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.

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

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.  

New Book: Bruised by Stacy-Deanne

Bruised by Stacy-Deanne

Sugar and Spice Press (January 5, 2014) 

When Baltimore Homicide Detective Lisa Swanson and her partner Dee Quarter are called to investigate the murder of Ernest Juarez, Lisa meets wheelchair bound Jake Jenson, a man determined to find his best friend’s killer at all costs. Jake is instantly attracted to the standoffish Lisa yet can’t understand why Lisa keeps him at arm’s length.

What Jake feels is resistance toward him, is really Lisa’s distrust of men caused by a previous relationship centered on domestic violence. Lisa desperately searches for Ernest’s killer while fighting her feelings for Jake and trying to mend the pain from her past.

Jake just might be the man of Lisa’s dreams, but will she let shame and fear stand in the way of a new love?

Available now at Sugar and Spice Press, Amazon, All Romance Ebooks, Barnes and Noble, and Bookstrand.

New Book: Drinking From a Bitter Cup by Angela Jackson Brown

Drinking From a Bitter Cup by Angela Jackson Brown

Order a copy of Drinking From A Bitter Cup right now at Amazon. Click here.  At Barnes and Noble. Click here.  The publisher's website, WiDo Publishing. Click here.

Listen to Angela Jackson Brown's interview on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio!

Art + balance: Creativity and the graduate student

I've been in graduate school, since 2004.  Yes.  I'm on my fourth degree.  Some might say that I'm "over-educated."  I don't care.  People have asked me, "When do you find time to write?"  How about when do I find time to LIVE!?  Well I happen to believe that each degree program I've pursued, has been very useful for my work and career.  And of course my MFA degree was in writing, which I am still finding to be worthwhile as I work to strengthen my craft.  I love learning.  I'm proud to be from a family of educators who instilled a love of education in me.  The arts became a passion of mine early on, and so writing + education has been at the center of my life work.

But there is a drawback I've found to being an artist + graduate student.  The time and mental energy it takes to focus on classwork for graduate school, over time, can take away, from creative pursuits.  And that is if you do not structure your time, learn to say "No" to unnecessary activities or commit to what you say you really want for your art.  I've also found that over the years my eyes have become strained through repeated close reading and constant computer usage.  It could also be that with age, comes weaker eyes.  If you're an artist in an arts program that informs your work, it may be easier because you are constantly surrounded by people who are immersed in their art as well.  And perhaps they are giving you critique and helping you grow. 

So, how do you balance creativity with work + school?  Writers I know who are enrolled in MFA programs, find that their writing falls in line with their graduate studies.  But what if your grad program is not really aligned with your art?  One could refer to The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron, a daily, self help practice workbook for artists who need a an inspirational boost.  Cameron encourages artists of all genres to commit to solitude and writing "morning pages" in order to bring ones self back to creative balance.  I used the book years ago, during a summer when my mind wandered more than my pen did onto the page.  I also repeatedly read Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain to inspire my creative vision as a writer. 

Listening to music while working or resting is a great way to inspire the artist within, especially if you have neglected your art for awhile.  I love the relaxing Cafe del Mar chillout and Buddha Bar hour-long playlists.  As a full-time educator and graduate student, I find that it's important to build in those joyous breaks between working and studying.  Academic life can be very non-creative and can feel like, "when will this be over" but it's necessary for certain career progress.  I have to build in time to write.  Early mornings.  Late evenings.  Sometimes only once per week.  I jot down ideas on my iPhone until I get to my computer or notebook.  When I sit down to really write and revise, I do it for three or more hours.  Water, herbal tea and a snack is close by.  And in this space I try not to think about the paper I have due in a few weeks or some other to do list.  Because I know that I will get it done and it will be thorough.

Self care for artists, whether you work full time in addition to graduate studies, or not.  How you take care of your mind and body is important.  Sleep is not overrated.  Our fast paced culture promotes the idea of "grind now, sleep later."  But you won't have a grind now or later if you don't sleep.  Lack of sleep can cause digestive problems, anxiety, depression and an overall bad mood.

Your mind, body and spirit need rest and intervals of quiet to rejuvenate and sustain.  That's the truth.  Studies have shown that lack of sleep can affect your heart, your mental stamina, and can accelerate aging.  Sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, even being around positive vs. negative energy all has an affect on your creative output, your mental outlook and overall productivity.  The next time you think you have some type of block, like writers block - ask if you are getting enough self care in the above areas.

There's light at the end of the tunnel.  Sometimes I feel my pursuit of "book knowledge" in higher education will never end, yet it is necessary for certain goals I may have.  There is always a gnawing inside of me, a reminder and a whisper telling me to "don't forget to write..." no matter how tired I am.  Eye strain.  Bad attitude.  Phone calls.  Assignment deadlines.  Hunger.  Need to be social.  Nothing should keep you from your art.  Otherwise, you'll search for something outside of yourself, to feed your soul. 

How do you fit your creative practice into your busy work + school schedule?

ARTICLE: Making It Online via TNJ.com

Here is an excerpt of an article I'm mentioned in via The Network Journal (TNJ.com).  

Making It Online

Kweli Joins the Ranks of Web Publications

By: CLARENCE V. REYNOLDS

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Business

For better or worse, the Internet in the 21st century has certainly changed the ways we access information, be it academic, journalistic or literary; challenging the merit of content and offering a place for creative prose to flourish at the same time. The closings of bookstores nationwide along with the decline of print publications — particularly those with an artistic focus and a specific audience in mind — continue to leave readers, writers and publishers wondering about the future of hardcover books and outlets for literary works in general. Although low circulation, loss of advertising dollars, and even concern for the environment have led to rethinking strategies within the publishing market, the Internet has been the impetus behind the emergence of countless online publications. In 2009, Poets & Writers magazine, in the article “From Page to Pixels: The Evolution of Online Journals,” commented that “Today’s best online journals offer innovation as well as visibility.” So with a strong belief on that promise, Kweli Journal (www.kwelijournal.org), in 2009, joined the growing number of online publications.   CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE...

COMING SOON!: The Chatting with Author Feature

I decided I'd like to add something new to the blog here at Rhymes, Views & News. I've been interviewing authors and artists on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio for a few years now. I thought it would be great to have a text interview component for the blog.

So, coming soon I'll have interview posts featuring authors called "Chatting with..." The subjects may provide writing tips or discuss their recent book.

Be on the look out for it!

NEWS: Cast your votes for the 2010 African American Literary Awards Show!

It was a great honor when my book Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees was nominated in the poetry category for the 2007 AALAS awards! Well it's time for another round of voting for the outstanding books which have been nominated this year. I voted for my favorites, and a few of the authors who are nominated are in my network which is great! The authors I voted for include: Victoria Christopher Murray, Jerry Craft, and of course the beloved Sonia Sanchez! See below to cast your votes!
The African American Literary Awards Show
is an entertainment event production and marketing company with a focus on writers and authors. AALAS produces an annual Literary Awards show to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements and contributions that African-American authors and writers make to the publishing, arts and entertainment industries.

The 6th Annual African American Literary Awards Show will salute Dr. Cornell West, Terrie Williams, Hill Harper and Sonia Sanchez.

The AALAS Awards is the first of its kind. It is the most comprehensive awards show ever to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements and contributions that authors and writers make to the publishing, arts and entertainment industries


Click here to vote for 2010 Nominees!

History of African American Literary Awards Show

The African American Literary Award show is the brainchild of Yvette Hayward, president of Y. Hayward, Inc., a public relations company that has been a powerful resource in the literary field for over a decade.

National Novel Writing Month November 1 - November 30

What is NaNoWriMo?

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.

Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.

As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.

In 2008, we had over 119,000 participants. More than 21,000 of them crossed the 50k finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.

So, to recap:

What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.

Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.

When: You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Still confused? Just visit the How NaNoWriMo Works page!

WRITING: Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute

I'm on SLC's mailing list, so I thought I would post the information:

The Writing Institute
Non-Credit Courses for Adults
The Writing Institute offers adults the opportunity to improve their skills and become part of a community of writers. Classes are small (14 or fewer students) and employ the workshop method. Through interaction with a skilled and sensitive faculty and with other adults for whom the art of writing well is important, participants become more proficient at thinking precisely, hearing language clearly and expressing themselves effectively.

The Writing Institute offers classes in two 11-week terms, one in the fall and one in the spring. Workshops meet weekly in two-hour sessions, which are held during day and evening hours and on Saturdays. Occasionally, readings and special programs related to publishing or other topics of interest to writers are offered.

Every term at the Writing Institute includes workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir writing, and children's literature. In addition to these, the Writing Institute offers, on a less regular basis, workshops on topics like screenwriting, magazine writing, editing and the personal essay.

Writing Institute Open House
Monday, September 14, 2009
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Living Room, 45 Wrexham
Meet our faculty, choose the workshop that is right for you, enjoy a light lunch, and converse with other writers. RSVP by phone (914) 395-2205 or email cce@sarahlawrence.edu.

Zora Neale Hurston Film on PBS April 9th

A documentary about author, folklorist, anthropologist, playwright and "Genius of the South" Zora Neale Hurston will air tonight on PBS. Check the website for local listings.

Rhymes, Views & News Radio w/Dr. Brenda Greene (NBWC)

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio Featuring -- Dr. Brenda M. Greene this Saturday, March 22, 2008!
Dr. Greene is the Director of The Ninth National Black Writers Conference, which will take place March 28 - 30, 2008. DuEwa will interview Dr. Greene about this year's Conference and the many esteemed Black writers, authors and publishing professionals who will participate in the event.

Be sure to tune in at 5pm EST tomorrow to listen in on the discussion and find out how you can register for the Conference!