Sotomayor; The First Latino and Third Female Justice of the United States Supreme Court

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Interview With Author, Delvon Johnson

I recently became acquainted with first time, self-published author Delvon Johnson who has just come out with his first book Love Yourself First. I read the entire book in the course of a weekend and decided that I'd like to interview him about his book. Here is what transpired.

1. What was your inspiration for writing this book?

My first inspiration is E. Lynn Harris.I was reading one of his books and I thought to myself,“ I can write a book!” Almost a year later,Love Yourself First was released.

2. How long have you been writing?

I’ve enjoyed writing for a long time,but Love Yourself First was born in January 2008 and was completed in June 2008.

3. How did you decide to self-publish?

I went online and did the research, and found out about Authorhouse. They provided everything I needed to complete a well polished book and since they financed,I was happy to work with them

4. In your book, you portray your characters in such a way that there are no clear heroes or villains. Did you plan it this way?

No. My ideas came to me as I wrote them. It was a wonderful experience because it just depended on what direction I wanted to take the book in at that particular moment.

5. Your book deals with the entire DL phenomenon. What are your thoughts on the DL phenomenon?

I think it’s a very dangerous game to play. There are a lot of lies and deception involved, which could lead to a lot of heartache on everybody’s part,including children in certain situations. On the contrary though, I think it’s our society that makes these men behave this way. By coming out, it could jeopardize their jobs, family relationships and list of other things. It also has to do with men having sexual desires that their wives can’t fufill, and the fantasies that their wives or girlfriends might be able to achieve, they would be way too embarrassed to communicate those feelings because of what their wives may think after they have expressed them. So, it is easier for them to go find another man to fill those fantasies and keep those fantasies buried deep within.

6. Have you had experience with men on the DL?

Yes, I have dated men that have been on the DL, and it is a very shady thing to deal with. Most of the time, guys like me date men on the DL because they are attracted to the masculinity of the man. It is also taboo, and anything that is considered off limits always looks more enticing. I don’t deal with men on the DL anymore because usually, it’s just sexual. As I have gotten older, sex has become a small priority with the men I am involved with. That factor alone eliminates me dealing with them anymore because that’s all that is really involved. As for being in a relationship, it won’t ever happen because usually these guys are lying to themselves and others and fooling people into believing that they are heterosexual when they are really bisexual. Needless to say,these men sleep with other men and don't consider themselves gay or bisexual.

7. Discuss the title of your book, Love Yourself First. How did you come up with this title?

Well, I had recently got out of relationship that had taken quite a toll on me and I was so frustrated that I didn’t know what to do, which was why I started the book. The title Love Yourself First was instantly created because I promised myself after that relationship that took me through so much, that I would make sure I loved myself a whole lot more before I decided to share that love with another person.

8. How do you interpret the idea of loving yourself first?

You just have to put yourself first and take care of yourself before you get into a relationship. There are so many people out there trying to be in a relationship without loving themselves first. Loving yourself first will prevent plenty of relationship issues because it’s much easier to love others when you love yourself first!

9. Where do you go from here? Are you writing anything else?

Yes, the second book is completed. It is called Follow Your Dreams to The stars, and book three is currently under creation. It’s called Under Cover Lover. Love Yourself First is also being turned into a screenplay for TV.

10. What are your aspirations as far as writing?

It’s my calling. I found something that I love to do and it is going to take me to the top. I really don’t think I would have went as far if it weren’t for E. Lynn Harris. He made me believe I could do it.

11. What would you like the public to know about either you or your book?

It is a great read. It can be picked up at Amazon.com or Barnes & Nobles.com. However, it is cheaper on my publisher's website which is www.authorhouse.com. Just type the title in the search engine.

12. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.