Reading Michael Arceneaux’s blog, The Cynical Ones, often invokes some type of emotional party in my head. The brother can write. There has been times where I have laughed till I couldn’t laugh again, cried because he was so brutally honest, or even thought, wow does Michael live in my brain? This Howard University alum, Texas native, now a Cali transplant, has turned his blog into a full-fledged career and made new opportunities blossom. Arceneaux’s voice is what makes his blog so entertaining, provocative and one of the best daily reads on the net. The world is so obsessed with celebrity and pop culture, and he covers their missteps, trials & tribulations, awkward moments and triumphs with flavor a  that is so unique.

Style & Substance: When did you start the blog, The Cynical Ones?
I started my blog in May 2005.

Style & Substance: You also write for The Root, where does your inspiration stem from?
I was assigned that blog, actually. I reached out to an editor, who through research, I found out went to Howard. I was familiar with her work at The Washington Post. She told me I could pitch her and so I did. Every now and then my work would be published on the site. Then earlier this year she told me that they had a new blog in mind and after submitting a sample, offered it to me.

Style & Substance: I have coined the phrase, “instant celebrities for no reason” why do you think there are so many people famous without having real talent?
I think we live in a celebrity-obsessed culture and because we’ve created such a need for celebrity anyone can be one now. That in turn has convinced others with not a lick of talent in their bodies that they, too, can become famous so long as they attention whore enough.

Style & Substance: Post- graduating from Howard University was it hard for you get a steady writing gig?
Yes. Incredibly. The publishing world was in disarray and with the state of the economy, budgets were slashed everywhere which only exacerbated the problem.

 Style & Substance: What celebrity really gets on your last nerve?
Far too many. But in short: Any self-involved “celebrity” who acts as if they’re above criticism or above anyone or anything, for that matter.

Style & Substance: Did you always know you would be a writer, if not your second choice?
I knew I was always wanted to write, but I initially thought of becoming a news anchor and then eventually go on to write books and the like. I’ve never had a second career option, honestly. Just couldn’t see myself doing anything outside of media.

Style & Substance: You put a lot of heart into your writing as well as personal information that makes your work EVEN more soulful, do you ever regret that?
There have been some instances where I’ve looked back at something I’ve written and thought, “Yeah, maybe that was too much.” Then I remind myself quickly that what’s done is done and there’s no turning back.

Style & Substance: Your favorite writer?
It changes often. The first writer to come to mind is James Baldwin. Not only because of his eloquence, but out of sheer gratitude for paving the way for people like me to be more frank in their work, and touch on issues still largely ignored within our community (sexuality being the main one