Troy Martin: A New Voice
in Contemporary Fiction

While it's ordinarily believed that many men don't care to read fiction, the increasing popularity in contemporary African-American literature continues to draw even larger numbers of male readers every year. From the cogent works of E. Lynn Harris, Michael Baisden, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Omar Tyree, black men have discovered novels, which accurately depict their transitions, struggles, and ultimate achievements.

Troy Martin has recently stepped into the fiction arena with a very riveting and compelling tale that's sure to spark dialogue among men and women. Set against the contemporary urban backdrop of Houston, Dazed & Confused-Surviving Life in the Game (Trojan Works; ISBN 0-9674370-0-8) is the story of Tony Harris, an intelligent, handsome, young, up-and-coming corporate professional. After experiencing all of what college seemingly had to offer, particularly: fraternity life, booze, parties, and road trips; Tony must make the inevitable transition into adulthood—loosely translated, the real world.

While adjusting to the demands of Corporate America, Tony is also faced with trying to sustain a sincere and meaningful relationship with his beautiful college sweetheart Monica, the true love of his life. Up until now, many of their friends marveled at Monica and Tony's unique ability to maintain their college-based romance in spite of the long-distance boundaries that contained it. Now that they are both successfully employed and once again living in the same city, problems have begun to arise in the form of peer pressure and 3rd party influence. As their careers ultimately advance, both are faced with the unenviable task of having to decide their uncertain future together.

According to nationally syndicated talk show host Tavis Smiley, "Dazed & Confused humorously depicts the contemporary African-American male experience with respect to dating, career advancements, and spiritual awakening. Troy Martin's talent gives voice to an often underrepresented segment of our culture."

A native of Missouri City, TX, Martin attended Willowridge High School, where he lettered in football and track. He initially attended Prairie View A&M University as a RATV major before transferring to Southwest Texas State University where he earned a BA in Mass Communication. While enrolled at SWT, Martin was also a contributing journalist for both The San Marcos Daily Record and The University Star. In addition to serving as a Resident Assistant he was an active member in several student organizations including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he held the office of Polemarch (President) and The Order of Omega Greek Honor Society.

Upon graduation, Martin briefly served as an account manager in the consumer goods industry before embarking on a career in Telecommunications. After three years of research and development, he founded Trojan Works Publishing. He currently resides in Houston. Dazed & Confused is his first novel.

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