The Eye of the Tornado: Fifty Poems for Rhyme and Reason
written by Michelle J. Pinkard
media@michellejpinkard.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Michelle J. Pinkard is a poet, writer and journalist in Baltimore, Md. She is an honors graduate of Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas, where she studied Mass Communication and English. Her debut book, The Eye of the Tornado: Fifty Poems for Rhyme and Reason, was recently released. She is working on a second collection of poetry and a memoir project.
Scroll down to read a complete interview with poet/writer Michelle J. Pinkard.
Q: What does "poetry" mean to you?
A: In its most basic of definitions, poetry is art that uses the word as its medium. Poetry does with words what paint does to the canvas. The form of the words, their color, their texture are all designed to captivate, motivate and inspire the audience.
At its greatest moment, poetry can be a vessel of expression between the writer and the reader. Once released, it becomes the puppet master, making both parties laugh, cry, think, fight, submit, yell or become humble. To me, poetry captures the best and worst of human nature in a meter, in a stanza in a seductive rhythm.
Q: What motivates you to write poetry?
A: Two things intertwined, really. Life and my obsession with it. Many of my poems come from day to day occurrences that clutch onto the psyche - a tantrum-heavy homeless man, a sunset over a lake, a pregnant teen, a close relative, and yes, a new or old love. Once an image comes to mind, it usually won’t leave until I am forced to write it down.
In the end, I try to show some lesson learned or resolution reached in my works, whether good or bad. My motivation is simply self and social awareness.
Q: What advice would you like to share with other poets/spoken word artist?
A: Write. Write. Write. Write a good poem. Write a bad poem. Just write. Don’t let pessimists or even your friends discourage you. Dream killers take on a lot of different forms and shapes, so be careful. Hold on to your dreams, and you will find that they will hold on to you.
Q: What poets or Authors have inspired you?
A: Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Jill Scott, Margaret Walker, Claude McKay, Dudley Randall
Q: Why did you decide to become a poet?
A: I think poetry picked me. It seemed so free. It defied al the rules, all the pretense, al the taboos, the does and the don’ts. It just was. And that spelled me.
Q: How long have you been writing?
A: Since grade school. Since the first time I threw a Valentine card together for my mother. Since I learned what a diary was. There was no defining moment, it has just been a part of my life, like air and collard greens.
Q: Why did you write Tornado?
A: As my first published project, Tornado is very close to my heart. A labor of both pain and love, I bare all in hopes that someone else will be blessed and better for it.
There was a need for expression. As I come of age, as I become both inspired and disgusted by life, I knew I was not alone on this journey of discovery. I am still ignorant. I am still learning. I am still growing. I wrote this book in hopes of promoting self and social awareness.
Q: How did you find your publisher?
A: I prayed a specific prayer. I prayed for a publisher that would understand my past and my goals for the future. I prayed for a publisher who would champion my vision because it was their vision.. I prayed for a publisher that was socially and culturally responsible. God sent La Caille Nous and Guichard Cadet (www.lcnpub.com)
Q: When will Tornado be released?
A; Tornado was released this fall. To order a copy, readers should visit www.michellejpinkard.com and click "order."