Today we’d like to introduce you to B.J. Cyprian.
Hi B.J., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a very small college town called Keene, Texas. Like much of the South, the area was conservative and very religious. However, Keene was primarily Seventh Day Adventist, which is what I call: a cross between Jewish and Baptist. Twice the guilt, none of the pork.
Knowing I was gay since I was a small child, growing up was hard, as there were very few outwardly queer people in the area, and those known were often demonized by the town. Despite this, I made the decision to stay local to obtain my degree, which was in business.
The desire to write and create had been with me ever since I was a small child. A friend of mine from elementary school recently sent me some photos of a play I wrote in 2nd grade about a kid detective agency. Coming from a small town, it’s easy for people you grew up with to remember you for something – if one is passionate enough. Me? Everyone knew me as the writer and musician.
In High School, I started an all-female gospel singing group named Divine Harmony. We sang for about a decade around the area and even recorded an album. Much of my known writing before I turned to novels was in music as a lyricist and songwriter/producer. I had tried several times to write a novel over the years, but I could never seem to finish.
In 2016, the discord in the country re-ignited a need for a creative outlet for me. My music days were far behind me, and my wife Shauna suggested I give the writing thing as a try once again. To my surprise, I was able to finish a manuscript, which became my debut novel Shadow Resistance.
After deciding to publish, I tried to continue the writing momentum and launched into The Gray Line. The initial intent was to write a complete story in fewer words. However, the untimely death of my older sister morphed the work into more of a cathartic release. Once the pandemic settled in, I realized grief had become sort of a “default mode” worldwide. I wanted to try to get this book elevated because I thought maybe it could help other people the way writing it helped me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! Smooth road. I have never been on a smooth road in my life. My biggest adversary is myself. When you have had as many traumatic experiences as I’ve had, it’s hard to feel you “deserve” anything good. Pushing through my negative self-talk has been the biggest challenge for me.
With my background, I’m an introvert and shy by nature. The “selling yourself” required to gain the attention needed is not something that comes naturally. However, I am taking steps to put myself out there more, such as with this interview as well as on social media.
The other struggle is the ability to create while also working full-time, being married, having a family, etc. Some days, I get home from work, and I can’t bring myself to sit in front of another screen for hours on end.
It’s not lost on me that tackling #1 would probably solve #2. Like I said, I’m taking strides. 🙂
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have written 2 novels: Shadow Resistance (2018) and The Gray Line (2021). I am now trying to pivot to TV/Movie script writing. However, I do intend to continue my novel writing.
I think what sets me apart from others is my character development. Sometimes, writings can be descriptive yet devoid of emotion. When I write, I don’t want to only entertain, I want my readers to connect with the characters, and feel invested in their stories. I also try to write in a way where readers can visualize the scenes. It’s one of the reasons I’m trying to move to the screen.
I’m most proud of the feedback I receive from readers, particularly those who feel moved by my work.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness is me being with my family. They are the reason I do everything, and I yearn for the day when I’m able to spend more time with them – You know, when I retire from finance and write full-time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bjcyprian.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebjcyprian
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bjcyprian
Image Credits
Adell Cairns
