Omar Tyree is using sports as a backdrop for his latest release. I recently spoke with him about Touchdown in Brazil.
Tell me about your latest book.
I wrote a novel based on my number one sport of American NFL football with the first ever game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, between my hometown Philadelphia Eagles and the legendary Green Bay Packers. And I followed four different family story arcs who all meet up for the big game. And of course, it’s about much more than just football, like real life is. And it’s a fun exploration book to read.
Why did you decide to write it?
Because I’ve always wanted to travel to Brazil myself, now I get to write about it with my favorite team going there from my home city. And it was a good game.
What’s your favorite place to write?
Sorry, but I don’t have a favorite place to write. Like the Green Eggs & Ham story, I can do it anywhere (smile). But I’m usually at my work desk when I write.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?
That I changed their lives. And I’ve had a lot of people who have told me that. But I’ve never written strictly for entertainment. I’ve always written to give you stories filled with information.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
After my freshman year of college. Once I knew that I was good at storytelling, and I could make a living from it, I wanted to keep doing it.
What author would you love to meet?
To be honest with you, I would rather meet filmmaker Ryan Coogler of Creed, Black Panther and Sinners. And I would want to do more than just meet him. I would want to interview him and produce a few film projects with him. I already have a few big ones in mind to discuss. And if I had to pick an author, I would probably say Tomi Adeyemi, who has a movie coming out from her book, Children of Blood and Bone. And I would want to interview her as well. But just meeting them would be too small for me. That would feel like a tease.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I gotta be honest again. I’ve been so busy creating new stuff that I haven’t been relaxed enough to read. I got a new book called The Witch Doctor that I’m almost finished writing. And the only two books that I’ve really cracked open lately was Allen Iverson’s Misunderstood and Fat Joe’s The Book of Jose, which were both Christmas presents. So, tar and feather me (smile). I have not been up on my reading.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
Well, with me writing The Witch Doctor that deals with Revelations-like prophecies, friends have told me to read the Bible and the Quran. But those are both lengthy books. Especially the Bible.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully, success. God willing. But I don’t control that. That was the title of my last book, Control.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Nope. I just wanted to answer all of your questions, and thank you for asking them. I appreciate it.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Touchdown in Brazil by Omar Tyree.
Omar Tyree can be reached and followed on Instagram @Only1OmarTyree and on TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook and LinkedIn @ Omar Tyree. You can view his website at www.HotLavaEntertainment.com and subscribe to his YouTube Channel @ Hot Lava Ent, where you can enjoy The Retro Movement podcast, music videos, lectures and past events.