Mondell T. Pope, has penned the second novel in his trilogy, Both Sides of the Fence 2 (Urban Books – November 2010; $14.95). It is the story that begins ten years after their home was almost torn apart by infidelity, Mona and Shawn Black are just getting back to normal…or so it seems. Both Shawn and Mona are still keeping secrets from each other and their immediate family.
Back to his old tricks, James Parks exits prison older but not wiser, and his bitter rage seeks revenge. He again manipulates the lives of the Black family with knowledge of secrets that they hold locked away. He uses any and everyone in his path to get his payback; that is, until he stumbles onto someone who offers him something he vowed to do away with forever: love.
Will Mona and Shawn learn that it is best not to keep secrets and just let the chips fall where they may? Will James bury the hatchet to try his hand at love once again? Is it too late for these wayward souls, or will they be swallowed up by their lies and secrets once again? Secrets, lies, deception, murder, lust and revenge rule the pages of this sophisticated drama. Let’s see what happens when the gates of their lives swing wide open once again.
M.T. Pope is the breakthrough author of the Both Sides of the Fence Trilogy. His books have shaken the bookshelves since they hit the shelves for purchasing in November 2009. His books have the many aspects of life that people wouldn’t have thought existed. His debut novel is already being described as gritty, over the top and shockingly realistic. He gives total credit to God for the flow of creativity that allows him to “dig deep” within his soul and save others from doing things that he may or may not have done.
M. T. Pope is the 32-year old male who currently resides in Baltimore, Md. Presently, he is the store manager and event coordinator for Urban Knowledge Bookstores, which is part of the fastest growing chain-owned and operated store by New York Times Bestselling novelist, Carl Weber.
M. T. Pope says that novel writing was something that he “tried his hand at,” but he never intended on being a published author. But, after passing his manuscript around to a couple of friends, they gave him the positive reviews, which prompted him to give publishing a shot. Within an unexpected moment, His boss and best friend mentioned his work to the owner/publisher, Carl Weber, and before he knew it he was offered a publishing deal within a two month period, which is rare in the book industry. Both Sides of the Fence is his first novel, the sequel, Both Sides of the Fence 2, hit shelves November 2010 and the last installment drops November 2011. You can find him on Facebook, HERE!
I spoke with Mondell about his latest novel, and the craft of writing.
TD: What prompted you to write, Both Sides Of The Fence 2?
MP: Well, Both Sides of the Fence 2 is the follow-up to Both Sides of the Fence. I wrote this book to complete the story that was left hanging at the end of part one.
TD: Your main characters, Mona, Shawn, and James have a lot of secrets, and use a lot of manipulation and deception with one another. How was it writing this story, and keeping the plot so riveting?
MP: My main characters did have a lot going on. It was all necessary to keep the story going. The truth is, I think we all have a some manipulation and deception in our lives at one point or another. I just applied some person and non-personal elements. It was quite entertaining from my stand point to have fun with these characters and try to give them realism and personality.
Writing about drama and mayhem is a release for me. An outlet you might say. But, all and all I wanted to create memorable characters with real problems. Keeping the story going was a task, but it got easier as the story progressed. The characters did most of the writing themselves. The book sort of wrote itself. I just was along for the ride.
TD: In writing, Both Sides Of The Fence 2 did you experience any epiphanies or ‘Ah-ha’ moments that connected with your own life?
MP: When writing this book I had moments that caught me by surprise. I can’t go into detail, but some points in the story came out differently than I had planned them to come out. I also recognized that the plot and message in the book was one that I had to convey delicately, so that I wouldn’t come on too strong. I think I did the story and the message justice.
TD: What do you want readers to take away from the novel?
MP: I hope that the readers that read my books will get the message out of the story. The topic I decided to write about is a very taboo topic. Homosexuality, down- low men/women and molestation are all prevalent in society. I wanted to give it respect, but I also didn’t want to sugarcoat it. It is a serious topic that affects many homes and communities. It is a topic people need information about. I just wanted to entertain and educate at the same time. Hopefully, I succeeded.
TD: What is next for you?
MP: Both Sides of the Fence 3 is the ending to the trilogy. It will be available for readers in November 2011 under Urban Books and will be available at most book venues. I am currently working on several new titles that deviate strongly from my previous releases. I hope these too will be enjoyable reads as well.
Mondell has agreed to give-away three signed copies of, Both Sides of the Fence 2, to three lucky persons who answer the following question correctly.
*Where did Mondell attend undergraduate school?
The first three persons to respond will win a copy. Please submit your answers to: girlworkonyou@aol.com
