Maya Angelou described Clarence Nero as "one of our most promising young authors." His well-received second novel, Three Sides to Every Story—our review here—weaves together love, homophobia, church and family. It's set in the author's hometown of New Orleans, soon to be ravaged by flood waters, and is a sharp critique of contemporary black America.
This weekend, Clarence will appear in Atlanta, Ga. at the Outwrite Bookstore, Saturday, January 13 at 8 p.m. We caught up with him briefly overnight ....
On the reaction to his novel:
The book has been out less than three months and is already in its second printing. It’s a blessing and I owe a lot to you, Rod, and many other bloggers and readers who supported me from the start. Readers have been very kind to me. They send me emails everyday telling me how real the novel was to them.
On life since publication of Three Sides to Every Story:
I’ve met so many interesting, everyday people as well as many celebrities. I was at Dr. Maya Angelou’s house for Thanksgiving—she hosted a book signing for me—and I had the opportunity to meet folks like Cicely Tyson and Chris Gardner, the real guy who Will Smith is playing in the movie “Pursuit of Happyness.” I never thought writing a book would take me so many places. I’m just enjoying the moment.
On life in post-Katrina New Orleans:
The sense of community that was once in the city is gone. Many folks still have family members scattered around the country. It’s really sad when you go to some areas and still see debris and trash. And let’s not talk about the violence.
On the iPod:
Everything "Dreamgirls"! At the moment, I’m just "Dreamgirls" crazy. I can’t stop listening to the soundtrack. I love me some Jennifer Hudson right now. And, of course, I’ve always loved Beyoncé. She’s simply fierce. I think I’ve seen the movie like ten times!
Clarence Nero will appear in Atlanta, Ga. at the Outwrite Bookstore for his second novel, Three Sides to Every Story, on Saturday, January 13 at 8 p.m.
More Authors:
New Orleans: One Year Later (Rod 2.0) Review: "Three Sides to Every Story" (Rod 2.0) Review: "This Place of Men" (Rod 2.0) Review: "A Deeper Blue" (Rod 2.0) Review: "I Wrote This Song" (Rod 2.0) Review: Down for Whatever (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with E. Lynn Harris (Rod 2.0) E. Lynn Harris in The Advocate (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Keith Boykin (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Kevin E. Taylor (Rod 2.0) "We Don't Feel Welcome There" (Rod 2.0) Say a Little Prayer: ELH Interview (Rod 2.0) Gays and Black Church (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin on Gays (Rod 2.0) Catching Up With ... Lee Hayes (Rod 2.0) Catching Up with ... Fred Smith (Rod 2.0) Parents Want Angelou Book Banned (Rod 2.0)
I loved this novel. Went to Amazon as soon as I read your review. Ther characters are real and vulnerable, especially James.
Posted by: carl | 12 January 2007 at 18:15
It is a strong book. Well written and descriptive, not flowery. It's also not necessarily written for women, as some of our gay black authors tend to focus on them. I know they buy more books, but the stories are often lacking substantial gay content.
Not so with Mr. Nero.
Posted by: Greg G | 12 January 2007 at 18:19
I need to get this book. And I'm in Atlanta, too! See ya tomorrow, Mr. Author!
Posted by: Derrick | 12 January 2007 at 19:08
I'm excited about the book...I am, but I think the cover is cliche and in poor taste. If the material is substantial - shouldn't the cover reflect that?
Posted by: Malo | 12 January 2007 at 22:28
Malo, I disagree. It's love story about a man caight between a man and a woman and the cover reflects that. It's no more risque than your average white gay novel (maybe no woman) or most black contemporary fiction.
Posted by: carl | 13 January 2007 at 08:06
Tru...the cover is typical, nonetheless cliche and trite. I guess when I publish a novel I can "be the change." I'm workin on it.
Posted by: Malo | 13 January 2007 at 18:43