Jahmal Mayfield

How did you become a writer? I’m fond of saying “reader first, writer second” on my social media platforms, and it’s quite true. I remember devouring George Pelecanos’ novel, RIGHT AS RAIN, back in 2001. It was a transformative experience for me because here was a Greek man writing Black characters with, I believed, such verisimilitude. They came alive on the page. After finishing that novel, I wanted nothing more than to do something similar. 

Name your writing influences. Obviously, George Pelecanos, but also Dennis Lehane, Walter Mosley, James Lee Burke, Don Winslow, and so many crime writers I can’t even begin to mention them all. Musically, Nas, who has always told impactful stories in his songs while also emphasizing the poetic beauty of words and how they can elevate you when placed together in a meaningful way. 

When and where do you write? On my couch, in my car, swivel chair in my home office. Almost always late at night when the world around me is quiet and doesn’t interfere with me listening to music playing softly in the background. I draft by longhand on yellow legal pads. This slows me down and forces me to write with intention. Transcribing those words into the computer also provides me with a built-in second draft, as I inevitably make changes during that time. 

What are you working on now? I don’t want to divulge too much, as I’m in the early stages and would hate to talk myself out of the enthusiasm you need to finish a project. I will say, it follows what I’ve determined will be my “brand.” It’s gritty, crime fiction, written with a Black gaze, and dealing with social commentary. In this case, racially motivated mass shootings. 

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? Probably, but I refuse to admit as much because that can be defeating. During those times when the words simply aren’t flowing, I’ll allow my mind to drift in ways that can still benefit the story. I might imagine a piece of dialogue that I know will happen at some point in the manuscript. Or attempt to answer a nagging question about a character’s motivations. Or search Google for interesting possibilities for character names. What this does is wire my brain to understand that, okay, yes, I’m not actively writing, but I most certainly am working on the manuscript. 

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.” Hat tip to the prolific Stephen King for that one. It acknowledges, and in fact cements the notion that a first draft is all about the writer. Whether we realize it or not, that first draft is borne mostly of our experiences and worldview. The edit, at least a thoughtful edit, welcomes the outside world and other ideas and experiences. That’s crucial, because if every character in my novels ends up being some facsimile of me, then I haven’t written an honest book. I want to write honest books. 

What’s your advice to new writers? Be a reader first, a writer second. Fall in love with the work of others and then interrogate their texts to understand why you loved it. Then take that understanding and apply it in your own unique way. No one else can write the book the way that you will. Embrace that knowledge, lean into it, and you will be the greatest of commodities. You'll be original.

Jahmal Mayfield was born in Virginia but currently resides in New Jersey. In addition to writing crime fiction, he serves as the director of a nonprofit program that provides employment support to people with disabilities. SMOKE KINGS was inspired by Kimberly Jones’ passionate viral video, “How can we win?”