Dwayne Alexander Smith
Forty Acres is about a group of wealthy and powerful black men who have a secret retreat called Forty Acres where they keep white slaves. The story takes place now. The slaves are all descendants of former slave owners and traders. The black men are lead by a charismatic leader who has extreme ideas of how African Americans can uplift themselves by enacting revenge for black slavery.
The protagonist is Martin Grey, a young black lawyer who is recruited to become a new member of this group. But once he finds out the truth behind Forty Acres, he’s outraged, and determined to reveal their secret to the world.
The members of Forty Acres will do anything to stop him.
This is your first novel, so how did you find the experience? Was it anything you imagined it to be?
I enjoyed the experience immensely. The people I’ve encountered in the book world seem to be smarter and more passionate than those in the film world. I really like that the book is the final product, opposed to a screenplay, which is just one step in a larger process. As a writer it’s satisfying to know that my work will reach an audience. Most screenplays, even if sold, are never produced.
Please tell us about the character of Martin Grey.
Martin is a down to earth, dude. A store front civil rights attorney who gets stars in his eyes when some very powerful black men take an interest in him. They think Martin’s the perfect recruit because of his activist background, but Martin has a strong moral compass. Unlike the members of Forty Acres, Martin doesn’t lust for wealth and power and he doesn’t harbor resentment for the white race.
How much is screen writing and novel writing interchangeable for you?
Not interchangeable at all. I’ve been writing screenplays professionally for a long time, so I feel very comfortable with the form. Novel writing is still a learning process for me. I study the work of several successful thriller writers in an effort to improve my work. When I sit down to write there’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of experimentation to get moments right. I would never have this problem with a screenplay.
The novel has been praised for building on strength and intensity as it goes through, was this a conscious effort or a natural change of pace?
I love the slow burn. I love pulling the reader along at an ever increasing pace. Intriguing the reader just enough to keep the pages turning. Then, you reach a point when all is revealed and everything shifts into high gear. It’s kind of like a roller coaster. The way that first big hill builds suspense and anticipation, then once you go over the top it’s a wild ride to the finish. At least, that’s what I’m going for.
What made you decide to set the book in Queens?
I believe that Queens is the most ethnically diverse area in the entire country. Kind of representative of the American ideal. People of many races from everywhere living and working together. An interesting place to start for a book that delves into the legacy of racism and slavery.
What is next for you?
Another book for sure. I’m working on another racial thriller, but this time with an erotic edge. The title is WHITE WIDOW. Yes, it’s gonna push some buttons, but hopefully in an exciting way. That’s all I can say for now.
FORTY ACRES by Dwayne Alexander Smith is out now (Faber & Faber), £16.99