A Novel by R. L. Pitts
The Quest for Fruit
This the story of Bayboo, Erasto, his grandson, and their dog Tashi, as they go on adventures and learn life lessons.
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A Novel by R. L. Pitts
The Murderacracy
The United States has always presented a precarious kind of freedom to black men born within its shores. The Murderacracy chronicles one family's ubiquitous struggle to survive the pernicious killings scarring the family for generations. Bill Peas B, Wil B, and Mitterrick B, all fall, leaving the fate of their world to
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A Novel by R. L. Pitts
Of Fury and Faith
Love and hate, rich and poor, black and white, fury and faith intermingle to direct the trials and triumphs of Aman Peoples-Battle as he confronts addiction, love, and loss in this iconic coming of age story set in our dysfunctional American times. Filled with love, but stunted by an inconvenient relationship with an o
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Bio R.L. Pitts
The Beginning
Richard “R.L.” Pitts, born in 1952 in the white fields of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a celebrated Black American fiction writer whose works have profoundly influenced contemporary style. Growing up during the tumultuous 1960s, R.L.’s early life was shaped by the civil rights movement, the family’s move to Flint Michigan, and the socio-political upheavals that defined the era.
From an early age, R.L. was captivated by the power of reading. His parents instilled in him a deep sense of justice and a passion for social change. His father, a factory worker and numbers man, and his mother, a homemaker, and a fellow writer, encouraged his love for books and writing. The rich cultural tapestry of Flint, with its booming autoworkers industry, gratuitous violence, and political compromises, provided a fertile ground for his burgeoning creativity.
R.L. attended the legendary Northern High School, where he excelled in sports and English. A teacher recognized his talent for writing and encouraged him to pursue it further. After high school, he attended Michigan State University. There, he majored in Urban and Metropolitan Studies, but used what he learned in the streets to fill a component of his fiction in the tradition of African American writers such as Iceberg Slim, James Baldwin, and Octavia Butler. These authors, along with his vibrant intellectual curiosity, profoundly influenced his style and focus.
The Writer
In the late 1970s, R.L. moved to Phoenix, and experienced life challenges that would be crucial in shaping his literary voice. Drug addiction and legal matters added to his life experience, and he began authoring short stories and essays that explored themes of racial identity, social justice, and the African American experience. His work was published in various magazines and online platforms where he garnered some acclaim and established him as a voice in contemporary literature.
R.L.’s first novel, “Of Fury and Faith,” published in 2019, is a fictional account of his formative years and the vibrant people that helped shape him. The novel received praise for its honesty and poignant portrayal of life in a fictional setting, thereby cementing R.L.’ s reputation of unfiltered truthfulness, and authenticity that his fans demand.
Throughout the 2000’s, R.L. continued to write prolifically, producing a series of novels, and essays that delved into the complexities of Black American life. His works, such as “The Murderacracy,” explored themes of identity, fairness, and resilience. His writing is characterized by its rich, evocative language and its deep empathy for his characters.
Achievements and Testament
In addition to his literary achievements, R.L. has remained an outspoken advocate for social justice and education. He is involved in various community initiatives and uses his platform to mentor other writers and promote literacy and education in underserved communities.
Now, at the age of 72, R.L. continues to write and inspire. His recent works “The Quest for Fruit” reflect his ongoing commitment to leaving a legacy for his grandson and others like him of the desired characteristics a Black man should process to be a good man. He remains a vital and influential figure, his voice as powerful and resonant as ever.
R.L. Pitts’ life and work are a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and its ability to illuminate the human condition. Through his writing, he has given voice to the struggles and triumphs of Black American men, enriching the literary landscape and inspiring future generations of writers.