Xlibris Author| Lamont Cox, An Open Book

Xlibris Publishing introduces Lamont “Voice” Cox , author of An Open Book: One Man Revealed.

 

Please briefly describe your book.

My book, An Open Book: One Man Revealed, is a man’s journey post separation dealing with trust issues, depression, substance abuse and inner conflict through poetry and prose with accompanying journal entries.

 

 

Who is the author “behind” the book?

I am a writer, poet, spoken word artist, motivational speaker, community activist and philanthropist from Kinston, NC. I’ve received several awards for both my writing (Ganspa Male Erotic Poet of the Year) and community work (MLK Jr Humanitarian Award).

 

 

Do you have any particular literary influences that have helped you develop in your genre, subject and style?

I would have to say my writing style has been influenced by poetry icons such as James Baldwin and Langston Hughes to newer poets that are unheralded like Charles Perry and Curtis Hill, Jr. My writing is a mix of down home story telling in the backyard and Edgar Allen Poe’s Theory of Competition.  I’ve also drawn inspiration from visual art from the likes of Jean Michael Basquiat and Salvador Dali to undiscovered artists such as Waheeda Noel, Tiffany Poole and Maximillian Mozingo.

 

 

What inspired you to write your book, and how long did it take you to finish it?

I just wanted to tell my story with the feeling that it would let people know that they are not alone in their suffering. What I was going through during that time period was not unique but could potentially help others. This work spans almost 2 years of poems, prose and journal entries.

 

 

What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?

If I could convey one message with this work, it is that we are never alone in our struggles.

 

 

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

There won’t be a sequel, as of now, but there will be another body of work, stemming from the short story at the end of this collection.

 

 

Are there any events, marketing ideas or promotions planned for your book? Please feel free to mention any accolades you have received.

There will be a book launch on March 9, 2018 in Kinston, NC. I will have several book signings and a coffee shop tour of NC cities.  I also have a blog via WordPress (voicethegreat.blog).

2016 GANSPA Male Erotic Poet of the Year

2017 MKL Jr Humanitarian Award (Flint, Michigan)

 

 

 

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with Xlibris?

I think my favorite part(s) about this publishing experience has been the promptness each Xlibris department displayed. Everyone has been just a phone call or email away. The second thing has been having the book available online 5 days ahead of schedule.  Xlibris has been wonderful to us.

 

 

 

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring authors is first to continue to work on your craft.  Secondly, take the time to learn the business of publishing, marketing and promoting. The more prepared you are at the time of publishing, the easier your journey.

 

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