Business
Urban fiction authors who overcame prison and forged lucrative careers
Street literature, officially recognized as urban fiction, has evolved into a permanent part of American literature.
With the success of street literature, many African-American authors have been transformed from street-savvy hustlers to literary inspirations and millionaires. Most of these prominent urban authors are using their life experiences to fuel their passion and words. Here, we feature eight urban authors who were once or are still incarcerated. They all have criminal histories, but now their experiences are used to prevent others from following down such a despairing path.
Wahida Clark
With the release of her 2005 debut novel, Thugs and the Women who Love Them, the world was introduced to an emerging talent in urban fiction, Wahida Clark. The “Queen of Thug Love Fiction” immediately built a dedicated foundation of readers that were mesmerized with her depictions of a lifestyle that involved hustling, murder, and millions.
She was once incarcerated in a women’s federal camp in Lexington, Kentucky. After reading a small portion of Shannon Holmes’ B-More Careful, Clarke made the conscious decision to dedicate the remainder of her nine-year-sentence to creating the “Thug” series, thus sharing her experiences in life with the world. Since her release, Wahida Clark has used her position in literature to expose other urban authors to her audience. She is now the head of W. Clark Publishing and is now regarded as a savvy business woman and wise entrepreneur.
Kwame Teague
Kwame Teague is serving two life sentences for the shooting deaths of two men (he pleaded not guilty), Teague has refused to spend his time idly while waiting for a possible release date in the future. Instead, he has penned the series, Dutch, a wildly successful urban fiction masterpiece that has captured the attention of many readers. Though Kwame’s name is not included on the covers of any of the Dutch novels for legal reasons, he is the mastermind behind the words. The Dutch series has been banned in all state prisons for inciting violence among inmates, but that has not stopped Teague from continuing to write about these fictional characters living real-life situations.
K’wan
K’wan is one of the most accomplished authors in urban fiction, but in 2002, he was merely a novice in the writing world, as he was the first author in line to be published by the relatively small and widely unknown company, Triple Crown Publications. Catching the writing bug while serving a short stint in jail, K’wan was literally dared to write the beginnings of the classic, Gangsta.
With 11 bestsellers under his belt, a multi-book deal with St. Martin’s Press, and thousands of adoring fans that read what he writes, K’wan is regarded as one of the leaders in the genre.
Kiki Swanson
Kiki Swinson, is a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She discovered her passion for penning real-life experiences in novel form when she completed her first book, Mad Shambles, while serving five-years in federal prison for allegedly being the “wifey” of a very successful drug dealer. After being released, Swinson self-published Mad Shambles before pitching Wifey to publishing houses. Eventually, the book was picked up by Melodrama Publishing. Fifteen years after being released from prison, Kiki Swinson’s life as a narcotics kingpen’s wifey has generated a hefty profit.
Shannon Holmes
Shannon Holmes, was armed with nothing more than a General Educational Development (GED) and a prison record when he decided that writing about his street experiences rather than living them was his life’s mission.
While serving five years in prison for various drug convictions, Holmes wrote his first novel and negotiated a deal with Triple Crown Publications. His timely classic, B-More Careful, was the launching pad for his successful career as an author.
The novel sold half-a-million copies, B-More Careful and transformed Holmes into a platinum commodity in publishing.
Holmes continues to be a giant in urban fiction and has released several other popular street novels.
Jihad
Seven years in federal prison served Jihad well. It awakened his conscious to the issues plaguing the African-American community and inspired him to begin writing and using his experiences to motivate others to achieve the “impossible”.
Jihad is nine novels into his blossoming career and is in the process of adapting one of them ,Baby Girl into a screenplay.
Vickie M. Stringer
Vickie M. Stringer is a literary powerhouse. After founding the renowned publishing company Triple Crown Publications, Stringer was integral in changing the published world by creating a stable of urban authors with powerful stories to share with the world. Stringer served seven years in federal prison before realizing that she had a knack and passion for writing.
After her release, Stringer founded Triple Crown Publications. After receiving 26 rejection letters from different publishing houses, Stringer self published Let That Be the Reason, selling it out of the trunk of her car at salons and barbershops.
Vickie M. Stringer turned her life into a living testament to the power of determination, strong will, and the resilience of the human spirit
Treasure Hernandez
Treasure Hernandez is currently incarcerated, but has released a full seven-book series, three books of a new series, and two other independent novels. Once she is released, Treasure will be able to capitalize on the career that she has established behind prison walls.
Source: The Atlanta Post