Okay guys, this month let’s welcome a different kind of author who writes poetry. Ohhhhh! Let’s get to know Nolan’s style, and head over to Atlanta, USA.
Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?
I was born and raised in Queens, NY. I relocated to Atlanta in 1995. I enjoy watching sports, playing pool and going to the gym. I also enjoy service on Sundays and co-hosting the radio show Level Up.
How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?
I was dating a woman and wrote her a poem. She enjoyed it so I just started playing around with different types of poetry.
Kim> Ohhhhhhhhhhhh my!! That’s soooooooooo romantic. Man after my own heart. It’s great that it inspired you too.
Who is your favourite author, is there anyone out there that inspires you?
I don’t read as much as I want to but Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes and T.S. Eliot. Also read poets from various poetry sites.
What genre do you enjoy reading?
Weird, but I enjoy fantasy. Have read J.R. Tolkien and Stephen Donaldson. I also like horror. Steven King is my favourite.
Kim> Yeah, I haven’t read a book by King for a minute. I might need to during this ‘lock down’ we’ve got.
Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? If you could what genre would you like to dabble in?
People have suggested that I try short stories, but I think poetry is my calling.
Kim> It’s always good to have a calling, but in all honesty I ‘dabbled’ in short stories and found out I really liked it, and enjoyed switching the genres of the stories I’d recommend it.
What has been your most proud moment as an author?
When I received my first set of copies of my first book from the publisher when my first grandchild was born.
Kim> *smiles uncontrollably*
Tell us about your online show Level Up? What is it all about?
Ordinary people with extraordinary stories. We discuss various topics with a Christian perspective.
What made you start Level Up?
I didn’t start the show. I was interviewed on the show twice. People kept saying I have a “radio” voice. The host asked if I would come on as a co-host.
Kim> Ohh how cool, if that’s the feedback maybe audio book narration could be good for you too. Just sayin’
How can readers connect with Level Up?
Two ways, sign into Mixx106radio.com and The Real Level Up on Facebook live
Was there ever a time you wanted to pick up your laptop, and then launch it out the window with frustration?
That has never happened. But I have dealt with writers block where sometimes the poetry stops. But then something happens, and they begin to flow again.
Are you a “plotter” or a fly by the seat of your pants “pants” as a writer?
The poems will come by verse or title and I just begin to write.
Kim> I’d call that a ‘panster’ writer , I think. No structure just go with the flow. I like it.
Am I the only one who gets hung up on commas? Do they make you go blah! when you’re writing?
I am liberal when I am writing. It for me depends on the flow and vibe.
Every writer has a word(s) that they always slip up on when they write, then slap their forehead when they notice their typo. For me it’s further and farther exit or exists- but hey I’m over it now. Do you have a word (s) that make you go blah! Go away not another damn typo.
Not really, just type too fast when my thoughts are racing.
Kim> Lolz
What three tips would you give any aspiring writer?
Find your voice and stick to it. Read other writing in various genres. Never give up.
What are you working on now? What will you release next?
Just writing now. Not sure. When the concept hits me, I will know when it is time.
So… where can we get your books?
Just enter the titles on Amazon.com or go to my website nolanphollowayjr.com
What does “success” look like to you? When would you say “damn, I’ve made it baby!”
It would be nice if I made a nice sum from my writing. But I want people to enjoy my work and give me feedback.
Kim> Consider doing some giveaways of your works, and gain some reviewers. I’d recommend it. Not only does it attract new readers, you can get reviews too. Reviews help sell books!
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
You need to be humble. I think having a big ego is a determent.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Yes, I do, good ones I enjoy bad reviews fuel me.
Kim> Good approach with the less favourable ones.
Do you Google yourself?
No.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
Am part of author groups on Facebook, so quite a few. All different types of genres.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
That varies. The first were within a year because I had some much poetry written.
What would you like readers to know?
That I am a man who writes poetry and have a passion for it and want to share the gift I have been blessed with everyone.
What’s your favourite movie?
The Passion of the Christ
What’s your favourite book and why?
Lord of the Rings. The world he creates was fantastic
What music do you like?
Funk and jazz. Also, into house.
Kim> I do love house too the soulful and uplifting kind.
Where would you like to travel to and why?
Enjoy the Caribbean but would like to travel to Europe.
Kim> When we leaving?
Thank you so much Nolan for spending time with us today! It was great to get to know you, and I hope readers will check out your work and Level Up. Connect with Nolan here nolanphollowayjr.com and Level Up talk show here Mixx106radio.com
Author, Kim Knight 