An Interview with Manasseh Willis

I must admit, I haven’t completely gotten the hang of social media, other than Facebook, but I tweet and whatever it is you do on Instagram, so if you’re on these platforms stop by and say hi and give me a follow. I was browsing Twitter the other day and I came across a book that looked like I would love to read it. I contacted the author and he agreed to this interview. Yay!

I love blogging (although I’m still figuring things out, especially formatting as I’m sure you can tell) and one of my favorite things to do is interview people. I especially like to interview authors from all phases. I want to help fellow authors grow their audience and inspire other writers, so coming up with new and relevant questions is always fun for me.

My interviewee is a newbie. I think he has great potential and I’m looking forward to his new book, Black Casket You’re going to want to check it out.

Hey, Manasseh. Thanks for joining me for this interview.

I came across a retweet of your book, Black Casket, and it looked pretty exciting and different. Tell us a little about it.

 Manasseh: It’s about a zombie kid that misses his living parents and his only way to be reunited with them is by finding an ancient artifact to be alive again.

2. Is Black Casket your first book? Is it available for purchase? 

Manasseh: It is the first book I’m trying to publish. My first book is actually Sank, but it is unpublished. I made a lot of earlier mistakes in that book, and I did not carry any of those into Black Casket.

3. Is Black Casket a standalone or the start of a series?

Manasseh: It is a start of the series. It has a lot of potential for multiple books. Many indie authors write a book and hop on to the next one. For me personally, I am not wired like that. I believe if you have an idea for a book, you are supposed to exhaust every avenue to keep the stories longevity.

4. When did you know you wanted to become a writer? 

Manasseh: I knew from when I was little. I would write poems and short stories. My mother, father, and my friends would love them. I have practically been writing all of my life but didn’t take it seriously until I was 24.

That’s awesome. I love when childhood dreams come true.

Manasseh Willis, author of Black Casket

5. What authors have inspired you as a reader/writer? 

Manasseh: What inspired me to be a writer are authors, movies, directors, animators, and Manga artists/writers. The films Shuttler Island and Inglorious Bastards really inspire me on the mechanics of what makes good characters and good stories. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, is an expert in foreshadowing and does hide little nuggets of the plot that would seem insignificant to the story at first, but years later would be impactful in the major storyline. Too many writers beat their mysteries over the reader’s head, instead of being subtle. Oda does not suffer with that at all. Lastly, I say B.B Alston, the late Walter Dean Meyers, and Angie Thomas are my biggest influences. Seeing people like me write and craft amazing narratives inspires me to do likewise.

6. What aspect of writing do you struggle with the most? What comes easiest? 

Manasseh: Plotting my book is the easiest. I usually make an outline of my characters and their relationships with one another. Then I make an outline of the plot. After that, I write the book by hand in my notebook. Judging by what I like or don’t like, I will type the manuscript on my laptop with the parts I want to keep and change the parts I do not like. To be a good writer, you need preparation to plot out the course of your book. 

I agree! I also write by hand first. I think it somehow provides more scope for the imagination to use pen and paper.

7. Are you in a writer’s guild?

Manasseh: No I am not.

8. If your book was a movie, who would play your main characters?

Manasseh: That is a tough one because the main characters are children. For the adults, I would have Chris Pratt play the Undertaker, and I would have Idris Elba play the main character’s uncle.

9. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Manasseh:  I don’t have one in mind, lol.

10. You are stuck on a deserted island.  What three books do you want with you?

Manasseh: That’s a tough one. I’d say Slam by Walter Dean Myers, Amari by B.B. Alston, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

11. Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers? 

Manasseh: You guys are a great audience and we write for your enjoyment. That sounds generic. To be more candid, I was glad I could introduce myself to the audience. Remember, to be a writer means you have to be teachable. Do not just relish in your strengths and recognize your weaknesses.

Lastly, follow, share and support my work Black Casket. Follow me at @Manasseh Willis on my Twitter. My book should be about between winter 2022-spring 2023. Chapters will be posted weekly on Wattpad until then. This is the link https://www.wattpad.com/story/305903488-black-casket

Thanks, again, Manasseh for this interview. I appreciate your time! I’d love to do a follow-up interview once your book has been published if you’d be interested. I can’t wait to read your book.

That’s it for today, dear readers. Head on over to Twitter and give Manasseh a follow for updates on his books, and while you’re there retweet his author’s lift, and help us spread the word. Thanks for reading.

God bless,

T

P.S. Don’t forget about SBC Zombiewalk! There will be plenty of entertainment and prizes and you can donate can goods or blood to lend a helping hand. It’s a great way to support our community. Y’all come see us on October 15, 2022. 4-9PM I’ll be there with my books, including Zombiesaurs!