Warren
Armour was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a graduate from
Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. He aspires to become a
full-time screenwriter and author. WHEN
CLOUDS TAKE FORM is his debut novel.
How can readers get in contact with you?
Instagram:
@kicksofgod
Twitter: @BlackLitSTL
goodreads.com/warrenarmour
Tell us
about your manuscript to published author journey.
It was a somewhat arduous journey in all honesty, but very
fulfilling in the end. The creative side is very enjoyable and comes so
naturally, then you must switch mindsets and factor in structures of outside
requirements and stipulations. Add that this was not only my first book but
also a self-publishing effort, so I really had to welcome information overload.
What
inspired your book?
As a child I would always hear people speak of my grandparents
as a thing of legend and lore, and there was an eerie feeling that I was only
getting half of the story, even from my own Mother. So that really fascinated
me for years and I knew very early own that I couldn’t wait to tell my family’s
story in full.
What did
you learn while writing this book?
On a personal level, I learned that our goals and aspirations
are limitless. You really have to find what’s important to you in life and go
after it.
What did
you hope to accomplish with this book?
I was just determined to get my story out. There have been so
many unfortunate losses generation after generation leading up to me, and I can
only imagine the untold stories. Now I have something concrete, that will live
long after I’m gone.
What
would you like readers to take away from your book?
Be resilient in your faith and belief, that no matter the
circumstances you posses the ability to overcome and do amazing things. The
story is real and infiltered as mind-blowing as that is to a lot of people who
consume it, let my journey inspire you to new heights.
What do
you believe makes your books stand out?
My book reveals the underbelly of an uncomfortable but sadly
common story of struggle facing Black America. It gives soul and wide-eyed
imagery in a way that can’t be learned or studied, it had to be lived.
What are
three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
I would advise to give yourself more than ample time from
book’s finish to promotion in hindsight. Treat them as completely separate
pushes.
Proofread, proofread & proofread.
Value those who already show interest in your goals as a lot
of energy can be wasted on trying to convince those who don’t.
How do
you find balance with your writing and life?
You have to put pressure on yourself by setting goals with
hard deadlines. Therefore, when you meet the inevitable struggle to find enough
time in a day, you are forced sacrifice in the appropriate areas.
How do
you stay consistent with your book promotion?
Planning is the key. I’ve learned so much in my first effort
through trial and error that I’m already planning promotion before the finish
of future projects. Consistency is vital in promotion and I learned that the
hard way.
What
advice would you offer to someone whose first book is about to be released?
As I previously touched on, understand that the release date
isn’t the finish line and promotion makes up the second half of the race.
What’s
are your favorite social media platforms and how are you using them for
promotion?
Twitter is my favorite to use daily and exploring but I’ve
found that Instagram is much better for promotion. There is more interaction
with people beyond your reach due to the ability to pay for advertisement and
so many seeking to offer promo.
What
three literary events would you recommend a writer in your genre attend?
Build a relationship with your local bookstore, many offer
special consignment and other options for local authors and always have a
diverse schedule of literary events.
In that same vein, local book clubs are also a great way to
network.
Lastly, I plan on attending my first ALA Annual Conference
& Exhibition this summer and highly recommend others join.
What’s
the most interesting change in your life as a result of being a published
author?
Inspiration. So many friends, family and peers are not only
proud of the accomplishment but inspired to become authors and reach other
goals in their life.
What
about writing do you wish non writers would understand?
Please understand this is done out of dedication and passion
for the craft, monetary gain is far down on the list.
Can you
give us one do and one don't for those writing the book in the heart?
Don’t be limited by outside parameters whether it be publishers,
editors or even the audience. Everything will fall into place AFTER you’ve
spilled your heart out.
An English Professor once told me the best work comes when you
bleed through the pen, do this and feel comfortable knowing this is the best
you.
When
you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a classic film junkie. From Hitchcock to Spaghetti
Westerns, I’m always searching for great and overlooked movies.
Oprah
always asks, what do you know for sure?
I know that no one will believe in you like you can believe in
yourself.
Any last
words for our readers?
Thank you so much for taking the time hear me. Please pick up
‘When Clouds Take Form’ and let me know what you think, it’s available locally
in St. Louis at Subterranean Books or on Amazon in paperback, eBook or audio
form.
A powerful story of a Mother’s courage takes readers on one
woman’s journey to overcome childhood trauma, addiction, and despair. Told from
the perspective of a young boy named Quinn, through his innocent intuitiveness
the story revolves around his sometimes humorous search for answers about the
cruel world around him as he wonders if his own fate is sealed as a descendant
of devastating trauma that may flow in the bloodlines of his family. A true
glimpse of history documented; the story marks a vivid understanding of what it
was like growing up Black in St. Louis affected by the different drug epidemics
that spanned more than fifty years.
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