Troy_Martin - March 2000

As a first time novelist what were some of your greatest hurdles in completing "Dazed & Confused-Surviving Life in the Game"?

Some of the greatest challenges I experienced dealt with my own insecurities. First and foremost, I quit my job to pursue the endeavor full-time. This was a strong leap of faith, because I've always had a reliable means of income. So quitting a secure job to write a book was a definite change of pace. There was also the reoccurring notion of, " What am I doing?" Many times I felt like, "What if no one else is interested in my story?" Nevertheless, God pushed me through the times of uncertainty to achieve the goal I set out to do.

What made you decide to write this particular story?

I often tell people that stories write themselves. I lived a lifestyle very similar to the character, Tony Harris. "Similar" being the key word, since this not an actual autobiography :-). Based on my past experiences, I felt I could offer some very sound insight on the novel's three dominant areas of focus which are relationships, career advancements, and ultimately, spiritual self-awakening.

You published your book through your own company, Trojan Works Publishing. I purchased your eye-catching book from a major bookstore. How did you manage to place a self-published product in a major chain store?

Getting into Barnes & Noble was really a result of the Lord blessing me after having stepped out of the shadows of self-doubt and skepticism. Through some of the contacts I made at various literary events, I was able to participate in the first African-American Authors Showcase, which was sponsored by The Houston Defender.

Some of the scenes in your story are hilarious, very comical. Who are your influences when it comes to your comedic style?

First and foremost my dad, Conway Hayman. He used to "rank" on me all the time when I was a child. In fact, it used to seriously piss me off. I also have an older "play brother" who used to give me hell as well. So given those two constantly antagonizing influences, in addition to the legends like Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Robin Harris, I guess you could say that I became a student of comedy. Growing up in Mo. City (Texas), EVERYONE tried their hand at "ranking," so it was really a survival skill to say the least. If you couldn't "rank," then you were bound to have a miserable existence. "Ranking," to me, builds character. All of my closest friends are first class, rank artists. In fact, that's how we bond . . . now that this book is out, I'm sure I'll have to get in someone's ass just to let 'em know that I can still "go!" It's all about keepin' it real!

How much of Tony Harris (the character) is Troy Martin?

Hmm, that seems to be the hot topic of discussion these days. I'll defer from answering that question, however, I will say that ALL of my principle characters have a certain degree of me in them . . . quite naturally.

What has been the response to your book thus far?

I've received some very positive feedback. What has really been a blessing is to have confirmation from some of the bruthas who have read my book. I already had an idea that women would gravitate towards Dazed & Confused, but having strong, positive, feedback from the bruthas out there is equally important. If nothing else, it shatters the notion that Black men don't read!

Do you have any plans to do a book signing tour? If so, where will the tour take you?

Most definitely! A book tour is currently being mapped out to begin very soon. The exact locations are still being mapped out, so we're moving forward in a very calculated manner. I'll be sure to keep Book Remarks in the loop on all future signings. God Bless!


Readers in the Houston area may purchase a copy of Dazed & Confused from the Shrine of the Black Madonna, Borders-Meyerland, or African Imports at Sharpstown or Greenspoint malls.

Click here to read an excerpt of Chapter One.

Visit Troy Martin's Official Website. Click Trojan Works.

"Dazed and Confused" by Houstonian Troy Martin is chock full of the realities of what a black man may experience concerning the workplace, his love life and more as depicted through the character Tony Harris. The story takes you all over Houston, the state of Texas, Louisiana, and even that infamous Cancun, Mexico. Tony basically gives you account of his encounters with girlfriends, wanna be girlfriends, girls who want to go from "temp to perm", etc. Troy Martin has a real grasp on what men really think about women whether we want to hear it or not. Some of the language is -- strong to say the least -- but Troy does a great job telling it like it is. His writing may reminds one of Michael Baisden and Omar Tyree. He's very funny, VERY funny, and will have you laughing out loud with some of his descriptions. Martin did an overall great job with his first novel. There were a lot of editing mishaps in the book, and there could have been a little more action or dialogue between the characters instead of all the 'telling' that the author does. Nevertheless, "Dazed and Confused" comes highly recommended. It's an interesting, fast-paced story that will give you something to think, cringe, and laugh about.