Kerry B
Author Interview:
1.What inspires you most to write? This is a gift God gave me in order to inspire others who can't speak for themselves. It is a true form of testimony of life experiences and lessons that needs to be shared.
2. What is your favorite genre? Poetry is my favorite genre, as it is a true art form to transform words into images.
3. Who is one author you admire if any and why? I truly admire Walter Mosley, my all-time favorite. He was able to make a mark in the mystery genre as an African American writer and is doing the same in the science fiction genre.
4. How do you overcome blank writing spells? I usually take a walk or listen to music to give myself a break from trying to force creativity. It usually helps with the process and in turn, a new poem is written.
5. What legal publishing advice can you give? Go with the best option that will respect your wishes as a writer.
6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet? I have written 3 chapbooks, one is becoming a bestseller.
7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why? I would love to rewrite the script for Green Lantern simply to make the movie even better.
8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism? I self-published my first poetry chapbook shortly after my deployment in the Navy. It was hard selling a poetry book, but I'm grateful for family and friends to help me push through. I take each critique carefully because I want my books to be the best I've written. Critiques help me become a better poet.
9. What are your best experiences in your writing career? So many doors have opened ever since I decided to pursue this passion. I have traveled because of poetry to different major cities. I am now a college professor teaching English and creative writing courses. I have also coached and mentored other poets as they work on their projects as well. I have also won 3 National Poetry Awards.
10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background? I tend to work better in silence, it helps me focus on the project at hand.
11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer? Don't ever give up on a gift God has given you. Keep writing.
12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work? I always think of my audience when it comes to pricing. As far as promotion/advertising, I use social media as my main avenue. I also promote when I perform my poetry at different shows. Regarding distribution, Amazon is mainly my source. However, I have been working to expand it.
13. Why should anyone read your book? I share my unique life experiences with the world while using my gift to give you an imaginary tour. My word cadence will make it a fun ride as I discuss everything from family, love, identity, military life, spirituality, etc. I would be honored if you read my books.
14. Did you have a book coach? No, I did not have the opportunity to have a book coach. The publisher for my last chapbook Surviving Myself did provide a few suggestions before the book release.
15. What was your favorite subject in school? I was an African and African American Studies major in college, so any course in my major was my favorite.
16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?
I have been mainly self-published. I am open to writing under an established publisher one day.