What would you like readers to know about you?  

I would love for my readers to know that my door is always open. I am a huge advocate for mental health and hope. I have no problems being a sounding board. This is why I write, to hopefully spread a small bit of hope to everyone, letting them know that they are never alone.   

What is your book about for those who haven’t read it? 

I actually have two books out in the world right now. the first is called Post-Its and Parchment and its sequel is titled Notecards and Scrolls. both books are a collection of poetry and prose, small letters and messages. the first book contains letters and messages to my younger self but written in a way that anyone could possibly relate to. the second book contains letters and messages to past relationships that I’ve had that have steered me into becoming the man that I am today. both books are broken up into two sections of small notes and longer letters, dealing with subjects pertaining to heartache, depression and mental illness, social injustice, self-love, spiritual relationship with God, romantic love and many other subjects. this series is called the Bottled Messages series because as I was putting this all together, I envisioned small notes trapped in bottles crossing treacherous seas but also notes that I’ve kept hidden inside of myself for so long.  

What has been your inspiration for writing it?  

I think it all began once I began to study poetry. as a child, I heard of Edgar Allen Poe and I fell in love not only with his stories and writings but also learning about his life and struggles. from there, I began to study poetry more, beginning with my favorite poet, Ntozake Shange, who wrote the poem collection For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When The Rainbow Is Enuf. her voice within that collection of powerful women pulled me in even more into the world of poetry.  

What was your favorite scene or part of your book to write?  

I think that it would have to be the letter portions in my latest book. with this one, I’ve finally been able to say and express so many feelings and emotions that I’ve kept captive within myself for so long. it was a very therapeutic point in my life.  

What books or authors inspired you to become a writer?  

That would have to be Ntozake Shange, J.K. Rowling, Cassandra Clare, and Alison Malee, just to name a couple.  

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write a book?  

write, read, write and read. that is honestly how you learn. find your own voice and continue to grow from there. writing isn’t a perfect art and the wonderful thing is that it doesn’t have to be. if you have a story, write it. the world needs your story.