LGBT Book & Video Blog

Victor Martin has been writing since he was a child, but he didn't realize it could be a career until he became a convict.

A few years ago, Martin became a published author, writing four novels while lying in his bunk in a state prison in Elizabeth City. His books, which feature a high-rolling criminal named Unique, have a following among readers of what is known as "urban fiction," a popular literary genre characterized by explicit tales of inner-city crime life. Martin's books are available on Amazon.com.

But Martin says prison officials are shutting him down, saying his novels violate a policy that bars inmates from conducting business behind bars.

Martin, a 32-year-old habitual felon with several theft-related convictions, says the policy violates his right to free speech. Martin's attorneys are challenging the policy, which they say prison officials have used to confiscate Martin's manuscripts and discipline him for writing.

"When I'm trying to do something positive, they want me to stop," Martin said in a telephone interview from the Elizabeth City prison. "The way I see it, they want me to stay stagnant and not do anything."

Martin's current publisher, Marcenia Waters of Charlotte, says Martin plays a small role in business affairs related to publishing. Her self-owned publishing company makes the arrangements for printing and distribution and handles the income from Martin's latest book, "Unique's Ending."

Waters said she became a fan of Martin's writing after hearing about him through word of mouth. She wrote to him in prison, and they developed a relationship through letters. Eventually, she offered to publish one of his books.

Prison shuts the book on novelist
News & Observer, NC -