Martin Terrell has been through a lot. Poverty, racial segregation, drugs, prison and some incredibly difficult experiences along the way. But even after everything he's been through, he still considers himself a fortunate man. And I think that's quite something. When I spoke with Martin, we went right back to his childhood growing up in the ghetto in America, losing his mother at a young age and finding himself in circumstances where the opportunities available to him were pretty limited. There were moments when I got the feeling that some of those memories were difficult for him to talk about. I didn't want to rush him, so I gave him the time and space to tell his story. We talked about his experiences with drugs, his time in prison, including a burglary conviction for a crime he maintains he didn't commit, and how education eventually helped him change the direction of his life. But what really struck me was how warmly Martin spoke about the people who helped him along the way. Neighbours, friends, teachers and others who believed in him, encouraged him and sometimes simply showed him a bit of kindness when he needed it. He certainly hasn't forgotten them or what they did for him. It's something I'm noticing more and more in my Author Conversations. People often consider themselves lucky because, at some point in their lives, someone took the time to help them. Martin went on to earn a graduate scholarship to Ohio State University, study journalism and become a writer. His books draw on many of those experiences, including the inequalities he witnessed in the justice system and the community that helped raise him. What I found interesting was that Martin doesn't seem to look back on his life simply in terms of everything that went wrong. He also remembers the people who helped things go right. It's a longer conversation than usual, and at times quite a personal one. But I'm glad we had it, and I'm grateful to Martin for being so open with me. I'm Chris Dabbs, and this is Author Conversations. Content note: This episode includes discussions of childhood bereavement, poverty, racial segregation, drug use, imprisonment and difficult family experiences. ABOUT MARTIN TERRELL & HIS BOOKS Martin Terrell's official website: https://www.martinterrell.com/ and https://www.author-conversations.com/martin-terrell AUTHOR CONVERSATIONS Watch more interviews with authors from around the world: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorConversations Visit Author Conversations: https://www.author-conversations.com/ ABOUT YOUR HOST Chris Dabbs - broadcast journalist, presenter and voiceover artist: https://www.chrisdabbs.online/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/author-conversations-with-chris-dabbs--6905413/support. Every book has a story beyond its pages. In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing. From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire. Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism, Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most. Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books. Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.
