The Ultimate Choice: Conversation With Author Terence Ramone Gills
Many of us tend to fail in achieving many of our hopes and dreams because we are not taking accountability for the choices we make. The inability to move our feet and take action is ultimately causing many of our visions to never manifest. I sat down with Author Terence Ramone Gills to talk about his journey into the literary world. Hailing from Alabama, he is a man with a passion for life and a desire for people to understand that your choices will ultimately lead you down many unexpected paths in life. This passion is what moved him to write the novel “Choice.” Gills explains, “From the time you open your eyes in the morning until you close them at night, whether good or bad, every unique individual has a choice.”
LS: Tell everyone about your brand and literary journey?
TG: My current brand is romance/erotic romance. I had a premonition about the entire novel several times before I began to write it. I could see all of my characters. I could see all of the words. I even knew the ending. I started writing this book 18 years ago, completed it in 2010 and I searched through several publishers. I did not find any that were interested. Last March, I got lucky. I found Page Publishing. I sent them my manuscript, and we began the process in April 2020 and completed it in January of 2021.
LS: A black man who can write is powerful. What does the power of your pen mean to you?
TG: It means everything…Never doubting yourself. I doubted myself as a writer. I wouldn’t write this novel because I felt like I wasn’t good enough to be a writer. If you have aspirations or dreams of being a writer to just do it. I believe everyone has a creative mind. Some of us may have more of a creative mind than others. I would still encourage anyone who feels like they want to write to just simply do it.
LS: What made you want to write?
TG: I had a premonition of my entire novel, but I still refused to write it for an additional two years, until one day, I sat down at my computer and I just began to write, and I found myself with a 250-page manuscript. My novels are more thought-provoking. I want my readers to enjoy the novels that I write. I make them funny and I make them interesting, but I always leave an underlying message that I would like for my readers to be aware of.
LS: Where does your creativity flow? How do you avoid burning out?
TG: I would have to say that it’s a God-given talent. Like I said before, I never thought of myself as being a writer and I wasted two years before I started to write “Choice” because I didn’t believe in myself. I don’t want to make it sound as if I’m so gifted or talented, but I can see the words before I write them. I can feel the story as I write it. I don’t have to think about it. The words are just there, waiting to be put on paper.
As far as burning out, once again, I believe I have a God-given talent to write. I have so many novels in my head to write, but I can’t write fast enough to get them all out. I don’t see myself burning out anytime soon because there are stories in my mind that are screaming to get out.
LS: If you could change anything about the literary industry, what would it be?
TG: To encourage more people to pursue that creative talent they possess but don’t know. You don’t have to be a world-renowned writer to write your story. I would encourage anyone who feels like they have something to say to sit down, write it, and build an audience around you.
LS: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
TG: Don’t hesitate. You have a passion to write, so don’t waste time telling yourself that you’re not something that you are. Follow your dreams. Sit down and begin.
LS: You have become a pioneer for other African-American Authors, how does that make you feel?
TG: It makes me feel wonderful. It makes me feel very, very good to be in this position. I would love to inspire more African Americans to venture into whatever genre they choose. I would also like to say I want to be an inspiration to anyone, not just African Americans, but to anyone who feels like they want to write.
LS: What can readers expect from the book “Choice”? What do you want readers to get from your story?
TG: I want my readers to sit back and enjoy, laugh, and cry with my novel, but I also want them to be mindful of the silent message that I’m sending to them and that is that everyone has a choice. I want them to make conscientious choices instead of emotional, irrational choices.
LS: What is next for Terence Gills?
TG: My second novel, “Deceived”, will be in the genre of erotic romance. “Choice” is my first book and can be purchased on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon, as well as via paperback at Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
LS: Tell us about your many community events?
TG: COVID-19 has prohibited me from doing book signings as of yet. However, I pass out several business cards about my novel. I speak to people often, asking them if they are novel readers and, if they are, I introduce them to my novel and I thank them for their support. I also will be attending the Atlanta Kick Back, presented by the 556 Book Chicks, on July 17, 2021, in Atlanta, GA.
LS: What is the hardest part of your journey?
TG: The hardest part of this journey has been getting this novel published. I didn’t start the publishing process until last March 2020 and it was completed in January 2021.
