Str8Up Show Podcast

Book'Em: XeroPrime 99

Episode Summary

What happens when a lifelong love of gaming, storytelling, and imagination turns into an entire literary universe? From writing a hip hop version of Cinderella as a child to publishing fantasy adventures inspired by video games, returning guest, author, gamer, and creative storyteller XeroPrime 99 shares his journey into authorship and the inspiration behind his growing collection of books. The conversation explores declining literacy, the importance of encouraging young people to read, and why representation matters in fantasy literature. XeroPrime 99 also introduces readers to his imaginative worlds, including Dreadwake, The Unimaginable Realm of Prime, and How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw Method. Plus, he shares advice for aspiring writers, discusses overcoming creative roadblocks, and delivers a special reading from Lyrical Flux.

Episode Notes

BOOK'EM WITH XEROPRIME 99 | STR8UP SHOW PODCAST | SEASON 10

Reading is fundamental, but are we doing enough to encourage the next generation to pick up a book?

The Str8Up Show Podcast introduces Book'Em, a new segment dedicated to celebrating authors, writers, poets, and the power of literature.

For our inaugural installment, Calvin welcomes back longtime friend of the show Dorsey, better known as XeroPrime 99, to discuss his transition from gaming enthusiast and storyteller to published fantasy author.

XeroPrime 99 takes us inside his creative process, explains why he wanted to develop fantasy worlds featuring characters who reflect Black culture, and discusses the importance of making literature exciting and accessible to younger generations.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why Calvin created the Book'Em segment to spotlight authors and encourage literacy.
• The growing concern surrounding reading proficiency and literacy in our communities.
• How an elementary school assignment inspired XeroPrime 99's lifelong passion for writing.
• The connection between video games, anime, fantasy literature, and original storytelling.
• The inspiration behind Dreadwake, a horror fantasy adventure blending online gaming, artificial intelligence, and real-world consequences.
• Exploring The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume One, a collection of six stories featuring superheroes, assassins, and fantasy adventures.
• Why Black representation, natural hair textures, cultural identity, and diverse characters are important in fantasy literature.
• Introducing How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw Method, a fantasy adventure featuring a goblin and a mysterious raccoon.
• Overcoming writer's block and learning to finish a story before worrying about editing.
• Encouraging aspiring writers and young creators to take positive risks and share their work.
• A special reading from Lyrical Flux, a space adventure described as Romeo and Juliet meets Bonnie and Clyde.

BOOKS DISCUSSED:

1. Dreadwake
   A horror-inspired fantasy adventure exploring what happens when an artificial intelligence begins influencing the direction of an online game.
2. The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume One
   Six interconnected stories set in the fictional world of Prime, featuring the cities of New Saint and Nocturne, with superheroes, assassins, and culturally inspired characters.
3. How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw Method
   A fantasy adventure set in Nocturne following a young goblin whose encounter with a mysterious raccoon leads him into the world of thievery.

BONUS READING: LYRICAL FLUX

Stay tuned for a special reading from Lyrical Flux, a science fiction adventure combining romance, danger, and space exploration.

FOLLOW XEROPRIME 99

TikTok: @XEROPRIME
Instagram: @BOOKS_BY_XEROPRIME99

BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Search for XeroPrime 99 and his published titles on Amazon.

CONNECT WITH STR8UP

Website: https://str8upshowpodcast.com

Catch up on previous episodes, discover more guest stories, and explore the conversations that make Str8Up a platform for culture, creativity, and authentic storytelling.

ABOUT BOOK'EM

Book'Em is a Str8Up Show Podcast segment highlighting authors, poets, and storytellers whose work deserves to be discovered. From emerging independent writers to established literary voices, Book'Em celebrates the imagination, culture, and experiences behind the stories we read.

Have a story to tell or a book to share? Connect with the Str8Up Show Podcast for future guest opportunities.

Remember, there's only one rule to our show. You gotta be Str8Up!