Toppnotch

Author Bio: I'm Damien Toppnotch Hodges, author of the Blinded by the lights trilogy series, as well as two other titles. Prolific writer that penned all of his novels behind the wall while serving a 26 year sentence in California. Against all odds, he weathered the storm. Putting his faith in his ability to write instead of his fate. Writing from his experiences, a Toppnotch novel is one that'll grasps you and take you on a visual ride. He's home now and ready to take the lit world by storm...

Author/Writer Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

What inspires me to write are the stories that I feel need to be told. The plot lines and subject matter of a Toppnotch novel keeps me intrigued to continue writing. That along with the obligation I feel to document the existence of my neighborhood, Seville/ Cabrini Green projects in Chicago, Il. Gentrification has uprooted the complexion of the area but I cultivate memories.

2. What is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre of books are educational and historical books. I like to learn something from things I've read.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

An author I admire is K'WAN. While I was incarcerated trying to reach out to other authors in my genre, the only one that got back and shared some game was Bro. Don't know him but I respect his push!

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

How I overcame writing spells was to keep writing! Not only was I writing to become self sufficient while incarcerated but to remain relevant in the streets in my absence. Another way I overcame writer's block was letting a few guys in the pod read my pages as I was writing them. The pressure to keep the story going because of their excitement drove me to finish each book.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

The legal publishing advice I can give is, work with who values your point of view on your projects. Don't get caught up on needing to sign with publishers. In today's climate, you are your own best publisher!

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I've written 5 novels. 4 are on Amazon now. Blinded by the lights, Blinded by the fame, Blinded by the game, Chicago Nights. Unfortunately, none are best sellers because of lack of marketing and promotion. They will be soon!

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

If I could rewrite one movie script, it would not. Instead of remastering someone else's work, I'll craft my own.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

I've faced a plethora of difficulties in my pursuit of writing. Writing from a position of incarceration is a fear in itself. I had no formal writing credentials or team of people supporting the vision. I read books on how to craft sentences and about the literary industry. Obtained the knowledge to be able to put books out from my cell. All while facing 45 to Life and living on vicious yards in California. I would write out a letter to send to every author I knew about. Paid guys in the dayroom to copy the letter because I hate repetitive writing. Sent out those letters in hopes of an ally but nobody responded. Really being alone outside of my mom tryna figure it out.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

The best experiences go back to letting the guys read my pages to fruition. The excitement as they interacted parts of the books and the head nods I would get from those who hadn't read it but heard about it. To transfer to a different prison and guys hearing about it or read the books not knowing me. The hope I provided to those that watched my progression first hand is what I marvel at.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

I can write in any climate. I've written in loud court holding cells, the dayroom and in the cell with cellies talking my ear off. When I'm focused, I'm locked in. Plus, I live with my storylines because most are aspects of my life.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Encouraging words I'd give to another writer would be to write from a place of authenticity. Have a passion for the subject matter you're writing about. Learn the business of the business and the different elements of it.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I didn't decide on the price point of any of my books. Up until now, I wasn't involved in the day to day of my novels. I did very little in marketing and promotion as well due to my situation in life. Looking to network and  hear innovative ways to gain exposure always.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

Everyone should read a Toppnotch novel! All are page turners that read like movies with exceptional dialogue. The subject matters are realistic and the characters are relatable. All based out of Chicago, Il. with a message.

14. Did you have a book coach?

No, I didn't have a book coach. I'm Self Made.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school was recess because after 8th grade, I stopped taking school serious until I got my A.A degree in prison.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I'm self published through my imprint, Toppnotchwritinginc.

For more: https://www.toppnotchwritinginc.com/