I grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Since I was the youngest of three (an older brother and sister) I knew I too young to really hang with them. My imagination was very active, probably from watching too many cartoons. I remember writing little rhymes and just reading them too myself. They were almost like little jingles. I was very shy, even up to my teen years, especially in high school. I think that influenced me the most.

I think I first started writing when I was in high school. I remember having a creative writing class in my sophmore or junior year. It was very inpiring and my teacher once told me I should go into journalism. I also started journaling at home about things I was feeling at that time.

My latest book titled "The Darkness, The Light, And The Glory" is my second collection of poetry. I am really passionate about inspiring and encouraging people. It is three sections of poetry. The first, relating some of the different hardships and struggles of life. The second move into positive and encouraging poems. The third is about praising God and giving thanks for who he is in my life.

Besides learning how to create a better looking e-book, Smashwords has open my work up to a wider audience through more distribution channels and e-read formats. It is a great site for producing a excellent product.

The greatest joy of writing for me is being able to create with words and have someone tell you that a poem or story you wrote, was something that they could relate to.

Fans mean everything. They bring life to my poems and they keep me inspired to write on. I appreciate all my fans.

I'm always writing and posting on several blogs. Usually an idea comes to mind and I go with it. I would love one day to turn some of my poems into animated shorts. That would be awesome!

A friend of mine gave me a book of poem by Langston Hughes, which I read. Also, I like reading poetry and writings from many of the authors I follow on different blog sites.

If God wakes me up each morning, it is for a purpose. Living to inspire, gets me up and out of bed. That's after staring at the alarm clock of course.

I work two jobs and spending time with my family. Throw some sports, movies and music in there too.

I have come across some amazing people on Smashwords,Tumblr, Twitter, and Wordpress. Many unknown and gifted souls.

I remember writing a short story about this young adult couple that fell in love, only after going through a little soul searching. I was working as a temp in an office. I work the story on index cards. I might have them around somewhere.

When I get a thought, I write it down. Then I start to work with it, trying to see what direction I'm going to go. I write a lot of free style poetry. Sometimes it comes out as a short story within a poem or an inspirational piece. I usually work at it until it's done. I write in a notebook and have the tendency to change things when I start typing it. Then there are those times when it's right off the top of my head and straight to posting on my blog, sort of like direct to dvd.

Growing up, it was comic books, Cat In The Hat, and all sorts of childrens books. I think that really shape my writing style. I like to be diverse with my poetry. From fairy tale love type pieces to introspective, to spiritual. Even today, reading works from other writers get my juices flowing.

My first book, I went with a stock photo. It was a learning experience for me. With my second book, the art teacher at one of the schools I work at, was gracious enough to do the cover art for me. I just try to be original.

I have the kindle. It's compact and easy to use.

The comic strips. You need to laugh.

I believe, blogging about your book. Let the world know it's out there. Also, word of mouth. Get family, friends,co-workers, etc. to pass the word on. You can't give up on yourself. It takes time.

It is a mess. A printer, a tablet, a desktop, and papers all around.

Since self publishing has gone beyond vanity publishing and the overall technology we have to work with today, has made it more possible to be published. I want to be an inspiration to others who hope to publish a book one day.

Never give up! Keep writing, keep pursuing the dream. Perseverance is the key.