Guessing Until the End: An Interview with Paris Williams, author of Silver

Paris Williams, a promising new author, embarked on his literary journey with the publication of his debut work, Silver. Born in Chicago, IL, in May of 1993, Paris possesses a passion for storytelling and a dedication to honing his craft. His first published book showcases his unique voice, vivid imagery, and authentic characters, captivating readers with its heartfelt narrative. While still awaiting bestseller status, Paris’s work has garnered praise for its compelling themes and evocative storytelling. As he continues to grow as an author, Paris remains committed to captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact with his words. With his promising talent and unwavering determination, Paris Williams is poised to make his mark in the literary world, one story at a time.

You can buy Silver here.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Luckily for me, finding a title wasn’t too hard. I knew that I wanted to name the book after my main character, so I had to choose a name that would be catchy. I called one of my closest friends and started saying names until he responded to one, and that’s how Silver was born.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It’s a feeling that is still hard to put into words, which is really saying something coming from an author. The best way I can describe it is an overwhelming sense of pride. I remember holding it and being speechless while I stared at it for the next hour.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve always been a natural storyteller, and I fell in love with mysteries after reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. When I decided to become an author, the mystery genre felt like a natural fit.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I actually worked in the movie theatre industry for almost a decade. It wasn’t until I left that I was truly able to pursue this dream.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

For me, it has to be feeling the overwhelming support from those closest to me. I quit my job to pursue my writing, and I thought I would be met with derision for that decision, but it was the opposite. I’ve felt nothing but love and support from the very beginning, and I’ll be forever grateful.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

That’s a really good question. A few that come to mind would be: “Back Stabbers” by the O’Jays, “Stay Schemin’” by Rick Ross, “You” by Jesse Powell, and “Old” by Sam Opoku.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

My hope is that my readers can connect with my characters and that I give them a mystery that’ll keep them guessing until the very end. My perfect reader would be one who is inquisitive, a problem solver, and loves a good mystery as much as I do.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’m currently working on what comes next in the Silver Series. Part two coming soon.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Atmosphere Press made what should have been a stressful process easy. They were informative and forthcoming every step of the way and always available when I needed them.

You can buy Silver here.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.