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A Conversation with the Author

Q. What inspired you to publish The Evolution?

A. I have wanted to publish a book of poetry since I was 14 years old. However I allowed my fears and insecurities to hinder me from taking chances. The defining moment came for me when someone that I respect and admire read one of my poems and told me how talented she thought I was.

Q. Do you think the book carries a universal theme, or is it designed for one particular audience?

A. I definitely feel that my book carries a universal theme. It's about growth, joy, pain and changing the world. My book is for anyone with a heart and soul. Anyone who is a "Free Thinker" should have my book.

Q. Why did you decide to Self-Publish?

A. For me there was no other option. I wanted to be in full control of how well my book does or does not do. As an artist it's very important to have creative freedom. You don't always get that with traditional publishers. Also for unknown writers and especially poets it's practically impossible to get the attention of a traditional publisher with your first book. I knew that if I ever wanted to see my words in print that I had to do it myself.

Q. Where do you get your ideas?

A. I get my ideas from simply living and experiencing life. There is no greater muse.

Q. What advice do you have for other poets/writers who also aspire to see their words in print?

A. My advice would be to do your research. These days self-publishing companies come a dime a dozen. Don't just jump on the first one that you come across. Research several before making a final decision. Email or call if you have questions that still aren't clear after reading their manual. Look for a company that will best serve your individual needs as a writer and the goals you have set for yourself. If money is an issue for you like it is for most thriving writers, then don't be afraid to use the resources that are right under your nose. You'll be surprised at what the people you see and talk to everyday are capable of. Everyone on my team I hand picked myself based on his or her willingness to learn.

Q. What motivates you to write (i.e., financial gain, creative __expression, or something different)?

A. Definitely creative _expression and self-fulfillment.

Q. What writers have influenced your work?

A. Oh my goodness there is so many. Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Jessica Care Moore, the late Tupac Shakur, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, All the poets who frequent the local poetry spots in HOTLANTA every week. I'm inspired by anyone who writes freely from his or her heart and soul.

Q. What do you do when you aren't writing?

A. Well I'm a homebody so I'm usually reading, chatting with my family and friends or curled up on the couch with good snacks and a good movie.

Q. What are your future goals?

A. I plan to publish more books. I would love to start an after school program for kids in my community who show interest and promise in writing. And I also want to have a nationally syndicated radio program that only plays neo-soul and spoken word artists. There is so much talent out there that unfortunately will never be heard.

Q. Are you going to continue writing poetry, or do you want to try another type of writing?

A. I will always write poetry, it's my first love. It's in my blood. My friend Renae and I use to hand write 300 and 500 page stories in junior high and high school. We were married to the members of New Edition in all of them. Talk about the drama, hahaha. I would love to tap into that part of myself again. On a more mature level of course. I may even write a few plays or movie scripts.

Q. Have you started working on a second book of poetry or any other projects? If so what are they?

A. Absolutely, my second book is in the works and I'm considering doing a spoken word cd.

Q. When readers complete "The Evolution Beyond Words & Poetry", what would you like them to feel?

A. I want my readers to feel inspired to do something that they have always wanted to do. I want them to feel strong enough to survive anything. I want them to feel that they are not alone in their troubles. I want them to feel free to speak their minds. And above everything else, I want my readers to feel that diversity truly is the key to a better world.