take you to write a book? It takes me about
two years to write and complete a book. Although I strive for perfection, I
know it's impossible to achieve.
Do
you believe in writer’s block? I do, though I've never experienced it.
I've been stuck on projects before but found inspiration in a new idea and
could return to the original project to complete it.
Shamarie Knight was born and raised in East Harlem, New York, and after graduating from the High School for Environmental Studies in 2000, he decided to continue his education at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to study Business. Later, Shamarie transferred to City College of New York in 2005, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Science with a minor in Creative Writing, which he completed in 2009.
Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about writing. I draw inspiration from various mediums such as television shows, movies, music, music videos, and books. Writing allows me to express myself freely on paper and share my ideas. It's not just a hobby but a way of life for me. If you want to read more of my work, you can check out some of my other pieces on Medium.com. Be blessed, and stay safe.
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