What’s Love got to do with it? An afternon w/ #BrownSugar and Author Rob Hill Sr.
12 September 2012 Brown Sugar
What’s love got to do with it? Everything , according to author Rob Hill Sr. I recently sat down with him to hear about his new book, For Single People Who Understand the Importance of Relationships. Rob released For Single People… his second book this summer. I had tons of questions and Mr. Hill was more than happy to share his philosophies on love, relationships, and family in the 21st century. We spoke for more than an hour. Here’s a peek at our conversation:
Brown Sugar – How did you get into writing and when did you know you wanted to write for a living?
Rob Hill Sr. – My mom was an author. I knew I wanted to be writer at around 13. In 2008 I started a series Thoughts for the Day; I started writing and shared these thoughts with my friends every day via the internet while I was in the Navy –every day for three years straight.
Brown Sugar – THREE YEARS STRAIGHT? Wow.
Rob Hill Sr. – Yes. It let me know that this was something I could be committed to. Those thoughts eventually became the basis for my first book, About Something Real.
Rob’s daily series was shared through email and as the age of technology continues to evolve, so does his ability to share words of wisdom. Almost every day on Twitter, one can find Rob sharing thoughts and answering questions from love’s wounded as well as advocates for love. He answers them all, gracefully and with the insight of a much older man. Rob is after all only 25 years old. A fact that quickly becomes irrelevant upon engaging in conversation with him.
Brown Sugar – Is technology a big part of reaching people in the 21st century? It seems that technology is quickly becoming “the thing”; do people still want to read?
Rob Hill Sr. – Yes it is. Technology, namely the internet is quick, current, and keeps readers engaged – even those with a short attention span. People still read but you have to appeal to them. I keep my books short in length, so that reading seems less like a chore.
Brown Sugar – Ahhhhhhh I see! (There were many of these “ahhh” moments)
Sales on his current book are double that of his first and with twitter followers numbering near ten thousand, his formula is clearly a successful one. The number of readers and followers is also telling of something else: People love the idea of love, even if they’ve never had a successful relationship; the idea of being in love is attractive to nearly everyone. Rob Hill Sr. is giving the people something they want and something they need. Especially if they want to get it right. Me being a single gal, I snuck in some questions for myself and others in my single shoes.
Brown Sugar – Rob, what would you say is the top mistakes men and women make where love is concerned?
Rob Hill Sr. – Well for men I will say they want everything FAST, creating a “I can’t wait’ situation. For women it’s similar, women are IMPATIENT. This impatience often leads to them settling for whatever comes along.
Brown Sugar – *silently says a quick amen, swallows his words and plays it off with a nod* Ahhhhhhhh…I see! How can we fix this?
Rob Hill Sr. – LISTEN! Hear exactly what’s said in the outset of a friendship/relationship/date. Some guys aren’t willing to explain themselves, and assume women know what they mean or think. This won’t lead to a successful relationship.
Brown Sugar – While we are on the subject of men and women and we are on FRESH RADIO, a music site. What role do you think popular music has on modern day relationships and interactions?
Rob Hill Sr. – Today’s music helps shape our identity as a people. Words matter and words manifest into actions. The love of money over content is really prevalent nowadays.
Brown Sugar – Well what do you find yourself listening to lately?
Rob Hill Sr. – Emeli Sande’s “Our Version of Events” LP.
Brown Sugar – *pleasantly surprised face* WOW! I’ve been listening to her all summer. What is your favorite song on the album?
Rob Hill Sr. – I really like Tiger!
Google, YouTube, or ask UK twitter about Ms. Sande. She’s amazing and lyrically on point in terms of love, communication and HOPE. Hope leads me to think about what Rob has in mind for future generations…
Brown Sugar – What do you want to leave for the next generation, your son’s generation?
Rob Hill Sr. – What I want is for people to believe in love again. I want people to GIVE. People have a tainted view of love because of failed relationships and poisoned marriages but we must look within. We attract what we are. I also draw inspiration from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love.
Rob Hill Sr. is an author, relationship coach and a poet. Rob has plans to one day pen a book series for young men. This single young man is also a passionate father who is attempting to change the world’s view of love one page and one tweet at a time. Find out more about him and his work on his website http://robhillsr.com/about-the-author
*Brown Sugar is penned by Andrea Michele; follow her on twitter @brown_sugar415
Coming soon on Brown Sugar- Hampton Roads, The Presidential Election and why it’s vital for our youth to VOTE. More interviews, more culture, and as always all things FRESH!