We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Said Salaam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Said, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
Writing is art and all art stems from inspiration. Ideas pop in my head all day, every day but some refuse to be ignored. Once an idea demands attention I begin to give it life. Once I get into my zone I don’t look up again until I type ‘The End’.
It’s amazing to have an idea and then hold it in your hands as a finished product a month later.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m an author, publisher, and storyteller from New York City’s Highbridge neighborhood — a place that shaped both my hustle and my heart. I’ve written and published more than a hundred books, building a body of work that speaks to life in the streets while uplifting minds and spirits. My stories blend gritty realism with timeless lessons, earning me the nickname the Urban Aesop. Every book I write is meant to entertain, educate, and spark reflection — whether it’s about choices, consequences, love, or faith. I use fiction as my microphone, speaking to people who come from the same concrete I grew from.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes — my driving force is legacy. I understand that words can outlive the writer, and that realization shapes everything I create. I don’t chase trends or ride bandwagons because I’m not writing for the moment — I’m writing for generations to come. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of thought-provoking stories that make people think deeper, act wiser, and live better. Writing changed me. Reading opened my mind. And now, through my books, I hope to pass on that same growth and inspiration to others.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Honestly, word of mouth has been my best source of new readers and clients. Nothing beats genuine recommendations from people who truly connect with your work. Readers are the best promotion you can ever have — when someone loves a story, they’ll tell everyone they know about it. I’ve found that avid readers are my biggest ambassadors; they spread the word, share the books, and keep the momentum alive. That kind of organic support can’t be bought — it’s earned, one reader at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Saidsalaam.com
- Instagram: Said.i.salaam
- Facebook: Sa’id Salaam
