Comments on: Conversations with Literary Ex-Cons: J.M. Benjamin

By: J.M. Benjamin

J.M. Benjamin — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:25:12 +0000

First I’d like to thank Cullen for depicting and conveying my story and words as I shared them. I’ve done many interviews and this one is by far amongst the top rankings as one of my favorites. Thank you all for your positive feedback and energy. It gives me great pleasure to know that this article is serving its’ purpose by educating, inspiring, motivating, encouraging and empowering. It’s a blessing that I am able to share my journey of change rather still traveling down the wrong path. Thank you also Carmen for your anticipated support. I wish you all the best and much success in all that you strive for!

By: Cullen Thomas

Cullen Thomas — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:12:19 +0000

Thanks Jschee, Songsta, Wayne, Shanita, Carmen, and all the others for reading, feeling, responding. Biggest thanks and much respect to JM.

By: Carmen

Carmen — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:33:33 +0000

PS JM, you’ve got me as your audience for life! Hope to one day meet you!!
And Cullen, please continue to share with me what you’re working on..

By: Carmen

Carmen — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:28:46 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing Cullen! This interview was extremely inspirational & motivational! Although I do not share the same stories as JM, reading this has shown me that if JM was able to turn something so bad & negative in his life, so can I! It proves that as a writer one most become disconnected from the outside world in order to WRITE. As an aspiring writer myself, I struggle with the distractions & all the other negative thoughts I harbor of myself. THIS ARTICLE was a complete eye opener, & for the 1st time I was able to understand that the streets are an addiction & I can now completely understand why my brother does what he does. SO much learned from this article! YOU ARE BOTH VERY INSPIRING!! God bless you both always

By: Riddy

Riddy — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 01:23:59 +0000

This article is very inspirational. J.M you are goin to be bigger than you think. Taking advantage of that second opportunity and putting your story out there will help save our youth. Much respect for your ambition, hustle, and writing your wrongs!

By: Shanita

Shanita — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 00:16:03 +0000

It’s common to read interviews where an author gives us a glimpse into the window of their craft. But very seldom does the writer pull up the shades, open the window, and actually allow the reader to get that wind of fresh air of their humanity. This article/interview does just that. I am always impressed with JM’s sacrifice of airing his history with his fans. It’s quite impressive, and very much needed in our community. People need to not only read your story, but they also need to feel your testimony. For some, it makes all the difference. Kudos to you JM. Continue to change the world through the use of your words. Always a fan of ‘The busy Pisces’. -SH

By: Tyra

Tyra — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:56:31 +0000

This was a very inspirational interview to let the young people know that you can turn your life around if you’re determined and focused. Great interview J

By: JUKIMA CUMMINGS

JUKIMA CUMMINGS — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:44:30 +0000

I AM SOOOOOO VERY PROUD OF J.M. GOD HAS BOUGHT U A LONG WAY, THOSE WERE ALL LIFE’S LESSONS TO BRING YOU R TO WHERE U R TODAY TO BE ABLE TO TELL UR STORY TO BE ABLE TO BE A INSPIRATION, A MOTIVATION, A UPLIFTER AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS FOR OTHERS. I AM SO GLAD MY CHILDREN HAVE A UNCLE LIKE U TO LOOK UP TO….LOVE YOU BABY BROTHER….

By: Wayne clarke

Wayne clarke — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:18:41 +0000

Im a close personel friend of the family and im so proud of j.m..Im from plainfield and reading this interview takes me back like im walking in the past. His books are addictive,i can put myself right in the picture he draws cause like he says ive been there. J.M is truly and inspiration,nothing but praise for the brother.Keep the books comming.

By: songsta

songsta — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:48:29 +0000

Thanks Cullen. Interesting interview. By the way, just finished your novel and enjoyed it immensely, particularly the stories when you were at Taejon. The infusion of the Confucian culture and the respect accorded to Panjang Nim was positive to see.