In The Spotlight Today: Eros Da Artiste!
How old are you and where are you from?
36 and I am from San Antonio, by way of Baltimore
How old were you when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
9 years old.
Tell us more about your book! What inspired you to write it?
The book is named I CHOOSE PAIN. It is a fictional amalgam of different factual accounts concerning what The LGBTQ community must contend with on a daily basis. The themes range from gay bashing, HIV/AIDS, Depression, Loneliness, Grief over loss, Rape, and Childhood molestation. It also includes positive themes like Close Friendships, Perseverance, Romance, Bromance, Emotional Uplift, The Importance of Therapy, and Facing the Past to live fully in the present and walk boldly into the future. The story is told through the eyes of successful marketing executive, Lionel S. Davis, who was recently disowned by his mother and cheated on by his philandering boyfriend, Nathan. He has three best friends, Joseph S. Thompson (Jojo), Felipe A. Hartfield (Peep), and Cordell R. Kennedy (Corey).
I was inspired to write it when I was diagnosed with HIV in 2004 and was watching LGBTQ themed dramedies like Noah’s Arc and Queer as Folk, and regular shows like The Golden Girls. I was living in the city of Baltimore and matriculating through graduate school at the time.
If you could relate to any character in your book, who would it be and why?
I identify with Lionel because we both felt the need of please his family more than living his life fully.
I identify with Jojo because we both came from single parent families and both had issues growing up.
I identify with Peep because we both experienced hurt by the church dealing with sexual orientation.
I identify with Corey because of our experiences with adults growing up and because of our spirits to keep it moving and go for our dreams. We are also songwriters and musicians.
What type of books do you enjoy? What are two of your favorites?
I enjoy books from the late E. Lynn Harris. My two favorites are Just As I Am and A Love of My Own.
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy doing during your free time? Do you have any other businesses?
I like playing video games, watching TV shows like POSE and FEUD: Bette and Joan. I like cooking (Sometimes) and Playing the Keys. I am also an Artist. I have a business called Touch Artistic Solutions.
If you could pick any song to describe your main character, what would it be?
“You Gotta Be” by Des’ree and “Love Makes Me Beautiful” by Yours Truly.
Do you have any upcoming books in the works?
The Sequel to I CHOOSE PAIN. title TBA.
Do you have any book specials/giveaways or events coming up?
I will be one of the Featured authors at the LGBT Music Festival in Cancun, Mexico
Where can readers keep up with you on social media? Post your usernames!
You can reach me on Facebook: Eros Da Artiste
Instagram: @ErosDaArtiste
Anything else you would like to share?
You may also go to the book’s website: www.ichoosepain.com.
And I would also like to say that Anything is Possible if you Believe It Is and It Does Get Better!
Visit Amazon to pick up a copy of 'I Choose Pain' https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Pain-Novel-Eros-Artiste-ebook/dp/B07FPTX7N4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542769381&sr=8-1&keywords=eros+da+artiste
Follow Hardy Publications on Facebook!
Visit the submission page to book your feature today!