Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing poetry for over 50 years and have occasionally participated in poetry readings. I kept getting questions about my poetry book — which didn’t exist. BUT I had saved all of my poems. I decided it was time to put my poems together in a collection and when thinking about an appropriate goal for publishing, I decided on my 75th birthday. I decided to self-publish because I had helped my mother self-publish a book and it seemed easier that seeking a publisher. So, here I am, and the response and feedback has been better than I could have imagined.
I am also an Iyanifa in the Yoruba religious tradition and some of my poems relate to my spirituality. Some of my poems reflect my African-American background as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look at Life Through Poetry”. I’ve always enjoyed word play and double entendres. The poems come out of my mind, but some of them are a little strange to people who have preconceptions of what poetry should be, hence the two meanings of “Out of My Mind”…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I rarely decide the subject matter of my poetry. They come to me like dreams or visions, almost complete. I have learned to grab hold of them when they come, no matter what I am doing — its like a poem-attack. I keep little notebooks in my backpack and in the car so I can pull over and jot down whatever lines of poetry have wandered into my head.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poets are Lucille Clifton and Nikki Giovanni. But I also love science fiction and Octavia Butler was one of my favorites in that genre.
What are you working on now?
I have a children’s book that I wrote after imagining the history of an old broken down house buried in weeds and a forest that had grown around it. Its told from the house’s perspective. I’m preparing it for editing right now.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I must confess I am old school when it comes to social media. My primary method is email to a large list of colleagues, friends and family that I have built over the years. I do use facebook but I haven’t really touched its potential — I’d rather spend my time writing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how much you doubt yourself and fear that its no good, you’ll find its better than you think and you have what it takes. Set yourself a goal and know that sometimes you’ll take strides and other times you’ll crawl but every step gets you closer. The journey is worth it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” … from Winnie the Pooh.
What are you reading now?
The Rosewater Insurrection (the Wormwood Trilogy, book 2) by Tade Thompson
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the audio book of “Out of My Mind”
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. I’d take a blank notebook to write down my thoughts and drawings
2. A survival book that would tell me how to find water or desalinate salt water and other useful tips
3. Xenogenisis by Octavia Butler
4. Alvin Maker by Orson Scott Card
Author Websites and Profiles
Miki Conn Amazon Profile