Riverview High: Circumstances

Randall Barnes Interview

Riverview High Q&A

Q:  What was the driving force behind creating the Riverview High eShort?  

A: My motivation for writing is to create realistic, compelling stories that shows a different side of society and the black community at large that isn’t represented in literature. In this current economy, many families are struggling to make ends meet. Even middle class houses are living from paycheck to paycheck. Troubled finances can lead to arguments and dissention in many households but the Henderson’s have to go through even more with the reintroduction of Brianna to their family. It takes true strength and resilience to endure constant negativity and hardships to keep your family unit together. Mr. Henderson is a strong patriarch too.

Q: Explain the tense relationship between Mr. Henderson and Brianna.

A: Mr. Henderson desperately wants to make the odd situation that his family finds himself in work but Brianna’s attitude proves to be a challenge. Can you really blame her though? Look at what she’s had to go through throughout the story. There’s a chance that Mr. Henderson was going too hard on his eldest daughter but all he wants is respect. He longs for structure in his house and Brianna oversteps her bounds.

Q: Even through the drama and trouble surrounding Brianna, the story still keeps a fast-paced and positive vibe. How were you able to effectively do that, in the voice of a young lady nonetheless?

A: That’s my trademark! I strive my best to tell a different narrative and use my God given talent for storytelling to entrance my readers and take them on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I want my readers to see my work as both entertainment and a social handbook on how to exist and deal with millennial teenagers. I try my best to capture the voice of my peers without cursing or using vulgar language, which can be hard at times without completely watering down what’s being said. That relatability helps me in capturing my targeted market of readers. It also allows open-minded adults to see life through the eyes of young people on the move. Not all of us are out causing mischief and being sexual deviants. This subsector of teen society deserves to be progressively be portrayed in literature and media altogether. I guess I’ll fire the opening salvo!

 

Q: Speaking of your trademarks, Maury started off the second installment of Riverview High ranting to Brianna about the perils of going to Riverview High and his battles understanding the concepts taught in his Math class. A rather no-holds-barred image of the public school system is also seen in your debut novel The Diary Of Aaliyah Anderson. Explain why this occurs in the literature you create.

A: Writing from my experiences is what drives my writing. In my school tenure, I’ve ran across negative, lackadaisical teachers. Many times we, as students, allow ourselves to be lazy and complacent and then blame the teachers when they give us the grades that we deserve. Not only does that build up a resentment within teachers, it also makes parents and administrators look at students side eye when they report the mistreatment or poor work ethic of a teacher and it’s valid. The concept of peer tutoring is incredibly effective, especially if the person that understands what’s going on in the class is a naturally helpful person. A sense of community in a school such as Riverview High or Clarkson Middle School is always helpful. But, it isn’t prevalent in a society where we’re so narcissistic and self-centered. You should strive to do for yourself but there’s nothing wrong with asking for a helping hand from a peer every once in a while. That’s how I’ve survived high school!

 

Q: The storyline between Briana and Amahd The Rapper was interesting. It even seems as if you’re were trying to touch on something deeper than what was at the surface of the story. What was the main message behind the interactions of Amahd and Brianna, especially the event that culminated at the studio that Friday night.

A: If anything, I was trying to convey to my younger readers that you can’t take a lot of these guys for face value. I see a lot of females become mesmerized by a guy with a confident swagger and impeccable casual dressing skills that they think is attractive. I’ve seen young females in general fall for guys with a rough edge about themselves or ones that are players that only want one thing from them. I’ve also seen those same females get their heart broken and even worse in some cases. There are brothers that are ready to be in a relationship that are glossed over for the guys like Amahd with no real ambition or respect for women. Personally, I’ve grown to understand that dynamic and I focus on my business. I don’t have time to play games when I’m trying to build a brand for myself.

Look at how Brianna was swooning over Amahd when he first approached her to work with him. Cynthia tried to tell her that she needs to calm down and think about her money first and foremost. But she started thinking with her emotions too much, causing her harm and pain in the end. She even disrespected her parents, all for nothing. That’s the message. We need to stop being so vain and image conscious and look deep into who these folks really are that we get into intimate and business relationships with. There’s no age limit on thinking logically! If you don’t you run the risk of getting burned. Ask Brianna if she learned her lesson.

 

Q: Dr. Peterson is a character that really helped out Brianna in the eSeries. How’d you create her?

A: I wanted to give Brianna a mentor that she looks up to in this time of crisis in her life. Outside of Maury and Cynthia later on in the story, Brianna trusts Dr. Peterson. She should, seeing that Dr. Peterson is a consonant professional. I know we in the black community have this thing about going to therapy but we all could benefit from talking to someone like Dr. Peterson. Brianna even was apprehensive when Dr. Peterson told her that they’d be seeing a lot of each other. That changed up quickly, didn’t it. Dr. Peterson honestly is one of my most favorite characters that I’ve ever created. Mark my words, this will not be the last time you see her……

 

Q: What’s next for you? 

A: My debut novel “The Diary Of Aaliyah Anderson” is out now! I’m so excited! I’ve been working overtime to make sure everything is together so I can make this project a success. I started this publishing journey for a reason and I refuse to sit idly by and not hustle for mine. What’s next for me is moving a large amount of the books throughout the south. I’m trying to insert the novel in as many schools as I can. I also want to see the novel on the New York Times bestsellers list, even if it’s in the last spot! I’ve done my research and analyzed how to make the novel a success and I’m ready to execute my plans.

I’m also planning to expand the “Riverview High: Circumstances” brand outside of the eBook market. I’m looking to create a play based around the content chronicled in the story in 2015. I’m working on it as we speak. Look out for me!