Hey y’all (can you tell I’m reconnecting with my southern roots?) I’m thrilled to shine our author spotlight on Serena Wills. She’s not only a gifted poet and author, but an all around great person as well. Our paths crossed at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship church in Dallas several years ago, and we instantly hit it off. Get to know a little bit about Serena and her impressive body of work in the interview below. Enjoy!
What are your genres?
Fiction, poetry and health.
What have you written?
My first poetry book,
“Reconstruction, Pieces of Life Volume 1” was published on June 13th, 2014. This poetry book speaks to many levels of relationships. It reads like a story and will take you through a journey of someone being in love, marital bliss to a feeling of betrayal and broken heartedness. It is available on Amazon, Create Space and Barnes and Noble.
I’m published in numerous anthologies that focus on inspiration, love, health, motivation and Christianity. They are:
“Gumbo for the Soul, Here’s Our Child Where’s the Village”
“Women of Honor-Special Pink Edition” (Edited by Beverly Black-Johnson)
“Have a Little Faith” and “Keeping the Faith” (Edited by Vanessa Miller)
“How I Freed My Soul, Liberated Muse, Volume 1”
I’ll be published in the following upcoming anthologies titled:
“Betrayal Wears a Pretty Face, Liberated Muse, Volume 2” (Edited by Khadijah Ali-Coleman)
“Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens” (Edited by Khafre Abif)
When did you begin your writing career?
When I was a child…I used to write short stories and it grew from there.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How do you make time to write?
I’m a part time writer. It is hard with being a single mom, working full time and healing from Lyme Disease. But I make time daily despite how I feel. My poetry book was being developed at the worst time of life with this illness…but life if short. If it’s your passion you will do what you have to do.
What’s your writing process?
I work on my writing about 5-6 days a week. I work in the mornings and afternoons are best. If I listen to music it’s played low and it’s either gospel, R&B (old school) or African. Most of the time I write in silence.
Do you keep a journal? If so, for how long? Do you find it helpful for your professional writing?
I have numerous journals. I carry one with me every day and have one on my phone. I never know when the mood will hit me so I want to be prepared. My Aunt June gave me my first journel in 1985 and I have had one ever since.
What’s your inspiration?
God and my son.
What kind of legacy do you expect your writing to leave?
I want people to be touched and know they are not alone. Even my fiction books which will be released starting next year all have a message in them. I’m not looking for fame or fortune…just to do God’s work. Even if I just touch one person.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Just do it! Don’t be like me and wait until an illness strikes to work heavily on your dreams. Even if you write a line a day…it’s something. Life is not waiting for you. I was working on my writing for years but took a lot of breaks. Now I write as if today is my last day.
What’s on your bookshelf or in your e-reader library?
Poetry, fiction, autobiographies and spiritual books.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on marketing my first book and wrapping up the next two poetry books titled, “Crying Tears of Teal” dedicated to those who have suffered from or healed from Ovarian Cancer and “Awakening, Pieces of Life Volume 2” which talks about various emotions in life from poverty, teen pregnancy, politics, love and more.
Latest release and book blurb?
My first poetry book, “Reconstruction, ,Pieces of Life Volume 1”
“Reconstruction, Pieces of Life Volume 1” by Serena Wills was published on June 13th, 2014. This poetry book speaks to many levels of relationships. It reads like a story and will take you through a journey of someone being in love, marital bliss to a feeling of betrayal and broken heartedness. In order to get your life back in order one must have a time of reconstruction. Center yourself, focus on the divine higher power and love yourself. You will be taken on a poetically written journey as you enjoy, learn, cry meditate and lose yourself in the moment in poetry.
What type of music would you set your poetry to if you were performing it?
This particular book I would have some smooth music in the background so people can really digest the words. Something like the band
Melody Memory rocking in the background or a smooth jazz band.
How can we purchase your work?
How can we stay in touch with you?
Preview ‘Reconstruction: Pieces of Life, Volume 1’ here via Amazon and read some of Serena’s beautiful poems. You won’t be disappointed!
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Faith Simone 