Urban fiction has steadily gained popularity in the literary world over the years. With highly relatable and gripping storylines, these tales of life in the inner city have captured the hearts of many readers. Today, we have an exclusive interview with the author of Jealous Ones Still Envy, Rodney Stokley.
Rodney Stokley is an award-winning urban fiction author with several published books under his belt. His books showcase the realities of living in the inner city and capture the essence of the African American culture. He has managed to carve his niche in the urban fiction genre and has captivated broad audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become an author, particularly in the genre of urban fiction? I always loved literature and the creation of fictional stories. I would read for hours and just get lost in the story so intently that I could see the story as I read. What inspired me to write urban fiction? Before being incarcerated I didn’t even know that urban fiction was a genre. I read a few urban books that inspired me to want to create that same content.
“Jealous Ones Still Envy” is the title of your book. What does it mean and how does it capture the essence of your story? Acrimony is a type of poison that doesn’t go away once infected. It grows and grows until it consumes the person. In ‘Jealous Ones Still Envy’ you’ll see how jealousy changes a person character and makes them do outrageous things even to those they love. Click to buy now on Amazon
What themes or messages did you aim to explore in “Jealous Ones Still Envy,” and how did you incorporate them into your narrative? I wanted to warn people and show them the signs of an infected person. They’re so small that we over look them until it’s too late. I showed people the various stages of jealousy through a few characters and hoped that they can kill the root of jealousy if a seed has been planted already.
Urban fiction often delves into gritty and realistic portrayals of urban life. How did you approach capturing the authenticity of the urban setting in your book? I took a few situations that I’m aware of and twisted them to create this work of fiction. So, when the reader reads it it’ll make them feel like they know the story when they really don’t.
The characters in urban fiction are often complex and multi-dimensional. Can you tell us about some of the key characters in “Jealous Ones Still Envy” and the challenges they face? Riley is the main character. He faces all the drama that comes with being a young fly guy in the hood. Ego and loyalty blinds him to the point that he doesn’t know what’s happening with those close to him. Bizzy and Castro, twin brothers, younger than Riley are like oil and water, night and day. Loyal to Riley by default. One with a hidden agenda to be Riley-ish. But not in the brotherly inspired way.
Were there any specific experiences, real or imagined, that influenced the development of the plot and characters in your book? Yes. It was a specific experience that inspired the plot. It’s hard being a leader when outside forces influences your people.
How did you balance entertainment and social commentary in “Jealous Ones Still Envy”? What do you hope readers will take away from your book? It’s like everyday life. Once you open this book up you’ll see how life like it is. When you read it, it feels conversational.
In urban fiction, dialogue plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of the characters and their environment. How did you approach writing dialogue that feels authentic and resonates with readers? I write like I’m having a conversation with someone who wasn’t there but wants to know how something happened. I give you blow by blow accounts of certain events in a manner that’s engaging.
Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or inspired you as an urban fiction author? The authors K’wan, Carl Webber, Terri Woods, Victor L Martin to name a few urban fiction authors. But really Stuart Woods, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, and Tom Clancy inspired me to write
“Jealous Ones Still Envy” is your sequel novel. What challenges did you face during the writing and publishing process, and what advice do you have for aspiring authors looking to break into the urban fiction genre? The only challenged I faced was getting the rough draft mailed out from prison to my typist on time and hoping that her schedule wasn’t as busy as mine.
What do you believe sets “Jealous Ones Still Envy” apart from other urban fiction novels, and why should readers pick up your book? It’s a nail bitter. Very high energy and excitement. But what sets it apart from others is that it’s mine and no one can tell the stories I’ve scene or imagined like I do.
Can you share any insights into your future projects? Are there any upcoming books or stories that your readers can look forward to? I have a poetry book coming with my brother Nakevor Stokley called ‘The Lost Files’. I have a SciFi novel coming and a self help book to follow. Also I’m working on a comic book like anime with an urban twist.
How do you see the future of urban fiction as a genre? Do you think it will continue to evolve, and what do you hope to contribute to its development as an author? I see the future of urban fiction blowing up because there is a lot of talented urban authors whom we haven’t met yet because they don’t have the resources to publish or scared to publish thinking their material isn’t as good as the next. I hope to add not just more urban novels but make it a genre recognizable worldwide.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about writing urban fiction, and what do you hope readers will ultimately gain from your work? I just like to get lost in my own world where I make all the rules and everyone loves it. I hope the readers will read between the lines and OVERSTAND that everything isn’t what it seems. It could be better it could be worse but overall pay attention. The signs are always there.
Is there anything else you would like to share about “Jealous Ones Still Envy” or your journey as an author? My journey as an author is a weird one. I spend most of my time writing poetry and music so when it’s time to create a fictional world my mind goes here, here, here, there, and over there. The sky is the limit when I write stories and the sky is endless.
More about Urban Fiction Author Rodney Stokley Rodney W. Stokley Jr is currently finishing up an 8-12 year prison sentence with hopes of the appeal pulling through before the term is reached. He’s a proud father. Has a master’s degree from Bryant & Stratton in business management. He is also a rapper that goes by the stage name Chucc Taylor.
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Rodney Stokley’s passion and affinity towards urban fiction are evident in the stories he has shared with us. His books have struck a chord with readers, with many reaching out to say how his stories have changed their perspectives of the life around them. With his unique style, powerful voice, and authentic themes, Rodney Stokley is on the forefront of a new wave of urban fiction authors that is setting the standard for what this genre should be. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented author.
