J.L. King

New York Times Best-Selling Author

By Lucinda Dunn, Editor-in-chief of The Rock Hill Runway Newspaper

His face is familiar, his name is synonymous, and his first book was unforgettable.

He’s back…..

Yes, that’s right. J. L. King, the man who redefined the term “ On the Down Low” is back and on a mission. His mission—-to  bring hope, happiness, healing, and health to women.  Four years ago, J.L.King shocked the world with the book On the Down Low, A Journey Into The Lives of “Straight” Black Men who Sleep with Men.  The book was an Instant New York Time Bestseller.  So, what’s he doing now?  We talked to J.L. King to find out what has happened in his life since the book.

Runway:  When you wrote On the Down Low, did you anticipate its phenomenal success?  What was your goal in writing the book?

King:  I knew it would have an impact. I wrote it as a healing mechanism for myself. It was a personal testimony for my transformation. I wanted to be a voice for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Runway:  What do you want  people to remember about why you brought this topic to the forefront?

King:  I want them to remember that this message was created as a movement of awareness. I want it to continue until there is a cure for HIV/AIDS.

Runway:  In your second book, Coming Up from the Down Low, you write about the support that you received from your ex-wife and daughter. You mention that your wife (at the time) was the first to tell your daughter. If you could have been first, what would you have said to her?

King:  Although my wife did initially tell her, we later all sat down and talked. There was crying, boo-hooing, but the end result is my ex-wife is my best friend. I didn’t want my daughter to become a statistic. That is why I am going to college campuses, particularly HBCUs. I also have a new tour for Women only —“Love on A Two Way Street” —that is an intimate and candid talk about love, relationships, and finding real happiness.

Runway: Tell us about your new book?

King:  It is an explosive novel called Seven Figures, and is due out this spring.

Runway: Thank you Mr. King. I appreciate your efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

For more information on J.L. King and the Love on A Two Way Street Tour, log on to www.The RockHillRunway.com