#Reblog: An Insightful Written Interview with Blake A-L Boyd (RollingOut.com)
Discover the captivating world of Blake A-L Boyd and his powerful new book, The Time of Alexander. With a passion for storytelling and a belief in the transformative power of oral history, Boyd takes readers on a poetic journey filled with unexpected encounters and cliffhangers. Learn about Boyd’s inspiration, the story behind the title, and his thoughts on the importance of authentic representation for Black writers. Stay tuned for future volumes as Boyd expands on the stories in this compelling series. Don’t miss out on this must-read literary masterpiece—explore more on TheTimeofAlexander.com.
Collaboration
7/31/20252 min read
read the full interview on RollingOut.com https://rollingout.com/2022/03/13/blake-a-l-boyd-tells-the-importance-of-storytelling-in-the-time-of-alexander/
Unveiling The Time of Alexander
Boyd’s new book is more than just a novel; it’s a journey through poetic storytelling and unexpected encounters. The title, The Time of Alexander, plays on the importance of oral history and passing down stories from generation to generation. According to Boyd, storytelling is key to preserving the wisdom and culture of any community, and he uses this platform to bring life lessons to his readers in an engaging, cliff-hanger style.
Initially, Boyd’s book was titled Morning After and revolved around a mysterious event that caused the protagonist to retrace their steps. However, over time, the book transformed into the masterpiece we know today. As Boyd himself explains, the stories in The Time of Alexander are just the beginning. In future volumes (II-IX), Boyd will expand on several of these narratives, making this a series readers can look forward to.
A Process Fueled by Passion
Writing The Time of Alexander wasn’t without its challenges. Boyd reveals that editing was one of the most difficult aspects of the process. What started as an extensive manuscript was eventually condensed into the compelling narrative found in Volume I. Despite this struggle, Boyd has found immense satisfaction in transforming his ideas and experiences into stories that have the power to resonate with readers.
For Boyd, writing is a deeply personal experience. He shares, “My opportunity to live inspires me, especially if I have experiences and syntheses that could be valuable and unique.” It is this passion for life and its lessons that drives Boyd to continue creating stories that speak to the heart.
The Role of Black Writers and Readers
In an industry where representation matters, Boyd stresses the significance of Black writers and readers having the space to share their authentic voices. He believes it’s crucial for Black people to have their stories told from a first-hand perspective, as popular media often distorts their narratives. Boyd’s own travels have shown him how important it is for people to hear these stories directly from the source.
As he mentions in his interview, “More works need to be done internationally to capture the sophisticated, [cultural] power of Black people.” Boyd's belief in the power of storytelling goes beyond just entertainment; it is a tool for education, empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Advice to Aspiring Writers
For those looking to follow in Boyd’s footsteps and pursue writing, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Never quit,” quoting the legendary Master P. Boyd’s persistence and resilience have undoubtedly been key to his success as an author, and his words serve as motivation for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of storytelling.
Conclusion
The Time of Alexander is more than just a book; it is an exploration of life, culture, and the transformative power of storytelling. With poetic prose, cliffhangers, and rich narratives, Boyd’s work is set to leave a lasting impact on readers and future writers alike. Whether you're looking for a captivating story or a source of inspiration, Blake A-L Boyd’s book is a must-read.