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.

Children's Author Spotlight: Chance to Dance by Keisha Bussey

Keisha Bussey 

Chance to Dance by Keisha Bussey Illustrated by Tyrus Goshay

Author Bio

Keisha Bussey is the author of Chance to Dance. She is also a dance educator. Keisha has a passion for dance and life with her students and colleagues.  She has been a dance educator for 19 years.  She believes in implementing dance books into dance curriculum.  As a little girl, she always had a love for books.  Her mother taught her to enhance her imagination while reading.  Keisha credits her early reading with her mother for an increase in her reading fluency as she became a more effective reader throughout school.  She also credits her third-grade teacher, Ms. Curry with inspiring her love for reading and books.  

Author Interview

DF: Tell us about your journey as a writer.  When did you start?  

KB: My journey as a writer was a long process because I started with a chapter book then decided I to change it to a children’s book. I started writing years ago, brainstorming on ideas I could write  in my journal to creating my manuscript. There were a few life changing things that came up so the process was longer than I expected.  I’m happy for the  learning experience in becoming an author. I’m a visual person so I wanted lots of illustrations for my children’s book. 

DF: Who are some of your favorite writers? 

KB: Maya Angelou and Alice Walker 

DF: Tell us about your current children's book. 

KB: Chance to Dance tells the story of Keisha, a fierce, sassy, dancer who full of energy and excited to learn how to dance. This book allows children to “Dream Big,” follow their hearts desires, believe in themselves, have a vision, and pursue it!

DF: What inspired you to write this book? 

KB: I have always wanted to write a children’s book because I have a passion for dance. My inspiration came from  my third grade  reading teacher.

DF: What has been the reaction to your book?

KB: The best reaction from my book has been my adult friends have said, “I love this book, it  makes me inspired to do what I want in life. You have giving me hope to “DREAM BIG” too. 

DF: In what ways do you keep a connection to your readers and audience?

KB: I’m getting ready to do a Chance to Dance book tour . I have social media to keep us connected, and I also have a book club I will start to do. 

DF: What advice do you have for aspiring children's authors?  

KB: My advice is to do what you love to do. Learn lots of things  while you are young. Continue to read books and  challenge yourself to new adventures. 

DF: What’s next for you (projects, events, etc.)? 

KB: Book Signing and book launch coming up soon. Chance to Dance book tour, and book club coming up next. 

DF: How can we connect with you on social media? 

KB: Facebook Dancing Keisha and Chance to Dance 

Instagram @dancingkeishachancetodance
www.fierce6elitedance.com 

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DuEwa World News! blog is created by DuEwa Frazier. 

Check out DuEwa's latest children's book Alice's Musical Debut!

'Like' DuEwa's author Facebook 

Follow @duewafrazier1 on Twitter or @duewafrazier on Instagram

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

Author Interview: Keke Chanel

Author Interview:  Keke Chanel 

Author, Keke Chanel

Silence by Keke Chanel

Keke Chanel is a delightful author who I meet online a few years ago.  She promotes via her blog and websites and is the author of several books to date. Read my interview with Keke to find out more about this powerhouse author! 

~ DuEwa

About the Author 

KeKe Chanel grew up in the small town of Greensburg, Louisiana in a home filled to the brim with siblings and personalities, so it’s a wonder how she found a quiet space for anything. “I hid under my bed.” That’s the answer she is likely to give if ever asked how she managed it. Sharing a house with three other children was very trying at times. Yet, KeKe always found solace in a book. In third grade, KeKe began writing poetry. Over time, her collection of notebooks expanded as did her love for the art of writing.

In 2006, she started work on her first book “Wicked Love” which will be released sometime in the near future. Starting a blog in 2010 opened up a great platform to showcase her work. Receiving positive feedback from her audience, KeKe decided to put her short-stories into book form and published her debut novel Deadly In Stilettos in 2012. KeKe Chanel won her first Literary Award in 2014 “The Artie Award for Literature,” and has been featured in VTWILLI Magazine. She is also a recipient of the BWABC Literacy Rocks Author of The Year Award. KeKe has been showcased on blog talk radio shows such as My Cultural Conversations with Verona Mitchell and Let’s Talk with Ms. Shanell.

KeKe attends events within her community and throughout the state, as well as meet and greets with local Book Clubs who feature her work. In January of 2014, KeKe along with her best friend and Manager Latarra started The Purple Hugs Foundation. A non-profit organization geared to help teenagers, grades 7-12 prepare for life after high school. Their goal is to inspire and motivate youth with a positive mindset and environment. For more information about The Purple Hugs Foundation, please visit www.thepurplehugsfoundation.org.“Giving back to the people who support me is very important.”

KeKe is a wife and mother. She enjoys reading, making up her own songs, watching football and movies, shopping, spending time with loved ones, and playing games on her IPad. She resides in Louisiana with her family. For more information about Keke Chanel visit her website: www.thekekechanel.com.

Tell us about your journey as a writer.  When did you start? 
My Journey as  a writer began in the third grade. It started due to my love for poetry after being introduced to it by my teacher. Years later, I would make up short stories about my family and friends, and as they say, the rest is history. I didn’t write my first novel until 2005, but it was lost when Hurrican Katrina hit. My computer hard drive was destroyed and I hadn’t saved it anywhere else. I took that as a sign to pursue a different path and stopped writing for a while, but I wasn’t able to escape it long. I found myself writing something daily at my job. So, in 2006 I started what would become my debut novel Deadly In Stilettos. Since then, I have released ten books. 

Who are some of your favorite writers? 
That list can become quite long. Lol. There are so many writers a love and admire. My top five would have to be: Eric Jerome Dickey, Brenda Jackson, Stephen King, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Octavia Butler. Since becoming a full-time author, I’ve met many amazingly talented authors that are now on my list of favorites. I am an avid reader when I’m not writing. Books ROCK!! 

Tell us about your current book (s). 
My current book is called Silence. It is my first paranormal suspense. I’m super excited about it because paranormal suspense is my favorite genre. It is set in the fictitious small town of Milledgeville, where an eight-year-old girl was taken and never found. She is trapped in limbo and blames the town for her current state, so she seeks revenge on anyone deemed fit. Savannah Rose, the main character is out for justice and won’t stop until it’s had.   

What inspired you to write this book? 
I was inspired to write this book from a dream. The concept just kinda happened and I was hooked. The questions plaguing me were: “What would happen if people saw but wasn’t really paying attention to their surroundings? Through all the Noise, can we truly hear the Silence?” Silence is the deadliest scream! I want readers to place themselves inside the story. As I developed the plot, it played out in my mind like a movie. I wanted the story to evoke every emotion to the reader as they take the journey through the eyes of Savannah Rose and what happened to her. 

Who is your audience? 
My audience is very broad, from age 13 and up, male or female. It doesn’t matter the cultural background. Silence has a cast of characters that will challenge readers. Some you can figure out, others, you cannot. I don’t like to totally give away the ethnicity of my characters. I want readers to see themselves within the story. 

What do you hope your audience will get from your work? 
In any KeKe Chanel work, readers will definitely be entertained and inspired. I want my audience to feel they can handle any obstacle thrown their way and come out a better person. My stories and characters are all faced with challenges, but they always persevere. My goal is to uplift, as well as provide an escape to a world of wonder, intrigue, and unpredictability.         

What has been the reaction to your book(s)? 
I’ve received great feedback about Silence. Just the other day I received an inbox via Facebook from a reader saying how much they enjoyed the story. Silence has been out a few weeks, and I’m very pleased with what readers are saying. If I can get them to post a review, that would be even better. I don’t know why, but lots of readers don’t post reviews. My other books are receiving amazing reactions as well. I don’t like reading the same plots and storylines, so I do my best to stay away from that. You can bet your last dollar that a KeKe Chanel book won’t be like any other. There will always be something different, special, and genuine within each and every one of them. I pour more and more of myself with each new work. I’ve had readers to tell me that. It makes me a better writer. 

In what ways do you keep a connection to your readers and audience? 
I keep a connection to my readers by inviting them to join my Facebook group KeKe Chanel Books. I also engage with them via various social media platforms. I have a blog: www.kickinitwithkeke.blogspot.com where I encourage them to comment and connect. I have a page on my website www.thekekechanel.com. where they can leave comments and send emails to me, which I manage myself. I do several events where I personally interact with the people. I take photos, sign books, etc. to stay connected with my readers. It’s essential in maintaining relevance and longevity in this industry. People tend to support someone they can relate to or feel comfortable with. Saying “hello” or offering a warm smile has never hurt anyone. 

What advice do you have for aspiring authors? 
My advice to aspiring authors is to study your craft, practice makes perfects, and never allow a negative comment about your work to deter you from pursuing your passion. Surround yourself with people who support you and return the favor. Write daily whether it’s a sentence or a paragraph to keep your creative flow. And lastly, humble yourself accordingly. People don’t have to support you, appreciate the ones who do. 

What’s next for you (projects, events, etc.)? 
I am working on my next book project as we speak. It will release in 2017. It’s called Deliver Me From Darkness. This upcoming year will be wonderful for KeKe Chanel. I have a few things brewing. I will also be attending several events throughout the year as always. Go to my website and subscribe to stay in the know.

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.  

AWARDS: Digest by Gregory Pardlo Wins the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry

Congratulations to poet Gregory Pardlo who was recently awarded the covetous Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for his 2014 collection, Digest (Four Way Books)!

About the Poet

Gregory Pardlo is the author of Totem, which received the APR/Honickman Prize in 2007, and Digest, (Four Way Books, 2014), which was nominated for the 2015 NAACP Image Award in poetry. His poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Boston Review, The Nation, Ploughshares, and Tin House, as well as anthologies including Angles of Ascent, the Norton Anthology of Contemporary African American Poetry, and two editions of Best American Poetry. He is the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship and a fellowship for translation from the National Endowment for the Arts. An Associate Editor of Callaloo, he is currently a Teaching Fellow in Undergraduate Writing at Columbia University.

SORMAG Winter 2014 Edition Features Interview with DuEwa!

 The Winter 2014 edition of SORMAG – Shades of Romance Magazine is dedicated to children’s and young adult authors and their works!  I am featured in an interview on page 8 of the issue.  

I discuss my latest book, a young adult novel, Deanne in the Middle!  Download or order a print edition of this issue here!

~ DuEwa 
Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

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!

2014 Teen Writing Contest at Brooklyn Public Library

 Teen Writing Contest Winners with Guest Authors

I had the honor of being a guest author this past Monday for the 2014 Teen Writing Contest Reception at the Brooklyn Public Library.  The program honored the winning teen writers who submitted to the Brooklyn Public Library’s annual contest.  The young writers submitted both prose writing and poetry.  The reception was lovely.  The students and their families arrived and mingled with the notable guest authors: DuEwa Frazier, Matt de La Pena, Jason Reynolds and Una LaMarche.  It was great to talk with the teen writers and fellow young adult and children’s authors.

The photo above shows all of the contest winners and guest authors.  Each talented student writer read their work at the podium.  After the reading, I participated in a panel discussion about writing and publishing with the other authors.  The teens and the program coordinator asked us some pretty good questions such as:

• What is the best writing advice you’ve received?
• When did you start writing?
• When did you decide to pursue publishing?
• What do you do when you have writers block?

The students also asked us questions about how we feel about putting ourselves into characters.  I had flashbacks to my time as an M.F.A. in writing grad student workshopping my stories.  The teens also asked, “What advice would you give?”  My reply was, “Never let anyone invalidate your voice, your perspective.  Know that your voice is valuable, you are of value.”

Follow DuEwa on Twitter @duewafrazier1

Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems - Now available in Ebook formats!

Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems 

by DuEwa Frazier

Goddess Under the Bridge: Poems is now available in Ebook formats!  Visit the following websites to purchase for your e-reader!

• Amazon Kindle

• B&N Nook

• Indigo (Kobo Edition)

From the award nominated poet and author of Shedding Light From My Journeys, Stardust Tracks on a Road, Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In and others, comes a new volume of powerful, inspirational poetry.  Goddess Under the Bridge DuEwa's fourth poetry collection is a meditation on the beautiful, the ugly, the passion, the struggle and reflection of the inner goddess looking out and reflecting the world.  The poems pay homage to Alice Coltrane, Suzan Lori Parks, Lucille Clifton, Pearl Cleage and other notable artists and thinkers.  Frazier's words shake and shout, rant and conjure moving and familiar images from the past, present and future of one's waking life.  The setting of these poems may be Harlem, St. Louis, Brooklyn, Chicago, a river, a bridge, a road or the seat of a soul. 

11/21 RADIO INTERVIEW with Author and CEO, Elinor Stutz

Elinor Stutz had an amazing career in corporate sales for many years before embarking on a new journey, to become a speaker, author and CEO of her own company Smooth Sale.  Ms. Stutz shared a heartfelt experience during our November 21st radio interview on Rhymes, Views and News Talk Radio.  She experienced a painful health crisis that lead to a triumphant personal breakthrough and revision of her life purpose. 

This interview further validated my belief that when we are in pain, when we are facing trials, it is the greatest time to revisit our life's purpose and make a new pact in order to decide how we will indeed impact others and the world around us in a more meaningful way.  Elinor chose to devote more time to helping others pursue their dreams.

Listen to my radio interview with author of Inspired Business, Elinor Stutz and learn new tactics in communicating powerfully with others and developing your business brand! 

11/8 Event: Glitter Pomegranate Poetry Series - 7pm @ Eve's

GLITTER POMEGRANATE PERFORMANCE EVENT!

 Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 7:00 PM

 

 Hosted by Cheryl Boyce-Taylor, Founder & Curator 

FEATURING:

 

DuEwa Frazier - (author of Goddess Under the Bridge)

Robert Gibbons

Nichelle Johnson

Charan Morris and an open mike

 

 Eve's Lounge   

769 Washington Avenue  

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York 

(between Sterling & St. Johns)

  

 

This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, inc. with public funds from the NY State Council on the Arts and with the support of Governor Cuomo and the NY State legislature, and by Calypso Muse.

10/27 RADIO INTERVIEW: Author P. Allen Jones on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

Author, P. Allen Jones

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio is ALL NEW on Sunday, October 27, 2013 @ 5:30pm EST featuring author P. Allen Jones!  P. Allen Jones will discuss her book I Only Cry at Night.  Call in to join the discussion at (646) 716-9474.  Listen to past and archived shows hosted by DuEwa Frazier.

10/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Author, Quanie Miller on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio

Author, Quanie Miller

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio is ALL NEW on Saturday, October 19, 2013 featuring novelist, Quanie Miller!  Listen live to the show @ 1pm EST and hear Quanie Miller discuss her new novel It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy!  Call in at (646) 716-9474 to join the discussion.  Listen to past and archived shows hosted by DuEwa Frazier.