About the Author: Author and award-winning filmmaker, Nick Brooks, hails from Washington, DC. He’s a 2020 graduate of the University of Southern California’s TV and Film Production program, earning both the prestigious George Lucas Scholar Award and the James Bridges and Jack Larson Award for Writing and Directing. In 2022 he published his first middle grade novel, NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT, the first book in a three book series. His first YA novel, PROMISE BOYS debuted January 2023 and has already been deemed a much-anticipated read of 2023 by Buzzfeed, Seventeen and Forbes. Truly a multihyphenate, Nick writes and records hip hop under the moniker Ben Kenobe and is most noted for working with G.O.O.D Music artist, Tony Williams. He recently acted as Lyricist for the rap film, THE CYPHER, executive produced by Ben Corey Jones. The film made its world premiere at the 2020 Tribeca Film Fest and was acquired by HBO. As a storyteller he strives to tell stories that are timely and timeless.” (Bio taken from author’s website.)
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Nick Brooks: Thank you! Life has been an amazing adventure since pub day. And even though it’s only been 5 months, it feels like forever. I’d make the choice again.
NB: Yep, I wrote keeping in mind that my community speaks in a distinct way. I wouldn’t say I necessarily used language non-readers related to, but more made sure the text was accessible and fun to read. And relatable, which is why I break down different stereotypes potential readers have probably faced.
It was natural for me to keep this in mind while drafting PB because as an educator I always made sure I met students where they were. And writing PB was no different.
NB: My experience as an educator was tremendously informative in telling this story. Working specifically with boys considered, “at-risk”, I came across countless, Treys, Ramóns and J.B.s, and my time spent with these young men helped me visualize the main characters of the story. Many of the staff, family, and community characters that make up the world are also inspired by real interactions I had during my time as a teacher.
NB: Having multiple POVs was always baked into the concept of the book. I read Kekla Magoon’s “HOW IT WENT DOWN” as a sort of manual of how to pull it off.
NB: For my characters I love to identify their want, need, closest loved one, biggest flaw and darkest secret. This helps make sure they’re well rounded. I let these things drive their decisions, ensuring the plot and character arc stay connected.
Ramón was the toughest to write because of the nuances of his culture. I wanted to be sure I was representing the Salvadorian community accurately and respectfully.
NB: With so many important conversations happening it’s become tougher to get folks to pay attention to any one cause. It seemed like a fun, though thrilling, murder mystery would be a great way to discuss these issues and the issues of our education system. And because our kids are the most impacted by the broken education system, it’s only right we experience that system through their POV.
NB: Absolutely! Writing music helped with the musicality and cadence of my writing. Writing screenplays helped me sharpen my dialogue and allowed me to make PB as cinematic as possible.
Conversely, writing this novel helped make me a better storyteller overall. It pushed me in ways I hadn’t been before and I’ll definitely take that into writing my next screenplays and songs.
NB: I’m currently working on my next YA mystery and I can’t wait to share more!!
PRR Assistant Director, Erika Brittain