How did your journey as an author begin?
Back in 2010, I was dating someone and just wrote a simple poem to share how I felt about her. She enjoyed the poem but we ended up breaking up and from there a short time later the poems just flowed out of me. I guess it was a way of dealing with the breakup but it did not feel like it at that time.
Was becoming a writer something, you always wanted to pursue?
Not at all. My first poem was written a 51, I am 62 now. So, this came to me much later in life. I have read poetry but never thought I would end up writing poetry.
Who motivated you?
Truly I feel it was a gift from God. The way the poetry came from inside me, the words and titles just came together and all I did was write them out on paper or my computer.
What inspired you to write your first book?
When the flow began and I went back to go over what I have written, there were over 100 poems that I had written in different poetic styles. A friend I have discussed this with suggested I should pull the poems together and put them in book form.
How does it feel to be a published author?
It feels amazing. When I read the words, I have written it mystifies me that it came from inside of me. That I have three published books is an accomplishment that I am proud of.
Since becoming a published author, what challenges have you faced if any?
Just the marketing aspect of getting the word out. It is a daily task of talking and sharing on all platforms. Poetry is a form that most people don’t really read. So, getting my work in front of my target audience to read has definitely been my main challenge. With exposure, sales will follow.
What genre do you write on?
Primarily poetry, but I have thought about short stories.
What message do you want your readers to take away when reading your books?
People have told me that my work is very philosophical. So, to help people navigate through their lives and share what we have in common.
What does being an author mean to you?
It means that I need to use my gift the empower others and make an impact on how they think and feel about life experiences we all have.
Where did your inspiration/motivation come from?
From what I have gone through in my life. My work is a myriad of life at this moment. I have noticed that my earlier work relates to now. The human condition.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Hopefully to be in a position to retire and be able to devote my time to family and writing.
Have you ever thought about being an author full-time?
Not really, but if my books sell and place me in a position where I can financially take care of my family, I would consider it.
Tell us about your marketing strategies as an author.
Keeping inventory on hand to be able to get signed copies to readers. Staying on all social platforms for exposure and when COVID-19 subsidies to be able to speak in front of a live audience.
Do you find it to be challenging at times when promoting your books?
Yes, because are a lot of books of poetry. I don’t want to come across as preachy or like a salesman pushing my work on people.
Do you have any current book projects that you are working on?
I am working on my fourth book which takes on a tone of social issues. Seeing what is happening around me and being an African American my words have been going in this direction.
How many books have you published in total?
I have three published books so far.
How can readers connect with you and support you?
They can email me and follow me on social media. My phone number is also available to reach out as well.
Tell us a little bit about your book.
I can break down all three, the first book “Into My Rotation, A Collection of scribes” is my view of what I saw around me. Inside and outside. “Journey to The Poetic Light, Illuminations” has poetry that deals with light. The life of light is all around us. And the third book, “Life Between the Words” is about healing and redemption of what our experiences do to us.
What inspired you to write a book?
Just a friend’s suggestion because of the number of poems I had written that I should publish them. It was really that simple.
What is something that you hope your readers can take away after reading your book?
That through aspect there is also hope. Even when things are dark and look impossible there is always a way. You just have to be open to it.
Where can readers obtain a copy of your book?
I have copies or they can order through Amazon.com or GoodReads.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I just read, watch the news and see how I am feeling. The words will come.
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