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Behind the Pen – Author Interview: DAJ

Hi everyone! Welcome to another author interview. This week I’ll be featuring Dric Amos James, otherwise known as DAJ 2020. I want to say a huge thank you to DAJ for joining me for this interview. I loved getting to know you better and can’t wait to take a look at your work! Without further ado, read on for the interview:

Your Journey to Becoming an Author

  1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers? 

My name is DRIC AMOS JAMES, widely known as DAJ 2020, referred to as an echo of the ghetto’s voice, hope and belief to the world. His indelibly rich, firm, and deep roots proudly sprout from the slums of Africa. Born and raised in the Pearl of Africa, Uganda, East Africa.

He’s a self-taught creative force and a self-published author, poet, model, artist, writer, and publisher. A rare creative gem of light and brilliance who’s passionate about the act and art of creation. His deep passion for creation has earned him multiple awards and earned him a reputation as the “God of poetry,” for his genius in the art of poetry.  

He is the author of the multi-award winning poetry book “EMOTIONS” , his debut collection and his upcoming second poetry collection titled “THE NAKED RACE” set for release this year in December. He is also a collaborative author in “THE LINES BETWEEN US” poetry book project. He has won over twenty eight literary awards. He won the “Poet of the Year” award in 2020, from the KING AWARDS  and won the “God of Poetry” award in 2021, from the BANANA AWARDS.

 His unique poetry style has captivated audiences worldwide, building him a loyal fanbase. Art has been his oxygen, a form of survival and redemption since childhood.

  1. What first drew you to writing as a craft?

I was first of all drawn to writing from a very tender age, I recall my late dad giving me beautifully illustrated children’s books as an infant. The images in these books sparked the urge to know what the words really meant. So, I began to want to learn and read on my own and to understand what these books were all about. In the process I found myself falling in love with books and when I got introduced to poetry in my primary one by my class teacher Miss. Cathrine in 2006. It definitely became my first love and language at first sight which paved the way for my author journey in my mid twenties when I decided to self publish my debut collection. I have never looked back since even amidst the doubts, fears and financial constraints.

  1. How did your author journey begin? 

My author journey began in 2020 amidst the covid 19 pandemic. I first began by writing and posting my poetries on the writing app “WATTPAD” where it gained recognition and won multiple awards from the wattpad award communities. In less than nine months, I had won over twenty one awards which boosted my confidence to finally decide and self publish. The  full moon came with the help, guidance and assistance of my literary mentor Dapharoah69, who helped me edit, typeset, format and write the foreword for my debut collection “EMOTIONS” and the rest is history. I am my own publisher because of him.

  1. Are there any authors or books that inspired you or significantly influenced the way you write? 

Yes, multiple authors from different backgrounds like Rumi, Robert Frost, Dapharoah69, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou and Emily Dickinson have contributed hugely towards my craft and artistry. Books like “ASHEN BLUE”, “SONG BIRD” and many more sharpened my mind and honed my writing skills.

  1. What was the most surprising part of your publishing experience? 

The most surprising part of my publishing experience is book marketing and getting book sales, it’s not a guarantee that an author will become a bestseller overnight without putting in the hard work in marketing and advertising their work to a larger audience and book clubs, blogs and author interviews and spotlights. It all requires time, effort, commitment, dedication, and a mustard seed of faith in God and believing in yourself and craft knowing that you have a voice and a story that needs to be heard rather than silenced. For an indie author, it’s always YOU against the world but you can beat the odds when you learn the game.

  1. Where do you find is the best place for you to brainstorm your writing? Do you have a specific area in your house or a favorite cafe where you always end up writing the best? 

I always brainstorm when I visit nature, evening walks and while I meditate. I put pen to paper after getting my downloads from the universe. I first write my ideas in my notes app on my phone then transfer and edit while I am in a dark room and in absolute solitude.

Let’s Talk Recent Releases

  1. Tell me about your most recent release. What drew you into the story? 

My recent release is “EMOTIONS” and it was inspired by the death of my late dad which is a heartfelt dedication to him. I drew the inspiration to pen it down from my pain, loss and gain.

  1. Who is your favorite character in this story, why? 

The book tells my story from a poetic point of view. So, I am my favourite character. Why, because of my vulnerability, rawness, bravery and triumph.

What’s Next for You?

  1. Do you have any upcoming books or novellas in the works? 

I have an upcoming book titled “THE NAKED RACE” which will be out this December  and a collaborative poetry project titled “THE LINE BETWEEN US” which will be out this July. All the two books will be published this year and will be available for sale worldwide.

  1. Where did you gain the inspiration for these next projects?

I gained inspiration for my new book “THE NAKED RACE” from my personal experiences, background, and the tales and myths from the ghettos that I come from. It explores themes of religious paralysis, prosperity, African philosophies, taboos and so on. It’s suitable for any poetry lover and an avid reader.

While “THE LINE BETWEEN US” is a poetry project written by twenty poets and poetesses from around the world with the same passion, aim and goal to echo their different voices on the same theme of what binds us all as a human race.

More About You 

  1. If you could describe your writing in three words, what would they be? 

Witty, twisted and entertaining.

I would proudly describe my writing as raw, brave and ghetto. My writing embodies my personality, culture and historical background. 

  1. Where can readers find more information about you? Leave your links below! 

Final Remarks

I want to give a huge thank you to DAJ for joining me for this interview. It’s always so much fun getting to know new authors and spreading the word about their works of art!

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