Urban Insider Chats With Phenomenal Author of "Days Later" Walter Neil

It's always interesting when I get to come across a person who has a way with words, it cuts out a lot of the labor for me, and it's very refreshing to see how other people think in terms of verbiage. Walter Neil goes above and beyond in doing so for this interview, he not only got everything back to me immediately, but he also answered everything with enough material to keep the readers intrigued as if we were reading one of his amazing books. Being in contact with people like Neil makes it possible for me to keep telling our stories from a multi-talented, multi-functional, multi-creative standpoint. So I will keep my commentary to a minimum so it doesn't distract from the art that was created here.........

Let's start with an introduction for the readers, like name, age, and where you are

from......

Walter Neil is an author, creator and overall trendsetter. Born and raised in

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is the oldest of his mother’s three sons. At the

age of 16 he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he graduated high school

before attending Georgia State University. Now at the age of 26 he has

released the first book of a remarkable four part series that is sure to keep

you on the edge of your seat. Inspired by us all, “Days Later” delivers a feel

that bridges the gap between normality and reality; giving a better

understanding of some of the social complexes we’re living with today.

 

Now I'm a reader I love reading and the synopsis for "Days Later", is juicy and

very refreshing read. I like that it's about characters who have something in common with all us of including myself, tell me where did you draw inspiration to tell this story, and when will we get more books from you....

"Days Later” is a project that sat near and dear to my heart for a long time.

I listen throughout the universe at people who section out individuals by

race, religion, sexual orientation and any other way possible without an

understanding of why. It is like why can't a male who is more intrigued by

another male receive the same amount of respect as a male with a different

preference. Or why are women who make money as adult entertainers

immediately classified as hoes or wild when in all actuality half of them

would rather make their money and go home. It all comes down to

perception or the lack there of and it’s just a thing that I’ve paid very close

attention to over the years. “Days Later” gave me the opportunity to shed

light on these types of social issues providing a platform for me to

showcase my talent in a very unique way.

 

I thought my career field was a hard one to break into, but being an author is a very

time consuming yet noble career field, some people shop there books around for

years before actually getting published, how long did this process take you.....

Well this is the first of a four part series, but this book took roughly 8

months to complete. I’ve already started the second part, but don’t plan on

releasing it for a while.

When was the first time you sat down, and actually said I want to write books, and

were you worried about the stigma of being a black man writing about topics that are

still considered taboo in our community.......

To be completely honest, I thought about that and got discouraged a time

or two, but you know what these are real life issues. People experience

these type of social complexes everyday, and if its how we are living then why

be afraid to talk about it? Don’t get me wrong everyone doesn’t have to

know everything you do, but people shouldn’t feel like they are alone

especially when we are all going through life changes in separate forms,

but at the same time.


Is "Days Later", available in paperback as well, and if not what will it take for us to have this book not only on our electronic devices, but available to be carried around everywhere we go........


Yes. You can purchase physical copies not only through Amazon Kindle, but on my website www.damnwalterneil.com.


 How do you get into a creative space in order to not only flesh out the story, but to visualize each character enough to know how to place them correctly into the storyline....


 Honestly, I don’t do much brainstorming, it’s more of a natural approach. Each character has specific characteristics that bind them all together, and I guess I just instinctively know what part needs to go where. I like to write outdoors though, my dream location is like beach side or laying out by the pool. I’m an Aquarius so the water calms my focus.


Aside from writing amazing books, who is Walter Neil, what are his interests, what is a typical day like for you....


I’m very chill to be honest. I hate to be bored, but would rather not overwhelm myself with too much fun. Its like I love people, but when I’m ready to go home and chill out that’s what I want to do. I’m single so not much going on there. Eat good, I workout 5-6 days a week. I’m a goof ball so I laugh a lot. It’s just kind of whatever.


Stories like these need to be told on the big screen to represent us as the multifaceted humans beings we are, and not the stereotypes people think we are, would you ever consider developing this into a screenplay or miniseries.....


Definitely! I really believe in who people are as individuals, and that is the beauty in the makeup of the universe. I would be honored to have an opportunity to deliver something as necessary as “Days Later” on the big screen. That would be amazing!


Are there any authors, writers, poets, even artists that you could say influence your writing style or that you even look up to personally.....


Yes. E. Lynn Harris was a true inspiration of mine. When I was 14 years old his book “A love of my own” was the first fiction drama I ever read. I felt a deep connection with his style of writing and the way he drew you into the story he was telling. He was a phenomenal writer. Rest easy E. Lynn Harris.


Name five things you can't go a day without.....


Wouldn’t say any tangible thing, but here are five, family, eating because I’m greedy, laughing, the freshness of air ,striving, and pushing myself to be better.

For everything Walter Neil you can subscribe to his website at www.damnwalterneil.com He is also accessible on social media @damnwalterneil via Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.