Author: Dwayne Murray, Sr.

ISBN: 0976985500

The following interview was conducted by:  NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures. CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews       

To read Norm's Review of The Mouse That Roared CLICK HERE

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Dwayne Murray, Sr. author of The Mouse That Roared.

Good day Dwayne and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

Dwayne, when did your passion for writing begin? What kept you going?

Dwayne:

I must first identify my love for the “Big Screen.”   I am the ultimate movie buff.  As a child you could always find me sneaking into movies like “Hell Up In Harlem”, Sheba Baby”, “Uptown Saturday Night”, and many other 1970s black films.  I always paid close attention to the plot and themes of movies.  I am the one who always figures out the movie plot before anyone else does.  With a strong love for movies, I had a desire to write my own screenplay.  After further exploration and even after taking classes for screenplay writing, I found it very challenging to get my screenplay from paper to film.  It was then I decided to take my screenplay and turn it into a novel, hence my very first novel The Mouse That Roared.  After reading the reviews on Amazon.com and from readers who visited my website and signed my guestbook, it felt so good to get such positive feedback about the book.  Relishing from and the positive energy, so far, with The Mouse That Roared it has motivated me to begin my second novel titled “Whatever It Takes.”

Norm:

What obstacles did you have in trying to write The Mouse That Roared?

Dwayne:

The Mouse That Roared was originally a screenplay; this is when I actually developed the storyline.  As an avid reader of authors like Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Walter Mosley, and James Patterson along with my love of great films, I faced very little obstacles when writing this novel.  When one does what one loves most, obstacles are not seen as obstacles but as opportunities to broaden one’s imagination.  In my book The Mouse That Roared, my imagination ran wild.

Norm:

Some of your scenes in The Mouse That Roared are quite horrendous. Where did your ideas come from to write these scenes?

Dwayne:

Scary enough the ideas came from my head and they also derived from my hopes of increasing the “shock factor.”  I have been called numerous times by family and close friends about the graphic scenes in The Mouse That Roared.  There was only one man in my lifetime, so far, that created that shock factor for me and that was Alfred Hitchcock.  I have to say Alfred Hitchcock has to be one of the major influences and literary lore in my life.  No story or subject matter was taboo to him.  Hitchcock felt that anything was possible in the story telling realm.  Hitchcock wasn’t afraid to tackle story themes others would run away from.  I am most influenced by Hitchcock’s concentration to details, and how all his characters were often vulnerable and never safe.  That influence has enabled me, in my writing, to keep my mind open to all possibilities.  Thinking back to old Alfred Hitchcock films and comparing them to The Mouse That Roared, they both offered mystery, thrills, suspense, and action.

Norm:

How much real-life do you put into your fiction? Is there much “you” in there?

Dwayne:

The diabolical and sinister violence in The Mouse That Roared is in no way part of my “real-life”, however my childhood friendships were reflective of the friendship that Sandra, Pamela and Rose shared.  Also there was Officer Williams of the Community Affairs Office at the 46^th Precinct who was very involved with kids and families in the community.  My character Ms. Carla, all though female, her dedication and commitment to those less fortunate in the book, reminds me of Officer Williams back in the day who inspired me and solicit my help to give back to others in the community.  In most urban areas there was a Doug Gunner.  A person, who lived by their own rules, laughs at the laws of the land, lives a fast-paced life often dies suddenly and unexpectedly.  When I really think about it, there are many aspects of my book that are reflective of my life.

Norm:

When writing your book, did you ever have it in the back of your mind that you could turn it into a movie or television project?

Dwayne:

Most definitely I believe that The Mouse That Roared could be made into a movie.  Remember, The Mouse That Roared originally was a screenplay and my first desire was to see it made into a movie.  Possessing very limited knowledge about resources and after returning from a screenplay expo in L.A., I felt there was much to do, much to spend and much time devoted to asking a producer to simple read the screenplay.  In L.A. I met some wonderful people who were still “ripping and running” to get their 7 or 8 year old screenplays read.  My screenplay was so close to my heart I knew I couldn’t wait for something to happen, so I made it happen and tuned the screenplay into a novel.  I had a story to tell and knew there were various ways to skin a cat.  I continue to hope and pray that one day, God Willing, before I leave this earth, I can sit in an IMAX Theater and watch The Mouse That Roared.  That would be totally awesome.  In the very back of the book, I provided a list of actors/actresses I believe would play the roles of fictional characters in the book.

Norm:

Your writing style seems to be quite unique in that it is as if you have your readers watching the action from a window. Was this done intentionally and if so, why?

Dwayne:

In keeping close to the original screenplay, it was as if the action unfolded in my mind which then so graciously flowed into my fingertips.  I wrote The Mouse That Roared as the screenplay ran in my mind. I believe, serendipitously and absent of any real effort, my love for movies and my desire to tell a story are reflected in The Mouse That Roared.  That is the importance of a paradigm.  One sees things in one way and it is often reflected in the things one may say or do.  It not hard to see why The Mouse That Roared reads just like a movie.

Norm:

You include some very detailed dialogues in the book, where did this come from?

Dwayne:

I forgot to tell myself that I was changing The Mouse That Roared from a screenplay to a novel. I also attribute the detailed dialogues to my personal fear of possibly cheating readers.  I read books in the past when it feels like the author is rushing through his dialogues in a haste to get to the end.  For whatever reason that may be, I wanted to take my time and provide important details to my readers.  I wanted to be sure not to leave unanswered questions forcing readers to make assumptions.  However, I still have to admit that I am a stickler for details.

Norm:

What would you say is Sandra’s biggest strength and her greatest weakness?

Dwayne:

Sandra’s biggest strength is her willingness to help others in need.  Sandra is a loyal friend to the people she meet.  Sandra greatest weakness is her low self-esteem and her inability to love herself.  What is both Sandra’s strength and weakness is her being extremely naïve and too trusting of others she barely knows.

Norm:

Does your work have a broader mission than simply entertaining or storytelling?  Can you talk more about that mission and what you hope readers will take away after reading The Mouse That Roared?

Dwayne:

My sincere mission is to write a book that readers can enjoy.  I strongly wish for The Mouse That Roared can one day be made into a movie.  I need to make note of another important fact about The Mouse That Roared my wife bought to my attention.  My wife is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working for the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.  She created a book mark that I always include in the marketing material for The Mouse That Roared.  She created a “Resource Bookmark” that clinically addresses the many social and dysfunctional issues characters face in The Mouse That Roared.  The front of the bookmark is the front cover of the book, but on the back you’ll find the following:

AWARENESS IS THE KEY-KNOW YOUR RESOURCES!

Dwayne Murray’s suspense novel The Mouse that Roared encompasses many social and family issues that people are faced with every day of their lives.  Most of us either lived through or know someone who is living through issues relating to parent/child dysfunctional relationships, alcohol and drug addiction, physical and emotional abuse, child sexual abuse, child exploitation, and issues of loss and bereavement.  People learn to live with these tragedies as they maybe afraid or not know how to seek help. The Mouse that Roared is a novel of fiction and the characters are all part of the author’s imagination. Nonetheless, if readers finds themselves or know of others engulfed by issues addressed in this book, there’s help out there.

Internet Resources

Improving the Parent/Child Relationship

www.crossroads.ca/response/parchild.htm

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

www.addict-help.com

Physical & Emotional Abuse

www.cyberparent.com

Child Abuse

www.childhelpusa.org

Child Pornography and Exploitation

www.usdoj.gov

Loss and Bereavement

www.healthyplace.com

My wife Angela’s idea to include this resource bookmark in every book was one of the most innovative additions to my marketing materials.  I am so proud to include this bookmark to my material because just in case a reader actually find themselves in any of the predicament characters are faced with in this book, they will know help is available to them.  A special “thanks” to my wife Angela.

Norm:

How did you create Doug Gunner?

Dwayne:

WOW! Good Question.  All of my characters, especially Doug Gunner, are all formulated from my imagination.  In developing my antagonist, the infamous Doug Gunner, I knew I had to make the readers hate him in order for them to sympathize and support my protagonist Sandra Lyte.  I took other characters from a few of my favorite movies to give birth to Doug Gunner.  “Neno Brown” from the movie “New Jack City” played by Wesley Snipes,  was known for his hustle in the streets and making money at all cost. Neno was a drug dealer and even killed his best friend over the almighty dollar.  “Mister” played by Danny Glover in “The Color Purple” was a man who had no respect for women and was absent of honor toward both his wife and children.  Mister ruled his household by fear not love.  “Lex Luther” portrayed by Gene Hackman in the movie “Superman” was a critical thinker and extremely diabolical.  If you take all of these characters and make them into one, it would give birth to Doug Gunner. 

Norm:

Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire you?

Dwayne:

 I am also a devote reader of Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Walter Mosley, and James Patterson.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to share with our readers?

Dwayne:

I want my readers to know a little about myself.  I was born in Harlem Hospital and raised in the Bronx.  I graduated Manhattan Vocational High School in 1983.  I attended Florida State University for one year then transferred to Empire State College where I obtained an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts majoring in Electrical Theory.  I am happily married to my wife Angela for 20 years and we are the proud parents of two sons; Dwayne, Jr. who is 21 years old and a student of Bronx Community College, and Daniel who is 17 years old and a junior at Alfred E. Smith High School.  I am currently an “A” Journeyman Electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #3.  I recently accomplished my goal to write and self publish my very first novel The Mouse That Roared. 

My wife Angela has been my biggest supporter.  She jumped right in, rolled up her sleeves and is responsible for setting up my connection to you Mr. Goldman and BookPleasures.com.  I know this process has been much easier because of her unconditional support.  I am blessed to have her on my side.  My sons have been supportive by allowing me to run ideas by them and they give me their honest opinions.  Also it’s important to note that my sheer desire to have this story read by as many readers as possible was a huge motivator in bringing The Mouse That Roared to fruition.  This is definitely a blessing in my life.

I want to use this opportunity to thank you for reviewing The Mouse That Roared.  I want to also extend my gratitude to BookPleasures.com for posting both the review and interview on your website.  It’s gaining the respect from established literary sites like Book Pleasures that open the doors for readers to read the review of a book before purchasing it.  I really can’t thank you enough.  I am always floored by the reviews The Mouse That Roared receives.  When readers break down the characters and the story lines, it’s a great feeling to know that somebody actually enjoyed your book.  Some reviewers are already asking when my next book is coming out.  I can’t pinpoint an actual date, but my second novel is in its embryonic stages.  I had people tell me they missed their stops on the train or on the bus because they were so into the book.  At times, it’s a bit overwhelming but I am enjoying the ride.  Most of all, I appreciate all the support given to me by readers and I can only wish that I receive continued support from the literary community. 

Thanks once again Dwayne and good luck with your book.