Today, I had the chance to interview J.R. Sterling, and ask some curious questions in regards to the poems from his new book, “A Weak Moment”, which is available now on Kindle and Amazon.com for free!
Check out my Q/A, as well as TWO poems from J.R.’s new book:
Briefly introduce yourself, and your book:
I am an executive whowrites in his spare time. My first book was published five years ago. It is titled ‘The Street-Smart Parables’ a collection of fourteen parables. It has been translated to Spanish recently. ‘A Weak Moment’ is first book of poetry- a collection of poems that I have been writing for maybe the past twenty years
In no particular order, share 5-10 of your inspirations:
Nature, work(or the burnout due to work),pain, love, the everyday life
What are your thoughts on the current status of the economy? How does this affect you as an artist/poet/writer?
Is the worst over? Its difficult to say as one doesn’t know whether there are any more unpleasant surprises. I guess a bleak state of affairs is also an inspiration for an artist either to give vent to his frustration or instill optimism
Are you signed to a publisher of any sorts? What are your thoughts on that?
No. I might approach a publisher after seeing how my book is received
What would you hope people think about when they read your poetry?
I hope it provokes them to stop and think ;I hope it brings a smile to their lips
Have you ever bought a book (or album) for its cover? If so, which one?
No I buy a book after reading reviews and reading a few pages myself
What’s one place/venue in the world you’ve always wanted to visit for inspiration?
Switzerland!
Who/what first inspired you to write?
No one in particular. What inspires the flower? The sun perhaps!
Any favored experiences when sharing your work to new people?
People have given positive feedback which is encouraging for a new poet like me
Which do you find is a more effective medium to approach a potential fan of your work? In person, or online?
I think its online considering the sheer reach it has
What’s your least favorite thing about being a writer?
Nothing; absolutely love it!
What’s your most favorite thing about being a writer?
Its very cathartic!
In your opinion, what’s the best way for an independent writer (or artist) to make $ these days?
I think publishing your work on kindle or such other platforms and using online mediums.
If you could go back and change anything in your career, what would it be?
I would be a teacher!
Where do you sell more books? Online, or at shows/events/signings?
Online
How do you feel about the new “facebook timeline”? Does this resource help you in any way?
I think it’s the logical next step and facebook has raised the bar and I believe it will be helpful to me.
If you could interview any celebrity for inspiration (dead or alive), who would it be?
Robert Frost
Any advice to other up-and-coming writers/artists?
Believe in yourself and be persistent
Do you do this for a living?
Not at present but its my gut feeling in one year’s time I will be doing this for a living.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say “U.S.A.”?
Oppurtunity
Random question- Who do you think would win in a fight: Jerry Lee Lewis, or Jerry Seinfeld?
It might be a tie
TWO POEMS FROM “A WEAK MOMENT”:
The Leaves
Now furrowed and closely furled,
Their dull,dry faces full of pores,
They lie on the dirty ,dusty path,
To be trampled by careless passerby.
These very leaves
Were once full of life
Till, with harshness
They were felled by wind
To decay and to be forgotten
Yet will fresh leaves sprout in spring.
In these lifeless leaves
I see those souls
Whose beauty and fame
Have been withered by time.
A Weak Moment
A moment left unguarded
May make a man a beast
And then he may do something vile
That will wreak havoc upon lives
He may then feel remorse
But the stain will still remain
Our weakest moments
Have the greatest power
To destroy our lives
@whiskeranogo
Source: amazon.com