Either the product makes money like "street lit" and sex novels do, or it fades into obscurity like a VHS video tape machine. But if the only way I can earn a living now in African-American adult fiction is to sell my people the same poison that they've become addicted to, then I quit with my artistic integrity still in tact, while moving on to a more progressive mission.
--Bestselling author Omar Tyree on why he's done with street lit and anything that resembles it. (source)
Comments: (14)
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By: Shannon on 6/26/2008 11:10AM
I understand his statement but the books I've read by Omar Tyree were really good: Flyy Girl and Leslie were terrific. I especially loved Leslie and had hoped he would do a sequel but I guess not or does he consider Leslie poison?
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By: GoatRydah84 on 6/26/2008 2:48PM
Congrats to you Omar! Transitioning is a beautiful thing. Once we realize that we are too comfortable in a place in our lives, it's time to move on. Progression and change are the elements that puts an end to the monotony and mundane. As we all know, or should know by now, the media is oversaturated with negative and stereotypical poison that have us to believe that this is how we are as a people. So looking forward to your new works!! I'm sure it will be uplifting!
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By: Lady on 6/26/2008 3:48PM
I agree with you #2.
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By: Truthfully on 6/27/2008 8:39AM
I agree - don't sell your soul for a dollar. Do what is right for you. Readers who don't need the same old same drama of street lit are plenty. I love Walter Mosely and Tananarive Due. Its a challenge to find black authors who defy the norm but definitely worth it. Good luck Mr. Tyree!!
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By: poeticvibe on 6/26/2008 6:24PM
Soooo, this notion of not producing literary poison did not occurr to you BEFORE you made a profit? You're still typical to me.
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By: GFU on 6/26/2008 6:49PM
Good for him! If it is not building us up than move on.
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By: Satin on 6/27/2008 8:20PM
He needs to come clean and admit he quit because the last few books he wrote were WEAK!!! I couldn't even finish them. smdh
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By: michelle on 6/28/2008 3:46PM
I honestly believe that the only reason why he's mad is because he sucks at writing urban lit. I don't know what happened after flyy girl one, but ... anyway I can't say that I'll miss him much
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By: chris hollis on 6/30/2008 4:22PM
All power to you Omar. I would like to congratulate you on my favorite three books that you have written. (1)'Capital City'(2)'One Crazy A** Night'(3)'Coldblooded'. I am currently reading 'The Last Street Novel' You should also be commendeded for your great work back in the day at Capital Spotlight and News Dimensions newspapers in 'chocolate city'. c.hollis
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By: denise butler on 7/01/2008 5:05PM
good luck cousin
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