First, please tell our readers a little about yourself.
I was born on the north side of Chicago, IL. I’m the second oldest of six kids. I’m the proud father of two beautiful daughters. I migrated to Miami (West Perrine, FL) as a teen. I have a strong family side in Brundidge Alabama. Reading, writing, and exercising is enjoyable for me. Writing is very therapeutic. When I set my sights on something, I’m very persistent and I still haven’t figured out what the definition of giving up means. I’m very spiritual. One thing I truly believe is, everything in the world goes from ugly to lovely, which means everything will get better as long as you remain strong.
Can you give our readers a brief description of your latest project, Mini Distractions?
Mini Distractionz is about a man who has a lot of potential in life but is easily sidetracked by the worldly distractions that people face every day. Mini finally reaches the point where he wants to do right but the consequences of his actions prevent him from being employed which put him in a crossroad to where he fell victim to all the worldly distractions. He had no choice but to head back to the streets to make a living for himself and his daughter.
What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write Mini Distractionz because during my life, I faced a lot of distractions so it inspired me to write a book in order to give people a chance to learn from the mistakes I made so they won’t repeat them.
Who are some of the writers who have influenced your writing style?
My mother, Sheila Hodges is an author. She wrote a book called Against All Odds which is available on Amazon. Also, Author James Patterson, Terry McMillian, Sidney Sheldon, and Jackie Collins are a few other writers who have influenced my writing.
Your book cover is very unique. Who designed your cover? How did you go about selecting your book cover designer?
Carrie Bledsoe, CEO and Owner of Miss Web Designer, LLC is the woman behind the cover design. I saw her portfolio on Twitter and realized that she designed the best book covers I had ever seen in my life. I was truly blown away with her talent. She can be reached at www.misswebdesigner.com
Can you explain the process of bringing and getting your books to print from prison?
In order to get your books to print from prison, you first have to find someone who believes in you. Someone who will take the time to type the handwritten manuscript. They’ll have to handle all the things you’re unable to by sending the novel to the editor, formatter, and hiring someone as talented as Miss Web Designer to create an eye-catching cover that matches your book. Then they’ll have to choose the best publication route, with a publishing house or a self-publishing platform such as Amazon, Draft to Digital, and/or Lulu.
What advice do you have to offer other incarcerated aspiring authors or first time novelists?
Never give up. Keep writing every day. Never take no for an answer. Don’t be discouraged when publishing companies and literary agents don’t respond back. And always remember that any story inside of you is a story worth being told so take your time and tell it how you wish for it to be told.
In less than 50 words, persuade our readers to buy “Mini Distractionz.”
Mini Distractionz is the greatest book written in the last 20 years. I guarantee it’s an automatic page turner and once you read it you’ll discover that everyone has a little bit of Mini in them.
Can we expect any more books from you in the future?
Yes, as a matter of fact, my second book, 39 Lashes of Karma is currently in publication which will be available on Amazon. In the winter of 2017, Major Repercussions will be published and I’m currently writing my fourth book which is called Mental Kisses.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with you or follow you for updates on your book?
My email is authorpugh2017@yahoo.com
My Twitter is https://twitter.com/MiniSize2016
And my address is:
Ronnie Pugh
#249863 / K-87
100 Warrior Lane
Bessemer, AL 35023
After being incarcerated for over a decade, Runny Clem, better known as Mini Size, is released back into society. A few false starts later, a discouraged Mini once again finds himself being enticed by the life of a hustler, which comes with both quick money and worldly women—the very things that had led to his previous downfalls. Will he be able to remain focused this time, or will he once again fall victim to his long list of Mini Distractionz?
The book can be purchased on Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Nobles.
About the author:
Author Ronnie Pugh was born on February 20, 1970 in Chicago, Illinois. While living on the north side of Chicago, he began his educational journey at Walt Disney Magnet School before moving to George B. Swift Elementary, and then Budlong Elementary. After moving to West Perrine, a rough section of Florida’s Miami-Dade County, he attended Mays Junior High prior to enrolling at Miami South Ridge Senior High, Miami Palmetto Senior High, and Miami McArthur Senior High. After so many changes, he finished school at Apex Technical Trade School, where he studied air conditioning and refrigeration.
A troubled youth, Pugh was eventually incarcerated. He thinks of the time he spent away as a period that allowed him to better himself and learn from his mistakes, and he draws from those mistakes when writing.
After taking up the craft in 2015, Pugh became a prolific writer. In 2016, he delivered the future bestselling novel Mini Distractionz, which was published by Miss Book Bond Publications and sold by Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Createspace. His second novel has been completed and is set to be delivered later this year.
Once a songwriter and recording artist who, as half of a rap duo called Liquidation, went by the name of Kneenja Turtlez, Pugh made regional hits such as ‘Hot Summa,’ ‘Grown Man,’ and ‘Respect,’ all of which are featured on Mobstaz Committee’s 2006 album Da Take Over.
He chose to be an author instead of a recording artist because he, in his own words, loves to read the results of what he has impacted into life between the pages of a book. With little outside support, his experience as a writer has been difficult, but he remains inspired by his ability to overcome obstacles. He typed his first manuscript on the mobile version of Google Docs before learning that most literary agents and major publishers are not supportive of aspiring writers. This knowledge prompted him to self-publish his novel and later become co-CEO of Miss Book Bond Publications. His future books will be self-published under his own imprint, Turtlepu Books.
Pugh is known to be a lover of music, and he enjoys reading, exercising, and watching crime and suspense shows. He takes CEU credits from APAEP, associated with Auburn University and the College of Human Sciences. Some of the credits he has obtained are in courses such as Introduction to Philosophy, African-American Literature, and Introduction to Shakespeare.