Hi, I am Cierra Washington and I love poetry. Poetry is the only form of art that I am able to put the thoughts that I have into a logical explanation. It is the only way that I can express myself and try to get people to understand me. My purpose is not to share sad stories about my life, but it is to let people know that they are not alone when they are diagnosed with a mental disorder. We as women have to know that we are not necessarily “crazy”. Men may just need to do a better job at loving us. Bad relationships do not create damaged goods. All men are not put in your life to hurt you. You may have to go through a few bad guys in order to find the right guy. The most important thing is to keep your sanity intact.
Interview With Winn Publications
Winn Publications: How did your journey as an author begin?
My journey as a writer began when I read Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. I’ve written poetry for years, but after reading this book I felt like I needed to be heard, well technically read. I had a collection of poems just sitting around. Then one day, I decided I just combine them to create a book.
Winn Publications: Who or what motivated you to write?
My journey dealing with mental disorders would be the main reason why I decided to write.
Winn Publications: Have you published your writings into a book? If so, where can we find it/them?
I originally sent my manuscript to a publisher. They accepted it, but I felt as though they were not the best fit for me. I decided to self-publish with Kindle Direct Publishing via Amazon. You can find my book as a hardcopy as well as a kindle version using the following link: Amazon . I also have a Blog, and a YouTube channel .
Winn Publications: How was the publishing process?
The publishing process was not as hard as I imagined. I wish I would have taken a bit more time to perfect my craft, but I am still proud of my initial output.
Winn Publications: Since becoming a published author, what challenges have you faced if any?
My biggest challenge as a self-published author would be marketing. I had to basically market myself in order to sell my book. I was a full-time college student and a full-time employee. I did not have much time to market myself. Also big companies like Barnes & Noble, my local one for example, did not seem to care about doing business directly with the author. I simply wanted to do a book signing just to get my foot in the door and the locals support me and spread the word.
Winn Publications: Have you written anything outside of nonfiction?
I have not written anything besides nonfiction. My poems are about the real-life events that I encountered or someone I know encountered.
Winn Publications: Do you have a tip that you can offer your peers (poets and writers worldwide)?
One tip that I would offer to other poets and authors would be “Invest in yourself”. This would be the overall key to success.
Winn Publications: Are you currently working on any new projects? If so when can we expect them to be released?
I am currently working on a project. My first book was for teenagers and adults. My next project will be a children’s book. I am an Early childhood Education major. I plan on creating a collection of children’s books to start off in my very own classroom. You can expect the first book to be available in 2021.
Winn Publications: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am currently 21 years old. In 5 years, I plan on being a business owner and traveling the world.
Winn Publications: What does being an author mean to you?
Being an author means telling your story. As an author, I try to let others know that they are not alone. I want them to know that they can survive their battles and let downs. They need to know that no matter how bad the storm is, it will end.
Winn Publications: What’s your favorite quote and who’s it by?
My favorite quote is ““i am a museum full of art, but you had your eyes shut” by Rupi Kaur. I also love to paint by the way, I am not the best, but I dabble in it. This quote is my favorite because people easily go blind towards the things that are right in front of them. This causes the object to feel invisible and worthless. Once you realize that you are more than that, then you realize they are the ones missing out.
Winn Publications: If you could co-author with anyone – dead or alive- who would it be and why?
If I could co-author with anyone, then it would be a strong tie between R. H. Sin and Rupi Kaur. They are both who I look up to when it comes to poetry.
