The Soul Pitt Writer’s Block

Soul Pitt Interviews Jaquaya Inez
Poetic author of Life Expressions Poetic Testimony

Jaquaya Inez, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, discovered her love for poetry at the age of thirteen. For her, writing has been a technique used to express and analyze natural feelings. She has experienced and observed how emotions can manipulate and destroy a person’s character; and how words have the power to ruin and rebuild. She uses her environment as her motivation and hopes to persuade positivity in the lives of others. Her lifelong dream is to be an affirmative role model and to invest love, peace, and faith in communities that suffer from lack of education and poverty.

Bonita: What inspiration led you to publish Life Expressions?

Jaquaya: I had a shoe box full of poems that I wrote, stored as a treasure box of memories. It was after I read a number of poetry books I realized how much I enjoyed the art of poetry. I then decided to publish my poems for others to read. As I reread the poems and prayers that I saved I noticed how my writings were a reflection of my pain, struggles, peace and restoration. When I realized that God was always there, even when it didn’t seem like it, I was convinced that I didn’t have a choice but to share my testimony.

Bonita: When you write a poem are you interested in writing what you feel the public wants to read or do your words come from the heart?

Jaquaya: Sometimes, I write about specific topics for special occasion, but I always write from my heart.

Bonita: How does a poem come to you?

Jaquaya: Poems come to me in many ways, at any time and in any place. Sometimes I look for words to describe the nature that surrounds me. Sometimes I hear or see things that make me feel emotional. Sometimes I might get upset with a situation, which may be out of my control and I will write about it just to release the frustration. The rhythm of the poem usually comes naturally and it reflects my mood.

Bonita: What poets do you find inspirational?

Jaquaya: Maya Angelou is my greatest inspiration. Her words always deliver power, strength, and encouragement, something that I can relate to. I also like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. I love a woman who has a free spirit and confidence.

 Bonita: How has the reading public received your book?

 Jaquaya: So far, I have received great feedback from more men than women. The men tell me that they read from cover to cover; meanwhile more women are likely to read selected poems as they overlook the message.

 Bonita: How do you think Pittsburgh could embrace its literary community?

 Jaquaya: Pittsburgh needs more local book stores.

 Bonita: What was your experience with Xlibris in the publication of your book?

 Jaquaya: The publication process, working with Xlibris, was a learning experience for me. I liked the freedom of working at my own pace and creating a product that would be exactly how I designed it. I didn’t have any problems with Xlibris.

 Bonita: What have you learned about publishing and marketing a book?

 Jaquaya: It is much harder than I expected, although I didn’t really have expectations. I have always been determined to finish what I start, but I learned that this can be never-ending. I learned that you need to have a strong interest or a passion in publishing and marketing in order to achieve success. If you do not put your heart into what you do, then the process is very long and difficult.

 Bonita: Where may our readers purchase Life Expressions?

 Jaquaya: Life of Expressions can be purchased online at barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and xlibris.com, or people can contact me via email to buy directly from me.

 Bonita: Have there been any new literary opportunities presented to you since publication of your book?

 Jaquaya: Meeting great people who are interested and supportive is always a great opportunity. Since the publication of Life of Expressions I have been exposed to more poetry/ spoken word events. I am working with a youth program in McKeesport and I am scheduled for a TV interview that will show on Channel 21 in February.

 Bonita: What is in your future?

 Jaquaya: I do have intentions on writing another book, but writing has always been a hobby for me so I doubt if I will make it a priority.

 Bonita: Do you have any events our readers will be able to hear you share your inspiring poetry?

 Jaquaya: I do make myself available to participate in open events; however I do not have any events or plans scheduled. So far, my journey has been a learning experience and I don’t think I would do anything the same. Therefore, I am practicing patience and planning for the future.

 Bonita: What would you like your readers to come away after reading Life of Expressions Poetic Testimony?

 Jaquaya: This book touches on many different topics as I share my testimony, so I want people to say that this book is something that they can relate to. After reading Life of Expressions Poetic Testimony, I would hope that people are encouraged to have more faith.

 

Mommy-Sunshine

You open up my eyes

To make me see

A different picture

More wise, am I

For now I know

You open up my eyes

To make me see

A different picture

More wise, Am I

For now I know

You open up my eyes

To make me see

A vision

As you breathe

You help me to grow

Like a flower

You open my eyes

To make me see

A seed sprouting,

Creating

Colors

Soft petals

Leaves

And technique

You open up my eyes

To make me see

The definition

Of mother

A beautiful flower

One who shines and blooms

The morning sunshine

You open up my eyes

To make me see

What the meaning of mother is

A reflection of me

A mother is love

Love that contributes to life

Deep and unique

You open up my eyes

Just by being you

My sunshine

My mommy

I love you

Filed under: Fiction & Poetry, Literary Haps