The Reason Behind My Voice

Inspiration is Everywhere! Many are curious as to where my inspiration stems from. This is rather a difficult question to respond to, since I dare say inspiration for my work flows from various sources. From nature to those around me; inspiration is everywhere.  Being in nature, even for a short space of time, is always refreshing. It definitely brings me peace and that tranquility is often accompanied with a flood of new ideas. The resilience of the trees themselves are an inspiration. Watching on as they grew new branches after a ravaging category 5 hurricane shook them, is a testament that there is life even after the worst storms. So that's why when I feel down and un-inspired, I often detach from everyday life and make time to go sit on the beach or near a river.  My students in their own unique way, often inspire me. These young minds and their drive for knowledge often sends me on a search for knowledge, too. I have learnt quite a few lessons from them but

Several of my readers have been asking about my recently published collection of poetry "Bonfire". The story is quite fascinating, if I do say so myself. Had someone told me a few years ago I would have been published at age 26, I would not have believed them. Don't get me wrong, I have always considered myself to be a writer. But it was never a priority; I wrote only when I felt like it.  My most accomplished piece of writing would most definitely be my manuscript for my first novel. But it has yet to be published. The reason for this is because I was turned down by several publishers and I let that deter me. When I finally found a publisher, I was also asked to change the plot of my story because it was too controversial. I considered self-publishing but I was afraid of how it might be received.  I felt defeated and I felt like quitting on the novel altogether. But that was when "Bonfire" came to me like a candle in a dark room. The poems came flo