Author Spotlight: Nathaniel Terrell

 

Poet Nathaniel Terrell 

Is There Not a Cause? by Nathaniel Terrell 

Available at Atmosphere Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

About the Poet

Nathaniel Terrell is an author, poet, writer and artist. He is currently promoting a collection of poems titled,  Is there not a cause, published by Atmosphere Press.  Other of his work has been in publications and online platforms including New Plains Review, Maudlin House, Nine Cloud Journal, Havik, Finding The Birds, Connecting Perspectives, Lifewriting.com, The Inside Interviews, Open Mic Night Poetry Podcast and more. He resides in Western, NY.

Poet Nathaniel Terrell is the author of Is There Not a Cause? Check out my interview with this poet!

Congratulations on your new book! Tell me about your latest work? What inspired it? 

NT: Thank you. Is there not a cause is a collection of poems that speak from time and experience, pain, loss, hope, calls for change, reflection and a creative voice within. This powerful manuscript was written over a span of six years. I incorporated much of what I was going through during that period. My imagination along with the social and political climates in this country and around the world were big inspirations as well

How did you get started as an author/ poet? 

NT: Putting lyrics together and writing songs and stories are things I could do as far back as my teens. But I didn't get serious and commit to becoming an author and poet until the end 2008.

Who are your favorite authors? Poets?

NT: Gil Scott Heron, Tupac Shakur, Edgar Allen Poe, King David, Erica LaShei

What has your writing life been like during the pandemic? Do you have a writing schedule? If yes, please explain. 

NT: It seems like during the pandemic I've noticed more opportunities for writers to be published. I really don't have a schedule, most of my time lately has been promoting, entering and competing for various book awards. And I am putting together drafts for my next collection.

What themes are most present in your work and why?

NT: Growth, dealing with pain, regret, faith, love, injustice and scenes of life.

These themes are most present in my work because at some point in many of our lives these are the things we endure. Many times the weight of these occurrences can make life difficult. My goal as a writer is to encourage anyone who reads my book to not give up and that oftentimes life can be unpleasant but you are not alone.

How do you connect with readers and your overall audience/ fan base? 

NT: I think it's a combination of passion, creativity and that I bare my soul through words, songs and stories. Also I feel like people connect because I ask questions and try to present my words in a way that causes the reader/listener to think and feel.

What are a few tips you have for new poets or authors?

NT: Sign up or use Submittable. This platform has connected me with the majority of the presses/publications/journals and online platforms that have published my work. Don't allow the rejections to break your spirit or discourage you. Understand rejection is part of the process!

Believe in yourself and your abilities. Maintain the commitment to perfect your craft

Where else has your writing been featured?

NT: Maudlin House, New Plain Review, Finding The Birds, Connecting Perspectives, Havik, Nine Cloud Journal, Open Mic Night Poetry Podcast, Lifewriting.com, UHyped Radio and more.

What’s next for you?

NT: I plan to continue to promote and sell my book. Also create more content for my social media pages. I have more interviews lined up and several book reviews that will be published soon.

Where can we find your work? Where can we follow or “fan” you?

NT: Follow me on Instagram @life.mid. Also follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Reverbnation. You can find my book at Atmosphere Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Alice's Musical Debut & Multicultural Children's Book Day!

Celebrating Alice's Musical Debut & Multicultural Children's Book Day! 

DuEwa Frazier is a proud Author Sponsor for Multicultural Children's Book Day that is being celebrated on January 31, 2020. With the release of Alice's Musical Debut, a diverse children's picture book with African American child protagonist Alice McLeod (young Alice Coltrane), DuEwa joins the ranks of committed children's book creators and educators to celebrate young readers and promote diversity in children's book publishing. 

Authors, publishers, editors, illustrators, educators, and others who champion diverse books for young readers will celebrate books that that feature multicultural content for children.  The importance of diverse books for children is that children of all backgrounds and ethnic groups can see themselves in the pages of these books.  The promoters of multicultural books for children have a vested interest in creating more diversity in children's book publishing in addition to celebrating those who create these works!  

Check out DuEwa's blog post "A Task for All of Us: Championing Young Readers with Diverse Books!

Follow DuEwa @duewafrazier1

 #AlicesMusicalDebut #ChildrensBookAuthors #DuEwaFrazier #DiverseKidLit #ReadYourWorld #MCBD2020

NEW BOOK! Alice's Musical Debut by DuEwa Frazier

DuEwa released her first children's picture book ALICE'S MUSICAL DEBUT in summer 2019!  A dream come true for a writer, literacy advocate, and book promoter who desired to write for children for many YEARS!!! 

Alice's Musical Debut by DuEwa Frazier Illustrated by Nadia Salas (Lit Noire Publishing Children) is a historical fiction picture book for young readers!  The story reimagines one day in the early childhood of notable jazz pianist, harpist, and organist Alice Coltrane (wife of jazz great John Coltrane). DuEwa is excited to share this story with young readers, parents, educators, and children's book lovers! 

Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

NEW BOOK! Quincy Rules by DuEwa Frazier

I'm excited to announce my newest title, Quincy Rules (October 2016, Lit Noire Publishing/CreateSpace) a teen novel!  Read the description below, and check out Quincy Rules in paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon.com!

Book Description

Quincy Rules $9.99 192 pages

Imagine receiving mysterious letters and cards with no return address, only colorful stamps from all around the world. These letters and cards tell little about the person who sends them, other than the fact that the sender, is the father you have never met. Quincy Lyles is a 15-year old teen who mastered yoga at a young age, gets straight A's in school and never gets into trouble. That is, until she starts to search for her birth father. Struggling to understand her true identify and background, Quincy goes on an adventurous quest to find her father. The one friend Quincy can depend on, Delaney Rojas, helps her in her quest. Quincy begins to develop parts of herself she never knew existed within her new found "sleuthing" abilities. Quincy Rules is a young adult mystery with hints of humor and mysticism. Grades 6-9.
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

10/15 Book Signing for YA Novel Deanne in the Middle @ Hampton Roads B&N

Author DuEwa Frazier will read from and sign copies of their latest YA novel and other titles at the Hampton Roads Barnes and Noble Bookstore on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 5pm Barnes & Noble Peninsula

Town Center, Hampton, VA FREE and open to the public!

Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

9/24 EVENT: DuEwa Features at 100 Thousand Poets for Change -- St. Louis

DuEwa will be a featured poet at the 6th Annual “100 Thousand Poets & Musicians for Change – St. Louis”
Produced by Susan “Spit-Fire” Lively & Amanda Wells
Saturday, Sept. 24th
4:30 – 10:30 p.m.
MELT
2712 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, MO 63118

Free and open to the public.
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

9/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Author Dan O' Brien on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

Author Dan O' Brien will feature on DuEwa Frazier's Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio! Dan will discuss his latest book, SIXTH PRIME.  Listen live on Monday, September 19th @ 7:30pm EST. Call in and talk with the author (929) 477 - 11177.  

CELEBRATION: January 27th is Multicultural Children's Book Day!

Thanks to author, blogger Mia Wenjen , and team of children's authors, illustrators, and book promoters - Multicultural Children's Book Day is happening again this year on January 27, 2016!. I am happy to be an Author Sponsor for this celebration of multicultural children's books!  

We STILL need #diverse children's books! And we need to celebrate them widely.  We need more children's authors of diverse children's books and more children's editor/publishers who have an interest in a myriad of stories, told by diverse author perspectives AND FOR diverse young readers around the globe.  Support this wonderful initiative and find our more about Multicultural Children's Book Day here!

- DuEwa
Author of Alice's Musical Debut (2019), Quincy Rules(2016), Deanne in the Middle(2014), Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems(2013), Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In(2010), Check the Rhyme Anthology (editor 2006), and Shedding Light From My Journeys (2002, 2012).
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

5/14 EVENT: Elizabeth Alexander Gives Talk on The Light of the World - Chicago

Award winning poet, professor and memoirist Elizabeth Alexander is scheduled to give a talk on her recent release, The Light of the World (2015, Grand Central Publishing) at Seminary Co-op Bookstore in Chicago.  

Elizabeth will discuss her memoir, which transforms the unexpected death of her husband into a compelling, heartfelt work of art. The event will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

Give the Gift of Books! Receive an Autographed Book from DuEwa this Season!

Gift the gift of books this season! Order one or more copies of the following Lit Noire Publishing books and receive each one with an original autograph from poet and author, DuEwa Frazier! The following poetry and children’s books are available for author signing and shipping to your work or home address:





- Deanne in the Middle, a young adult novel by DuEwa Frazier (2014)
– Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems by DuEwa Frazier (2013)
– Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children by DuEwa Frazier (2010)
– Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees Edited by DuEwa Frazier (2006) NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINATED ANTHOLOGY!
 



All books are on SALE! Perfect gifts for book lovers including book clubs and students! Fee includes USPS or FedEx shipping. Offer and sale ends December 31, 2014.
Contact duewa@duewaworld.com for orders and more information!

Repost: Hanging with the Big Girls in My Traveling Shoes by Patricia Spears Jones

This is a repost from award winning poet and author Patricia Spears Jones!  Check out her blog published at The Poetry Foundation!

Patricia Spears Jones

Hanging with the Big Girls in My Traveling Shoes by Patricia Spears Jones

Last year when I was invited to receive an award from the Black Students Association at Rhodes College as part of my 40th College Reunion, I was freaked out. I had a few weeks earlier been to Arkansas to bury my mother and what little money I had was gone. But to be honored as a Distinguished Alumni for a group I helped to organize decades before was an important opportunity I could not say no to. A very good friend, a wonderful novelist and elder heard about my honor and knew my predicament. She took me to a shoe store on Broadway and let me choose a pair of beautiful, well made dress shoes. I would not look like a poor poet at such a gathering. They are in a way my “traveling shoes,” the ones for readings and special events: memorials, weddings, high teas. They are the shoes I wore to A Celebration of Dr. Maya Angelou at Riverside Church on September 12.  Continue reading the rest of Patricia Spears Jones' blog here at The Poetry Foundation!

Children's Book Panel at 2014 Harlem Book Fair Featuring DuEwa Frazier

2014 Harlem Book Fair
Saturday, July 12, 2014    2:10pm - 3:15pm  
Countee Cullen Library - Conference Room B
104 W 136th
New York, NY 10030



The Next Chapter: Black Geeks, Heroes, Heroines & Bullies in Middle Grade & Young Adult Books

Panel Discussion Featuring: Zetta Elliot (The Deep, Bird) Jerry Craft (The Offenders, Mama’s Boyz) and DuEwa Frazier (Deanne in the Middle, Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them)



Moderated By: Nina Angela Mercer (Gutta Beautiful, Gypsy & The Bully Door)

Today's young adult and middle grade market is saturated with stories of vampires, girl cliques, coming of age stories, and teenage redemption. But how do these stories include diverse characters written by authors of color who present themes for "alternate" groups of young readers, ie. Geeks, punks, nerds, sci-fi fans and the like? These diverse, award-winning authors write on a variety of themes which speak to the interests and backgrounds of today's young readers. The authors will discuss issues in diversity within the children's book market, how to reach struggling readers, including boy readers, and ways in which librarians and educators can develop programs of high interests for teen readers.

www.harlembookfair.com/
www.duewaworld.com

Walter Dean Myers: Master Children's Writer (1937 - 2014)

There are few writers who have contributed countless stories and books for the benefit of children's literacy.  Walter Dean Myers, one of my favorite children's writers passed on July 1, 2014.  I was overcome with sadness upon hearing of his passing.  I immediately felt the sense of loss for his family, and also for the many children, librarians, teachers and literacy advocates who have read, taught and participated in book clubs and conferences surrounding Walter Dean Myers notable and award winning books.  Walter Dean Myers wrote with "us" in mind.  There is currently a great discussion and debate, asking why aren't there more diverse children's books?

Writers have argued that the great publishing companies in America do not widely publish children's writers of color or books that are about diverse children and ethnic groups.  Others believe there aren't enough writers who write to present diverse characters and themes for students of all backgrounds.  I am of the belief that is the job of all of us to share books featuring diverse characters and content for all children.  The writers cannot be the only ones to do it.  Walter Dean Myers achieved the purpose of writing and sharing high quality, diverse books for all children. 

Walter Dean Myers set his mind to write for children, many years ago and never swayed from his commitment.  We have benefited from his care, dedication and genius creativity.  As a literacy specialist, I have always included Walter Dean Myers books in book orders for classrooms and school librarians.  When you teach children of diverse backgrounds, you have to provide them with book choices that are high interest and ones in which they can "see themselves" within the books. 


Walter Dean Myers beautiful and inspiring books include Hoops, Monster, Slam, Bad Boy, 145th Street Stories, and Blues Journey.  I recently added Blues Journey to my book collection.  Walter Dean Myers son Christopher created striking illustrations for this book filled with poetic language.

I have shared Walter Dean Myers books with countless middle and high school students.  His books have high interest themes and characters that students can relate to.  I used Walter Dean Myers books when I was faced with boy readers who were not excited about reading.  But when I gave the students Slam, Hoops or Monster, they boys would always get into the books and slowly become motivated to read.  145th Street Stories is another book my boy readers loved and I could equally engage male and female students in activities and discussion around the book.

Thank you Walter Dean Myers for your contributions.  We will continue to cherish and share your works.

- DuEwa
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

A Task for All of Us: Championing Young Readers with Diverse Books

Through the years I  have had great discussions about books with middle grade and high school students.  I've read novels such as Catcher in the Rye and Their Eyes Were Watching God with my students.  I've read memoirs such as Black, White and Jewish and Down These Mean Streets with my students.  I've read essays by Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin with my students.  I've also read short stories from 145th Street Stories by Walter Dean Myers and "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid with them.  This was literature that was within our curriculum.  When it came to books that students were to self select, or read at home for more practice and endurance I received many comments that spoke to student frustration and apprehension.

Students told me, "You [the school] don't have enough books for kids like us..." or "I don't read a lot because I can't find books that really interest me, about subjects I like..." or "I really want to read books about teens and drama...Where are those books?" To solve the problem and answer to their frustration, I became one of those teachers who often spent $100 or more on books each month at Borders, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble buying books by authors who write novels and stories for and/or about diverse children and teens. And I could never buy enough, because each student reader had different interests and needs from the next student.  But I tried as best I could to provide a mix of diverse books they would like.  I generally received positive feedback from my students for my efforts to provide the books.  And when I couldn't spend money, I used my library card to check out books for my students.

The majority of my K-12 teaching experience was in urban schools, where many of the students report that they do not have books in the house, nor does their family's economic situation allow for them to take trips to local bookstore or order online from Amazon.  Additionally, schools do not always have a large budget for classroom libraries and book purchases for students to take a book home to read. Few schools have an initiative to have all students and their parents apply for library cards.  With school budget cuts, state test scores, teacher turnover, safety issues and other challenges schools face, oftentimes helping to issue library cards is the last thing on a school leaders' mind.  Unfortunately many of our struggling youth, do not own library cards.  But the charge is for educators, children's writers, librarians and others to help make books accessible and of high interest for students of all backgrounds.

When I was a little girl I read many books, some with characters who looked like me and other books which focused upon characters from other lands and cultures.  Kimako's Story by June Jordan was one of my favorite books as a child. I also read and loved Rikki-Tkki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling, Marvel Comics, books by Ezra Jack Keats, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, The Runaway Bunny and many more. My parents supported me to read everything, ranging from poetry, to short stories, fiction, and non-fiction.  I grew from a young reader who loved books to an adult reader and writer who cares about boosting the literacy, self value and global awareness in young readers.

There has been a great discussion that there are not enough diverse books for children and teens.  In a country where there are so many children of diverse backgrounds, how can that be?  It's not for lack of story content written by writers who write for and/or about children of diverse backgrounds.  Children of all backgrounds need diverse books because we can no longer turn a blind eye to the inevitable need for us to learn from each others' stories and truths.  This means supporting the diversity in children's books and wherever possible, sharing books with children who are under served, who struggle with literacy and whose self esteem could greatly benefit from reading books where the characters "look" like them and share similar backgrounds and/or experiences.

I believe the charge is for us all to buy and share books with young people that are diverse in content.  You don't have to be a teacher or have children to buy books written for or about children with diverse backgrounds.  All you have to do is know that children are suffering because they do not read enough high interest books and because they are not exposed to an abundant of diverse books.  This is the problem.  If we want children to truly become empathetic, culturally aware, tolerant, and contributing global citizens, who value self and others, they have to read more diverse books, about themselves and the people around them.


DuEwa Frazier
Children's Author of Alice's Musical Debut (2019), YA/middle grade author of Quincy Rules (2016) and Deanne in the Middle (2014)
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1