Debut author, Robert Earl, was inspired to write his first novel “Miami Contingent” pulling from his experiences of living with drug addiction for more than 20 years. He creates a story that follows 11-year-old, Renee Jenkins, who must maneuver her way through the asphalt jungle of Miami’s dangerous Overtown neighborhood as she strives to find happiness in a world consumed by death, despair, drugs, and pain.

In “Miami Contingent,” published by Archway Publishing, Renee is a vivacious, bright girl who had the seemingly unfortunate fate of being born into the notorious Jenkins clan, in an area of Miami where a knock at the door warrants carrying a pistol for protection.

“This is about the real Miami that’s not on your postcards or in popular TV shows,” said Earl. “I wanted to tell real stories in real words, uncensored so that people can relate to them and walk away thinking and pondering.”

As the story develops, Renee is kept busy caring for her younger brother, Sean, and dreams of becoming a doctor. But what Renee doesn’t know is there is a storm coming to Overtown that has the power to change everything. “Miami Contingent” explores whether Renee will survive, or will her fate be sealed by her family’s reputation.

Earl was born in Baltimore and now resides in the Miami area. He is a realtor and world traveler and is currently attending the University of Miami. Simon & Schuster, the publisher of his novel, is a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the leading self-publishing company worldwide, to create Archway Publishing.