Epiphany Z. Crush interviews Poetess Bethany James
Good evening! I will be sharing interviews that I do with some really interesting, positive, and talented people. Here is my first interview with an author friend of mine-Poetess Bethany Camille James:
How long have you been writing? I have been writing since I was a child. I started in church.
What inspired you to start writing? I was always interested in writing when I was in k-12. Also, I was given chances in church to share my poetry. I really enjoyed it, but it took time to do it on a serious level.
Does writing energize or exhaust you? Explain. Writing exhausts me. I feel it is a labor of love.
What is the most difficult part about writing for you? I would say the acceptance of criticism and periods when you don't get enough feedback.
What projects are you currently working on? I am working on more opportunities and marketing my literature. I try to write often and build more awareness for my poetry.
How do you handle writer's block? I pray and keep going. One of the things that has been placed on my heart is keep writing.
Describe your writing space. I usually write in journals. I can use them to create a safe space and set the atmosphere. I can write anywhere and I love to set up writing spaces based on my environment.
What is the definition of success, and what does it mean to you? Achieving your highest potential and being remembered positively.
What is the worst writing/publishing advice anyone ever gave you? Just publish and you will make a profit. That's not true. It takes time, effort, and discipline. Talent and a fan base helps too.
How does your faith life/ethical outlook impact your writing? It's the reason I stick with it.
Who is your hero? Why? The late Dr. Maya Angelou. She is a pillar in my craft and a household name in poetry. It would be great to be remembered or recognized for my words too.
If you had to describe yourself using three words, what would they be? I would say longsuffering, passionate, and caring.
Earlier this year you released The Big Game Volume 1: Spirituality and Love: Remastered Edition, which contains over 55 poems. Which poem is your favorite? Explain why. My favorite poem would be Abstinence (Still I Wait). It's one of those poems that I wrote in honor of Maya's Still I Rise. A lot of positive feedback and couple of features have been the rewards from it.
Where can readers purchase your books/merchandise? You can purchase it on Amazon or D2D retailers.
Where can readers find out more about you and your books? I included a link to my book page on Facebook. I can be found on many sites and my book/author bio can tell you more about me. www.goodreads.com/mymastersministry
Which platform(s) do you use the most to promote your book(s)? I use Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads the most.
What book is currently on your bedside table, or what book are you currently reading? I am currently reading a lot of poetry. I don't have a book I am reading. I read a lot more via social media. It allows me to network and multitask.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book? Do your research, and take your time.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Try to write and get involved more. The more you devote to your craft, the further you can go. Also, don't waste your time and money. Get a writing degree at 18. It is a goal I want badly, but in time, will achieve.
Share something readers wouldn't know about you. I am in love with collaboration. If more writers came together, it would make us all successful. I will never stop supporting and encouraging collaborative efforts.
I want to thank Bethany for this interview, and I'd like to encourage anyone who is reading this to check out her book The Big Game. I purchased it awhile ago from Amazon, as I love to support authors too. See the image below. Thanks for reading!
