Today I’ll be hosting author Roland Sato Page on my blog. His debut novel, Eating the Forbidden Fruit is a gritty fiction loosely based on true events in the author’s life.
Me: What inspired you to start writing Eating the Forbidden fruit?
Roland: My mother passed two years ago, I promised her I would finish what I started. Actually, I wrote the novel many years ago just never completed the story. So I felt compelled to finish the book leaving a written blueprint for my legacy to pass down for generations to come. Also, writing helps manage my depression due to Lupus.
Me: Can you share a snippet that isn’t in the blurb or excerpt?
Roland: Sure! One section that stands out is the last time I spoke with my father. On a Thursday afternoon, my father and I had a bad falling out. He told me he was worried about the company I was keeping and what I was doing to get the amount of money I had. I informed him there was nothing to worry about I had everything under control. The conversation escalated to an argument resulting in me saying something every disrespectful. I left St. Louis traveling to Central State University in Warrensburg Mo to visit my brother. I needed to clear my head. However, before I left something was unsettling to me. I knew I made a mistake. I wanted to turn around and go tell my pops I was sorry for what I said. Yet my pride clouded my judgment. I eventually arrived in Warrensburg on a Friday. I discussed the situation with my brother. I told him I felt so bad. Soon as I returned to St. Louis I needed to apologize to our father. It was good to get out the city, but I really could not enjoy myself in Warrensburg. I passed the time meeting different girls and just being totally reckless. Selling drugs and sleeping with random girls I barely knew. Saturday evening rolled around, word got to me my brother was looking for me on campus. Once I found him. He rushed to me grabbing by the arms. “Where you been?” He screamed. I looked confused pushing him back. “What’s wrong man?” I replied. He started to cry, “I been looking all over for you. Pops passed away. He had a heart attack.” At that moment my world collapsed. The reality set in. I cursed my pops out on a Thursday and Saturday he departed. I would never have the change to apologize.
Me: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Roland: I write out of necessity to maintain my sanity. Depression is real. I suffer from PTSD.
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Me: What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Roland: Getting motivated is the biggest obstacle. Lupus makes me quite fatigued. Sometimes I have to push myself to finish writing.
Me: What do you think makes a good story?
Roland: It’s a true story many can relate to. A down to Earth tale of karma. We all fall from grace sometimes more than once.
Me: What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?
Roland: Eating the Forbidden Fruit allowed me to archive so many memories I thought I forgot. Good memories that can never be replaced.
Me: How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?
Roland: On so many occasions I cried and laughed. I realize I been fortunate to have a supportive family. I truly believe that’s what fared me through the storm.
Me: Who is your favorite author and why?
Roland: Stephen King his is the G.O.A.T! His creativity is untouchable. I am also a tattooist, a visual artist so I appreciate the way he transforms his books into film masterpieces. The ideas he comes up with amazes me. It’s like is he even human.
Me: What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Roland: S.E Hinton “The Outsiders” a book before it’s time. A true tale of prejudices, bullying, and underdog becoming a hero.
Me: Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Roland: Well for me I write about things I am familiar with which get my creative juices flowing. If I have to research to write something. I lose interest.
Me: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Roland: Humble, Committed, and Spiritual.
Me: Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
Roland: Yes indeed. My second novel titled “Skin Deep” about the temptations in the body art industry. When you dealing with skin and woman as a married man the drama is plentiful.
Connect with Roland on: Website Instagram
About the Book
Eating the Forbidden Fruit is a gritty fiction novel loosely based on true events in author Roland Sato Page’s life. The newcomer author delivers a personal journey into his rise and demise as a St. Louis City Police Officer. He takes the readers on a roller coaster ride of good ole family memories to the nightmarish reality of being a police officer indicted on federal drug charges. During his trial, he wrote memoirs as a testimonial of redemption. Roland’s case stems from the conflict of his childhood affiliation and his oath to uphold the law. What is certain is one can’t run from sin for karma is much faster.
Purchase here: Amazon.com Amazon.in
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