Torrance T. Stephens

It has been a long time, but I have procured a featured artist of the month. I came across Mr. Stephen’s quite by accident. I am always looking for new or little known writers that are creative with a special spark of imagination that allows them to create a work that is not only interesting but also unique. Torrance Stephen’s fit that bill.

Originally, from Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Stephens attended Morehouse College where he studied, psychology, biology and chemistry. He received a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Measurement from Atlanta University and a Ph.D. in Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. He has participated in Post-doctoral experiences in Nigeria, Senegal and several other African countries working with Africare International.¹

I purchased the book Butter Brown with an open mind and no expectations. I enjoy reading the work of author’s that take an unconventional approach to a very familiar ride. I must admit that this Butter Brown was just that, a disorienting ride through the mind of the male psyche as it dealt with women, male friendship and love.

Torrance writes with an open heart and mind allowing his life experiences to permeate his work in such away that you can visualize the sights and sounds. Butter Brown presented me with an enjoyable afternoon.

THE QUESTIONS

1. In the past ten years or so there has been resurgence in the black urban voice with many writers are foregoing the established routes for getting their work published. What was your inspiration to become a writer and has the process of being self-published helped or hurt your creative muse?

I have been writing all of my life. It has just been what I have done. My greatest inspiration is likely Voltaire and Anais Ninn, Pablo Neruda, Maya Angelou. I just felt I wanted to show the world what I lived and experienced in my voice. Voltaire, true is my all time favorite and I am honored to say so. But few folks presently have or evince the intellectual squib or derision, to even approach the skill of a Voltaire or a Moliere – albeit I try.

2. In your book Butter Brown, you discuss many topics from a decidedly male point of view. What was the purpose of these short stories and what did you set out to illustrate to the reader?

No purpose, I just write what I live and experiences. Not to mention I love all genres. The short story and play I fell are the most difficult to pen. Add to that I love erotica, sci-fi, horror, drama and realism. It is important as a writer to write or try and write everything. I also want to capture my experiences, my upbringing, the people I grew up with and what makes me as a person. That’s why a lot of m characters are from Memphis as well as Memphis, Atlanta and Africa being the setting for many of my stories.

3. There has been a lot said over the past year about influences of the Hip Hop culture on the way black men and women interact with each other. As a writer how do you see this interaction, and as a black man what would you like to see stressed as a “must do” in increase understanding between the two sexes.

Well, more folks should write from their heart. Music has always influenced literature and always will. Hip hop for me, is no different from Rock or RB. All have influenced me and are evident in my characters. As for the sexes, that will be left up to individuals, for I think western culture has done more to impact relationships between black men and women than hip hop music.

4. In literary circles, it is often a benchmark of how a writer sees his world by which authors he most closely associates and/or emulates. If you could choose one character from any fictional work that would best sum up when you stand as a person which character would you choose and why?

I’d say Gash Love, from my book A Matter of Attention. He is a savvy street smart intellectual who can hold his own with anyone. In addition, he is passionate and attentive to all around him. Then there are the main characters in the book of short stories called ROCKSTAR, STUD, GIGOLO. These reflect who I am as well. Most folks say I am all my male characters, especially the people who know me.

5. What can we expect to see or hear from you in the future?

I have a book of plays coming out soon and a book of essays at press now titled DIRT BEHIND MY EARS. I also have another book of short stories expected out this year called FREAK TYPE SCENE and another novel called HER KISS WAS NEVER MIND.

Near the end of the year I am releasing 2 new books of sonnets: 1] Late night winds of club paradise and 2] Holding hands in the dark.

¹Taken from bio provided by author.