Good morning, Lakeshia, and welcome to Vision and Verse. We’re happy to have you with us this morning. What have you written?
I always joke that I self-published my first book in fourth grade. I was introduced to creative writing and fell in love. I wrote and illustrated several stories, stapled them together and sold them to my classmates. I always knew I wanted to pursue writing and have indie-published 7 titles including a mix of new adult fiction, inspirational non-fiction, guided journals, Christian fiction, and women’s fiction. My most recent books include Renew: 40 Prayers and Prompt to Power Up Your Life; Faith Beats Fear; A Holiday Reunion; and Happily Ever Christmas.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I enjoy writing women’s fiction most. I like showcasing a woman’s unlikely journey from a tragedy to triumph. No matter the genre, it’s important to me as a writer to create worlds that inspire and give people a sense of hope. There is something special about reading a story where you can see yourself — the experiences and characters feel familiar.
Favorite food.
Shrimp — I could probably eat them in a variety of ways everyday.
Tea or coffee?
Both
Pizza or ice cream?
Pizza
Wine or beer or soda or what?
Sparkling Water
Where would you like to visit?
New Zealand
Favorite musical artist.
Marvin Gaye
Do you listen to music when you write?
Yes
What?
I listen to TV/Film scores — usually something by Hans Zimmer or Game of Thrones soundtrack by Ramin Djawad
What makes you laugh?
I can usually find humor in anything, but I especially like the everyday “I can’t believe that just happened” moments of irony.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí
How old were you when you started writing?
8
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
Every story starts with a character speaking or a line of dialogue that I freely write about and then I build out character profiles and plot my outline to write from.
Describe your perfect evening.
My perfect evening is one in which I feel like I’ve had a productive day and now I can relax on my porch in my hammock reading a book, with the sounds of nature in the background.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I am easily inspired — I can read a headline, hear a name, or see an interesting exchange and start to form a story. I consider everything in life potential material and in many ways I am able to process some of my most challenging moments through writing. I find that having that quiet time in nature allows me to think through ideas.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I go for a walk in nature. Or sometimes I’ll read something I’ve written and I’m reminded of how much I love a story or a character.
Who is your favorite author?
It is a tie between J. California Cooper and Flannery O’ Connor.
Best book you ever read.
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Last book you read.
40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
I would be a filmmaker.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My mother has influenced me most because she created an environment for me to thrive and create. She bought my first typewriter when I was in 5th grade and allowed me to have all of these wild, crazy imaginings. I inherited her sense of humor, storytelling, and project management.
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I really would like to have a conversation with Jesus — I have so many questions and can only imagine what it was like to be in his physical presence. We may not even talk much.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
I’ve had the privilege of teaching and coaching dozens of aspiring authors and I always tell them to stay focused on the main thing: writing. It’s simple, yet so difficult for many to do because our lives are so busy with tasks that pull us away from creating. There are so many other elements to being an author, such as the publishing process and promotions that many aspiring authors focused more on everything else besides writing. You have to be protective of your creative space and remain in that mode to write freely and authentically.
Do you have some social media links for us to follow you?
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/lakeshiapoole
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lakeshiapoole
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakeshiapoole
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeshiapoole
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeshiapoole
Website: www.lakeshiapoole.com
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