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Travelling Souls
Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a haunting, luminous poetry collection that channels the spirit of Emily Dickinson while carving a modern and contemporary voice all its own. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I was inspired to write this collection of poems after reading Emily Dickinson’s infamous poem “Because I could not stop for Death.” Her personification of Death in this iconic poem is unique and ingenious.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
My objective was to personify Death in various different ways, using Dickinson’s poem as an example of one of Death’s multiple personalities. Further on in my book, my poems depict deaths that have resonated with me personally. In my book’s final section, I was inspired to describe experiences of travelling souls, when fear of death has been overcome.
Do you have a favorite poem in the book, and if so, why does it hold special meaning for you?
One of my favorite poems in my book is “Rather an Odd Quirk of Death”, which was first printed in Blue Unicorn Poetry Journal. It has a very tight and mesmerizing rhyme scheme, and I feel it depicts Death as a novel and intriguing personality, someone you would want to be your friend.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is another book of poetry entitled Extraterrestrials Congregate and it should be out next year.
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In this mesmerizing collection, Death steps forward—not as something to fear, but as a presence offering grace, wisdom, and a strange kind of solace. Through rhythmic, lyrical verse, Jackson explores life’s impermanence, weaving together themes of faith, doubt, and the beauty of the unknown.
Echoing Dickinson while speaking to the modern soul, this collection challenges the way we see Death—not as a shadow, but as an invitation to something deeper.
Poetry Requires Precision
Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story is a deeply moving and inspiring collection of poetry and memoir, offering readers a wellspring of meaning and reflection. How do you strike a balance between clarity and ambiguity in your poetry?
Poetry is a unique space where emotions and meaning can exist between the lines. For me, finding the balance between clarity and ambiguity comes naturally through my experience with aphasia. I aim to make my poetry accessible, allowing readers to feel the raw emotions behind my words, but I also leave room for interpretation—so that each person can find their own meaning in my experiences. Sometimes, what is left unsaid carries just as much weight as the words on the page.
What was the most challenging part of writing your poetry collection and memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part was finding the right words to express my emotions while navigating the effects of aphasia. Writing poetry requires precision, yet my struggle with language often made it frustrating. However, this challenge also became my greatest strength—it forced me to dig deeper, to express feelings in ways beyond just words, through rhythm, imagery, and raw emotion.
The most rewarding part was seeing how the poems came together as a reflection of my journey. It was not just about my personal healing but about creating something that could resonate with others. Knowing that my words might inspire someone going through their own struggles makes all the effort worth it.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers take away the message that even in life’s most difficult moments, there is always strength within us to keep going. Thunderstroke is not just about my journey—it’s about resilience, hope, and the power of finding meaning in adversity. I want readers to know that no matter how tough their battle is, they are not alone, and their story is still being written. There is always light beyond the storm.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written for those navigating the labyrinth of loss, grief, and profound change, Thunderstroke offers solace and guidance. It reflects on the fragile tapestry of existence, unraveling how we endure the thunderous ruptures that divide life into “before” and “after.”
This memoir is not just about survival but transformation—how we heal, rebuild, and emerge stronger in the face of overwhelming challenges. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, embracing vulnerability as a source of strength and finding hope amidst despair.
Thunderstroke is more than a collection of poetry; it is a map for navigating the uncharted waters of upheaval. It invites readers to journey through the storm and discover the quiet miracle of renewal—a reminder that while life may fracture, it also holds the power to mend.
Peace, Comfort, and Joy
I Will Dance Across The Morning Sky is a moving collection of poems that invites readers into a world of introspection, longing, and raw emotion. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to write something to give comfort to those who have lost family members, friends, and pets.
The art in this book is beautiful and perfectly complements the poetry. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Sudipita Dasgupta?
I prayed for the right illustrator and looked for several weeks before finding a children’s book cover created by Sudipita. His style was exactly what I wanted and immediately knew it was just what the book needed.
Studipita in India and I in the states, went back and forth via messenger and email discussing what to put on each page.
Every page is an individual work of art that gives vision to the words.
What was the most challenging part of writing this collection of poetry and what was the most rewarding?
As with every writer the challenge in poetry is to keep it short, use the right words in the right order, and create flow
Rewarding? To see how many lives have been touched with I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your poetry?
Moments of peace, comfort, and joy
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook Heartstring Productions | Facebook Author Page | Website | LinkedIn | Book Review
There comes a time in everyone’s life that a close friend, relative or pet passes to the other side. Children and adults are in need of comfort. This book was created to inspire and raise the spirit of all who read it. Great imagery for children as well as adults. Where do we go? What do we do? Oh, imagine the fun we will have! As you read let your imagination soar!
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky is a perfect keepsake gift to treasure to celebrate a life well lived, for those who have lost loved ones, friends, and their pet babies.
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky
I Will Dance Across the Morning Sky is a moving collection of poems that invites readers into a world of introspection, longing, and raw emotion. The book’s essence lies in its exploration of human connection, loss, and the quest for meaning in moments of despair. Each poem in this book weaves together imagery and sentiment in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable, creating a tapestry of experiences that resonate with the soul.
Simplicity masks complexity here. The language, deceptively straightforward, acts as a vessel for profound emotion. A simple line can explode with meaning. Take, for example, the image of “a heart dancing across broken glass.” It’s a vivid portrayal of pain mingling with hope, resilience intertwined with fragility. This line alone haunts us, refusing to leave our thoughts, much like the struggles we all face. The poems tackle heavy subjects such as grief and loneliness, yet they do so with a sincerity that feels unforced, making the experience refreshingly authentic.
Connection, or its painful absence, sits at the core of this book. A particular poem lingers in the mind, depicting two people sitting together in silence, yet a chasm exists between them. That stark portrayal of isolation, even in company, strikes a nerve. It’s not just about what’s written; it’s about what isn’t. The spaces, the silences, resonate as loudly as the words themselves. The themes are beautifully rendered, and the exploration of love and loss treads familiar ground. It is worth noting that there were times I yearned for a twist or a fresh perspective. The steady tone and consistent themes offer exactly the kind of solace some readers seek, a stable anchor in a turbulent world.
I Will Dance Across The Morning Sky leaves its mark. It’s a collection that reaches out to those of all ages who need a voice in the silence, a companion in their pain. For anyone grappling with life’s hardships, or simply searching for a piece of writing that speaks to the heart, this book offers solace. It’s easy to consume, but its impact lingers, making it not just a collection of poems, but an experience to be felt deeply.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B08RTYMPG3
Journeys of Reflection
45 is a captivating collection of poetry that shares with readers your exploration of balance, spirituality, and journey of personal growth. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to explore balance, spirituality, and personal growth because I believe that it is crucial for my self-awareness and fulfillment. Writing about these topics helped me clarify my thoughts and my understanding. I also wanted to inspire others on their own journeys of reflection, growth, and connection with oneself and the world around us.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection of poetry?
My ideas were self-discovery, purpose, and connection to the universe. I blended personal experiences with universal truths to help encourage readers to reflect and grow spiritually through poetic words. I also used religious concepts like karma, forgiveness and faith, moral dilemmas, spiritual journeys, and divine interventions.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
Have faith and believe.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I working on a poetry book about positive and negative energy. I believe that positive energy fosters joy, empathy, and harmonious connections. Negative energy leads to conflicts, stress, and misunderstandings. I believe that understanding these energies influences moods, personality, and thoughts. This book will be available by the end of this year.
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45
45, by Jason O’Neal Williams, is a captivating journey through the poet’s exploration of balance, spirituality, and personal growth. The collection is rich with introspective verses that delve into the significance of the number 45 in the author’s life, symbolizing a harmonious blend of practicality and creativity. Each poem is a reflection of Williams’ quest for spiritual enlightenment, resilience, and self-discovery, making the reader ponder their own life’s balance and purpose.
One of the most striking aspects of Williams’ writing is his ability to weave personal experiences with universal themes. In the poem “I’m Fully Aware,” he talks about a spiritual awakening that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. His vivid descriptions of shedding past insecurities and embracing a higher reality resonated strongly with me, as I felt it invited me to reflect on my own paths to self-awareness and growth. The clarity and honesty in his verses create a sense of intimacy, making it easy to connect with his journey.
The structure and rhythm of Williams’ poetry are another highlight. His use of repetition in poems like “45” emphasizes the significance of his themes and the process of internalizing new wisdom. Lines such as “Practical and Passionate” and “Tactical and Dominant” create a powerful cadence that underscores the duality he strives to balance in his life. This stylistic choice reinforces the themes and makes the poems more engaging and memorable. While the overarching themes of spirituality and personal growth are compelling, I think the recurrence of similar phrases and ideas can sometimes dilute the impact of individual poems.
45 is a heartfelt and inspiring collection that would appeal to anyone on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual exploration. Williams’ candid reflections and rhythmic verses make for an engaging read that encourages introspection and resilience. Whether you’re at a crossroads in life or simply seeking inspiration, this book offers valuable insights and poetic beauty that are sure to resonate.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0CD95JXS5
Believing in My Dreams
In The Many Colors of My Heart, you share with readers a collection of poems focused on life’s ups and downs and the power of love. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
Basically, The Many Colors of My Heart, is the story of my life. And, as with any life, there have been struggles, and when emotions are at their peak, I don’t just write because I want to, I write because I need to. Some of the poems are about my wife, Nancy, and how she has the unique ability to pull me from the depths of despair. But I’m not always looking within, In “A Grandfather’s Lullaby,” I put myself in my father’s shoes, who at 83, has the struggles of old age. “Never Time Enough” is how he must’ve felt when my mother was at death’s door, and “Time Stands Still” is her looking down from Heaven.
A couple of the poems stem from the romance novel Nancy and I wrote. A few are pure fantasy: “He Loved Only Once.” I wrote “The King Comes Crashing Down” after we lost everything. And finally, towards the end of the book, I wrote to myself that no matter how hopeless it sometimes seems, somehow it’s all going to work out as long as I keep believing in my dreams.
Do you have a favorite selection that you find resonates with you?
“A Million Miles Away” is me telling myself and my wife that although it seems we’ll never get there, as long as we don’t give up, we will. I also like “He Loved Only Once,” because it’s pure fantasy.
What is the one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
Whether it is love you’re looking for, or a dream of a better life you’re chasing, it can be yours, as long as you keep believing.
Can fans expect more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My wife and I have just published a wonderful romance novel titled, Timeless Pages. Timeless Pages is available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold. We will also be converting it to a screenplay, and with any luck, you’ll be able to see it in theaters in a couple of years. I also wrote the cover song that goes with it. Coincidentally, it is also called Timeless Pages. It is the perfect companion book for The Many Colors of My Heart. Parts of some of the poems appear in the novel, and some of the poems were derived directly from the novel. Timeless Pages is set in the 1950’s; the story centers around a young woman named Diana as she struggles with saying goodbye to her childhood sweetheart, Michael, as he goes off to fight in the Korean War.
Michael asks, ”Will you wait for me, my love?”
“I will wait for you, I promise,” Diana says.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 