Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name Tyra Robinson Sr. I live in Baltimore, Maryland with my lovely wife Elizabeth and our 14 year old son Tyra Jr, who we call T.J. I am from a rather large family of 14 brothers and sisters. Nine boys and five girls. My father passed away when I was 22 years old. My beautiful mother Larnita Hawkins who is the first women I’ve ever loved is 66 and try my best to give her all her flowers and the life she deserves. I came up poor and struggling, yet smart for age at the time. My parents did their best with situation they could. There was a lot of pain and lost along the way for our family. No one in our families never looked at us as being much. We weren’t for a while. Out on my own at the age of 14 and going to school, with a job to help my parents take care of my siblings was hard. Even now its emotional. Because by the Grace of God were making it. Not just me, but after decades the flowers and the seeds that a rather aggressive father believed in are coming to fruition. There is so much to say about a once shy little boy. I also have 3 daughters, 3 step daughters and a stepson and one point we all except for the oldest were all living under one roof. The oldest she was off in college. I was a chef for most of my life and made ice cream for the latter part. There is so much to tell that it will make your heart cry. I’ve lived that life. I use to love rhyming when I was younger, art was a talent have. I would always draw. I was in the Afro American News Paper when I was in the 2nd grade. I am good at because it comes easy to me. I read a lot more now these days because what knowledge or wisdom I can acquire from it even though its enjoyable as well. I love Jesus! I give God the all the glory for what’s happening in my life. There will be more books to follow about me. I enjoy investing in people and knowing that if it were me then why not them. My life continues to show me that love through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks”?
Well Sassy, it was the editing and typing. I was constantly reading my book over and over. Still nothing beats typing. I use to type in high school and can manage the basic keys okay. After that pull up seat and get comfortable. My wife and son tried to help me but my pace was my pace. The next thing was the title. I thought about what name the book all the way through to the end and then some. The title sounds a lot like me once I get in to conversation with someone and I get that connect my spirit is searching for.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The books I normally read are a far reach from the type of genre I’ve written. Yet those spiritual encouraging, real life non-fiction, short literary fiction and self-help.
My authors are among preachers and teachers of the Gospel and non-bias views.
Tony Evans, Dr. David Jeremiah, Kyle Idleman, Stormie Omartian and Maya Angelou and few others. But my favourite author is God and book is the Bible without question!
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
That’s an interesting question. One that takes a moment to ponder. My son has traveled to more spots or places than me. Well I would say my Mommy’s house. Because every time I am reminding of the sacrifice it took for me to be where I am. Also just the simple fact that wherever my mother is I am at home. That presence and love covers a lot ground and sends my heart into gratitude and appreciation.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
I wouldn’t say a lot because I can catch fire anywhere. So, thank goodness for smartphones. I am always amazed at what comes to mind and when it does. Usually I have to my devotions and stretching. Then a little conversation with my wife and some bonding with my son. In then I’ll set that time I have to start and finish. Let my know, because I have a habit of over doing it. And if I’m on my game sleep seems out of the question so my wife might have to let me know when to call it quits.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?
Sassy, it took me about 10 months or over a year because so much went into it. There are layers to this book that branch off and over. There is a history and a story within the story poems in this book. There are two more books that have yet to be publish that were done all within the same scope of A Voice A Soul A Man Speaks.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
Readers may buy my books on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.dorrancebookstore.com or any store that sells books!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?
When I did all the writing on this book it was my bedroom. It was partially lit with the room door open. Usually after I had put children to bed and a days work was coming to an end and with so much on my mind and in my heart I would start my night time devotions and after that start my writing. So that darkness and light could go many ways. That shoutout could also go to my Publisher Dorrance and their vision without them that cover would not be. The scene with the man in the doorway is just beginning. He’s making an entrance. The soul igniting and setting a man’s voice on fire in a way that we are not heard or even speak. Basically unafraid and dare to be different when that I am. My voice is not the voice of many but one unique individual. With hopes that maybe I do speak for the many that won’t. I’d like to think I demonstrate that versatility in my writing and voice speaking.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think if you can have your readers asking the right questions, the why’s, what’s, how’s and is there going to be another then anything is possible. I like climaxes in books and hooks that pull you from one narrative to another. I think readers like a little skepticism here and there. For myself as long as its close to home which seems like almost everything these days there will be a fresh word for a reader or book enthusiast. What I would say if you as reader would want to hear that voice then you will without question enjoy something fresh and new.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Be yourself and just write what comes to mind! Before you know it you would have crafted a master piece. I don’t know about that last part, but all things are possible to them that believe and that I do. I am myself in my writings only to the extent that a child might read my book one day. Of coarse believe in yourself and in this moment.
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Sassy Reviews 