From Classroom Challenge to Literary Success: The Unique Journey of an Award-Winning Poet
A Poet’s Dream
I am an award-winning poet, lyricist, and prolific author from Michigan, USA. Of course, it wasn’t always so. Poets find their voices in various ways. The story of how I discovered my own is very unique. I started writing at the tender age of twelve. It all began when an English teacher challenged my classmates and I to write our own individual poems. In so doing, I awakened an innate talent for this word weaving art. My desire to learn about and read poetry was insatiable. I especially enjoyed Shakespeare, as well as classical Greek epics. The more challenging the content, the better I liked it.
I kept a daily journal with ideas for new pieces, but also started an unusual side-venture. Some have compared me with the famous literary character, Cyrano De Bergerac, as I began writing love letters on behalf of fellow students for profit. They would describe their boyfriend or girlfriend to me, and let me know what message they wanted the letter to convey. I would charge a flat rate per page, making quite a bit of cash for a young teen. When that same teacher caught me, I feared severe repercussions. However, she praised my abilities and encouraged me to consider a career in writing. “You are selling your art.” were her exact words. So, I began gathering together some of my best poems, hoping to publish them someday. Thus, my dream of authorship was born.
Evolving Mastery: From Teenage Scribbles to Published Poet
As the years progressed, I continued to amass more and more pieces, keeping them in chronological order. As I aged, my works went from being very primitive, to much more complex. They included diverse structures, such as couplets, free-form, extended metaphors, Quatrains, so forth. As any teen matures, his or her emotional self-awareness and thought processes develop from a basic black and white attitude, towards a much more multifaceted shades-of-gray worldview. So it was with me, which became evident in my poetry. As time passed, the inward desire to write grew stronger, and I began to believe that one day, with lots of hard work, my dream of becoming a published author might actually come true.
It wasn’t until my early twenties when I got serious about submitting individual poems for consideration by various anthologies. I earned my first contract in 2004, and was then inspired to submit my full-length compilation to publishers. Of course, there were rejection letters and setbacks, but in 2006, my first book, Heart Mind and Soul, became available for sale on the open market. I chose this title because all poetry originates from heart-felt emotion, is processed into words by the mind, and touches the reader’s soul. The book was rereleased in 2019 as a second edition.
A Journey Through Life: Diverse Themes in My Autobiographical Poetry Collection
This book is well-rounded, covering a wide variety of topics, the passion of romance, heartbreak, personal values, love of family, friendships, and more. It is autobiographical in nature, encompassing the span of my life from age twelve through twenty-six. Even that first, most primitive, English assignment poem is included.
Unyielding Tenacity: Inspiring Poetry from a Visually Challenged Author and Advocate
This volume also touches upon one of the most remarkable things about me. I have achieved authorship, earned a college degree in child development, and am a teacher, in spite of the fact that I have been visually challenged since birth. My tenacity is unstoppable, as I let nothing stand in the way of fulfilling life goals. There are several poems discussing my necessary inner strength to stand tall against adversity. I continue to serve as a role model and advocate for persons like myself to this day, and will do so throughout life. People often ask me if I had a chance to have my vision corrected, would I do so.
They are often surprised by my answer, which is a resounding NO! I have strong faith in God, and believe that I was put on this earth to help others with visual impairment succeed, and to teach the sighted about our world and needs. This compilation would appeal to any lover of poetry, but I think women and those with disabilities would be especially drawn to it. Any reader can relate to some of the common life struggles described there within, and may gain insight into his or her own personal situations. It is my sincere hope that this book bring comfort to those facing similar issues, as well as inspire others to try their own hand at writing.
A Prolific Journey: Expanding Horizons with Award-Winning Poetry and Prose
My writing career would not conclude there. I went on to publish countless individual pieces in various international anthologies, and have also won many awards for my outstanding achievements in poetry. I have even written lyrics for some local bands. In 2022, I published the next in what will hopefully become a series of chronologically arranged autobiographical poetry anthologies. Entitled Facets of Life, It picks up where Heart Mind and Soul leaves off, and carries the reader through my early forties. This volume is much more introspective in nature, deeply analyzing complicated emotions, which often have many distinct nuances.
This title comes from my love of jewelry, and the fact that every gem has many facets, as does each individual’s personality. My third poetry compilation, Majestic Dragon, will hopefully debut soon. I often compare myself with a mighty dragon, as have others, because of my inner strength, protective nature, and refusal to accept defeat. I have also published a modern romantic tragedy based on an event from my own life, entitled Eastern Flame. During my early twenties, I fell madly in love with a Taiwanese exchange student, whom I later lost tragically. This story proves that not every romance has a happy ending.
A Promising Future: Upcoming Projects and Advocacy in the Literary World
My future as a writer seems promising. I am currently working on three new projects. Of course, the most important being the afore mentioned poetry compilation, Majestic Dragon, as poetry will always be my first love. I’m dabbling in science fiction, writing a novel about the dangers of eugenics, entitled Happy Birthday?. My third endeavor is a compilation of poems, short stories, essays, and excerpts written exclusively by visually impaired authors. Its purpose is to help the sighted see our world through VI eyes, and hopefully inspire greater understanding and compassion. I also administrate a Facebook group, Writers’ Forum, which encourages authors to share their art, and network. It also welcomes free book advertisements.
All of my books are available through Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and can also be ordered through any bookstore. They can be purchased in paperback or e-format. Heart Mind and Soul is also available from Audible. If you are interested in learning more, please see the links below.
Heart Mind and Soul , Facets of Life , Eastern Flame
