Exactly 1 year ago today, I officially released my first collection of poems, Blurred Vision. It felt really good to finally get it out because it had been a goal of mine for a few years. There were some poems not included in my first book, and as long as you keep living there is always something to write about. The slightest thing can be inspiration for me to write. It could be a result of me being angry, a conversation, witnessing someone else’s experiences, music, and the list goes on and on. Some people have asked what my method is to writing and the truth is I technically don’t have one. I write what I feel or whatever comes to my mind. The tones of some of my poems were not even a result of me feeling that way at the time. It’s just what popped into my head and it flowed…and I flowed with it
As you may remember in a previous blog I did, my book was self-published. Self-publishing is a lot of work, but very much so worth the benefit. I have met some great people along the way, learned from some mistakes the first go round and even helped jump-start some people to get their own writing completed and published. But I couldn’t have done any of it alone. I’m truly grateful for a great support system of God and those people who really love me and have my best interest at heart.
Today isn’t just about the 1 year anniversary of Blurred Vision though. It’s also the day I finish up my new book, Hindsight: 20/20. The book will be released early next year and I’m truly excited about the poems featured in it and the whole process of getting everything together. The format will be a little different this time and feature some other writings besides just poetry. The meaning behind Blurred Vision is basically that when we’re going through something, be it good or bad, our vision is often blurred. We can’t always see clearly because we’re in the midst of the situation. All of the poems featured in my first book deal with thoughts in their “blurred” state. Hindsight: 20/20 takes it a step further with a look on the other side: how we view things when we’re able to see clearly. And just as life would have it, there are definitely still some blurred spots along the way.
Check out a sample of one of my poems below, “Appetizer”, which will be featured in Hindsight: 20/20. If you don’t already have your copy of Blurred Vision, you can purchase it today by clicking on the button at the top of the post. And let’s also not forget to observe another special reason for today, Veteran’s Day. Much love to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces.
Excerpt from Hindsight: 20/20
I am not your cheddar biscuit
Cheese stick, fried green bean or
Tantalizing hot wing dipped in Habanero sauce
I am not a left side of the menu option
Just to curb your hunger
Cleanse your palate
Or wet your appetite
Because I am the thirst quencher
And I will drown you
No teaser and preceding the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th
Because I am the first…..and only….
