The Learning Curve :: The Interviewing Of Hashim Conner...

Mr. Hashim Conner...

I have not smiled so much during an interview of anyone until I had a chance to interview the talented author, Hashim Conner. He is a softly spoken, humorous and hansom individual hailing from Detroit Michigan, currently residing in the Metro Atlanta area as of the summer of this year. What I've learned about Mr. Conner is that everyone isn't going to see the same dream that you see for yourself, and that through hard work, patience and perseverance, any and all things are possible.

We conducted a phone interview the night of November the 5th, around 9:30 p.m. via phone conference, where I got up close and personal with Hashim and asked him about his former and current published books; his future in the world of writing and much more. Enjoy the results of the interview as I enjoyed the wonderful responses I received from such great writer.

Hashim is far from your normal writer of ordinary literature- he is more along the lines of a "master piece in the making," or so- I'd say. His second book The Learning Curve was put on the shelves earlier this year and has sold more than 100 copies in a couple of months, paving the way for a larger fan base of readers who will continue this journey with him on his way to greatness.

His love for writing is what primarily gave him the will to become a writer. He has been doing so since high school and with his interest in Language Arts throughout those years, he was ready to embark on a journey which will bring him to where he is today. Contributing to his curiosity for writing was reading a few urban literature books by Zane and a few others here and there. He reflected on how things were when he first started, recalling an event involving his first book published in 2006 entitled Karma. "It was more of a bet that I couldn't write a book. I didn't grow up around people who wanted to be authors, we were into sports mostly; so I kept the fact that I could write to myself." After hearing this, it just shows and proves that he has always been in the creation phase, without anyone else knowing of his intentions to become a superb writer.

When asked who his influences were as far as other writers, he was prompt to speak the names of Zane and Omar Tyrie, among others. His inspiration to writer was contributed to various teachers he had in grade school, while in Detroit. To name a few, Mrs. Weiner of Mumford High, in Detroit, Mrs. Seabron, and his creative writing teacher Ms. Fletcher. His words were that they really gave him the drive to write through their teachings. If he had to have a mentor, Hashim picked Zane, for her ability to create a vision through writing that the readers can see as they are placed in different parts of the book. This is something that he admired the most, and is continuing to put into practice in his own world of writing. Mentioned also were music artists Jay Z, Jill Scott, T.I. Raheem DeVaughn, and Young Geezy as motivation from an audio side of him creating The Learning Curve. They too appear to possess an ability to tell stories and they helped him create his.

Among his unique book collection is his first self-published piece entitled Karma. The cover was done by him as well and inspired by an art piece that caught his eye. This book was the introduction to the Christopher Alexander book series that is currently being constructed by Hashim. This book being written, made Hashim realize that his style in writing was unorthodox and definitely a style of his own. "I am a mood writer. I don't write chapter for chapter, I just write what I feel and put it where I think it should be in the book." When asked about the title of Karma and what inspired him to use it in particular, he said, "Usually I name the book first, then I write around it, but Karma took longer to come up with because I had to write before the title came. My second book "The Learning Curve," was much easier because of me being inspired by my first book. It's like I knew exactly what I wanted to name the second book, while writing the first."

Karma:

“Karma” it’s all around us affecting our everyday lives, we’re absorbed by it. It’s as real as the air we breathe, and the love we share. Just like the love we feel and the air we breathe it’s going on without being seen. No one is more affected by this than Christopher. After years of sexual escapades, breaking hearts, and in the end ruining good women over and over again, he thought that he had finally found the ONE. There was something different about her, she had a certain realness about herself, she was special. So special in fact that instead of her being head over heels for him like so many others before her, it was the complete opposite. It was she that had him wide open, and in the end it would be him that would have to pick up the pieces of his broken heart, and find a way to go on with his existence.

We are then led to Hashim's second book released this summer, The Learning Curve. This book is more than factitious characters, Hashim says, "The book itself is as real as people are- you can see so much of the experiences we have going on in life today." His urban contemporary style used in this book caters to women, but is definitely knowledge material for a man who will in every page see a part of himself or someone he knows and can relate to what has been written. The cover of this book was first sketched by Lisa Jenkins and later created in color by Marc Margerum. Truly a masterpiece that is a must for all lovers of urban contemporary literature. He encourages all audiences from age 17 and up to read this book because it's the truth in a soft covered book.

The Learning Curve:

Christopher Alexander is back and out for revenge. After having his feelings hurt in an unimaginable way he’s out to make them pay. The only problem is, he plans on making all of women pay for the decision of one woman. Mr. Alexander start The Learning Curve exactly where Karma left off, instead of attempting to put the pieces back together and heal. Christopher dives head first back into a life of sexual encounters, without serious relationships. Turning his sex life into some kind of game that only he knows he’s playing. Running form woman to woman, until he’s broadsided by Ariel who’s playing a game herself. With her indecisiveness she has an impossible task of choosing between Christopher and her ex-man who just won’t quit. Or at least that’s how she portrays the situation. Without much effort at all she has Christopher back in a position that he swore he would never be in again. Little does he know he’s much worse off, than he was with Karma. From the classroom, to the bedroom, Christopher gives us a much deeper look into the exciting life he lives.

What's the lesson learned from a great writer like Hashim Conner? Patience! He says that he's still a work in progress- because he is one of the most impatient people he knows. Its a struggle because he sees the "now" in what he wants to do in his life and it's not like that in the world of writing. He learned that there is more to writing a book than just the author, and you have to work with people to become successful at it. He encourages other writers to do the research and learn as much as they can about being an author and about the publishing business, and just keep writing! "If you write for yourself and from your heart, you will definitely make a lasting impression in the field of literature than writing for the likes of others."

Where can we find this man, his books and more information on book signings and more? Right here of course! Both of his books are currently available at your local Barnes & Nobles Bookstore, Borders, Amazon online, or you can contact him personally via his website to get your copy signed by Hashim himself, sealed and delivered right to your door! Use the information below to connect and stay up-to-date with all of Hashim Conner's events and upcoming books. You can look forward to future titles coming from him by the summer of 2009. To name a few would be The Congregation, The Escort- which will be the 3rd of the Christopher Alexander series and The Price Of Fame, released in that order.

For booking you can visit Hashim online at www.hashimconner.net for his latest news and updates. You may also email him personally at hcconner@yahoo.com for book signings, speaking engagements and book signings.

In closing Hashim had this to say to his fellow faithful readers: "I hope that you enjoy my writing, I put alot of time and love into my work with hopes of changing the lives of others- and I want you to make sure that when you buy any of my books- YOU DON'T LOAN THEM OUT! (Just kidding). Really take in what I'm writing, and see if it doesn't resemble what we are all either going through or have yet to experience."

REMINDER: If you go to Barnes and Nobles and they don't have a copy on hand, they can and will order it for you so please don't leave without getting the book!"


© 2008 Kanday Reign of "Afrocen-Clectic" Notes. All Rights Reserved.