“The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown. ”In the spirit of renowned African-American authors such as James Baldwin and the like, 30-year-oldWarrensville Heights native DeVaughn Lilly has crafted a timeless masterpiece destined to become a great American classic.

In the spirit of renowned African-American authors such as James Baldwin and the like, 30-year-old Warrensville Heights native DeVaughn Lilly has crafted a timeless masterpiece destined to become a great American classic.

The book is titled, “The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown.”

Published just several months ago, the story is about Gravvy Brown, a teenager who is awaiting execution for the murder of his mother, famed artist and actress Annadelle “Rose” Brown. And, during his last hours on earth, Gravvy eloquently tells the story of her rise to stardom and the magnificent life she provided him up until her death.

This story is so intriguing and well-written that readers of all ages, genders and creeds will find it difficult to put down.

Fortunately, CP2 had the opportunity to sit down with Lilly for a one-on-one interview before his career takes off just as fast as his character Rose’s did in the book.

“I always loved to tell stories,” said Lilly when asked how he came to be a writer. He has no formal training in writing, just a passion for storytelling. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, Alice Walker, Charles Dickens and Terri McMillan.

He went on to say “The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown” was inspired by all the women who raised him in addition to the disastrous Hurricane Katrina.

The story is set in early 20th Century New Orleans.

Lilly started writing the book in June 2009 and it took him two months to complete. Because he’s never been to New Orleans, he did a lot of research.

He is also a lover of history and it shows as historical events of the time period covered in the book are intricately woven throughout the story.

“The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown” is about overcoming obstacles and believing in your dreams. Lilly would like for readers to take away three things: stay true, stay focused, and know that you can achieve your dreams.

For Lilly, it has been a dream to write and publish books.

“The easy part was writing the book. The hard part was getting it published,” he said.

With his book being in print for about two months now, he feels wiser. He’s learned a lot about the business of publishing since he sat down to write this story.

Currently, he’s continuing to push “The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown” and finishing his second book, “The Rising Phoenix,” a modern day story that is completely different from “The Magnificent Life…”

Lilly, like his character Rose, dreams big. He hopes to win a Pulitzer Prize and make the New York Times Bestseller’s List. “I want to be a success. I love to share good art. What people take away from it, they take away from it.”

Additionally, he wants to totally revolutionize this industry, to change the way people look at reading and view authors. “I want to make it cool to read,” he said.

And, with a story as great as “The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown,” he’s well on his way.

“The Magnificent Life of Gravvy Brown” is available on Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the Kindle e-reader. Also, $1 from every book will be donated to University Hospitals Cancer Center.

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