Exlcusive Interview with Self-Published Author Rodrick Bates
We
had the pleasure to sit down and talk with author Rodrick Bates about his
latest novel When Faith is Shaken and
his inspirations for being a writer. He
is best known for his uplifting and encouraging poetry about
relationships.
My initial inspiration was found through searching for a unique way to describe my feelings. I was not looking to start a journal or write as I was outlining a memoir, but really a way to display my feelings and articulate those thoughts that have already been said and written in a unique way. So as I continued writing I kept gaining inspiration along the way; for instance, through my personal relationships, relationships of others, through music, and through movies. Sometimes God would wake me up in the middle of the night to writer about things that I have not been through or written about, but somebody somewhere can relate to it.
What advice can you offer aspiring writers?
Rodrick: My advice for aspiring writers is to learn the business of publication first. Then come to the table with a product that is finished. Continue to work on what you love to do and don't let anyone kill your dream.
Tell
us about your latest novel, When Faith is Shaken.
Rodrick: When Faith is Shaken is actually my
latest compilation of poetry. It’s a chapbook of poetry which is a small compilation
of poetry usually 30-50 pages and it is also a series. The title speaks for itself. It’s an encouraging and uplifting compilation
of poems. I have been known for the
people that follow my work that my writing is about personal feelings about relationships,
love, and life. I wanted to shake it up
a little bit and write something that was more encouraging people about their
life, relationships, and love life. I
wanted people to look at the title and say, they can gain something from
it.
Photo Credits: Book cover owned by Dazlin Books 2014
Are
you working on any other projects?
Rodrick: Actually, When
Faith is Shaken is a series of poetry and this is volume I that was just
released. I also released another
chapter book called The Book of Hearts. I
am currently working on volume II for When
Faith is Shaken as well as another book of love poems which is yet to be
titled.
How
long have you been writing and what is your inspiration for writing?
Rodrick: I have been
writing poetry for 19 years. Yeah, I
have been writing for a while. I began
publishing my work in 2005 around the middle of those nine-teen years. When I first started into the publishing aspect
of writing that is when I started taking writing more serious. It
became less of a hobby and more of a job.
The passion didn’t go away but if anything became stronger. Writing just became less of a hobby and more of a
job then I wanted to touch people with my words through publication. My initial inspiration was found through searching for a unique way to describe my feelings. I was not looking to start a journal or write as I was outlining a memoir, but really a way to display my feelings and articulate those thoughts that have already been said and written in a unique way. So as I continued writing I kept gaining inspiration along the way; for instance, through my personal relationships, relationships of others, through music, and through movies. Sometimes God would wake me up in the middle of the night to writer about things that I have not been through or written about, but somebody somewhere can relate to it.
Who
are some of your favorite authors?
Rodrick: I have always
loved Mya Angelou, Eric Jerome Dickey, and I grew up reading Tupac poetry as
well. He has a lot of poetry online that
you can find.
What’s
on the horizon for Author Rodrick Bates in 2015?
Rodrick: In 2015, I want
to do more charity work outside of writing.
I want to help more people. As
far as writing, I want to make more appearances to continue to encourage and
uplift people. I actually did an
appearance for the Martin Luther King celebration in my hometown. I wrote MLK speech for that celebration and recited a
poem. I thought it was very uplifting.
What
advice do you have for the dreamers?
Rodrick: My advice for the
dreamers is to never stop dreaming. If you have something that you are passionate about, continue to work on your passion. Lastly, continue crafting your passion and don't let anyone force you to believe that you cannot accomplish your goals and dreams you have set for yourself.What advice can you offer aspiring writers?
Rodrick: My advice for aspiring writers is to learn the business of publication first. Then come to the table with a product that is finished. Continue to work on what you love to do and don't let anyone kill your dream.
Photo Credits: owned by Author Rodrick Bates
You
can read more of his creative poetry on relationships and love as a guest
writer for Sistah’s Place2 Relationship Series.
Learn more about the self-published author Rodrick Bates by visiting his
website and following him on his social media platform. His website is www.rodrickbates.com and Blog at www.rodrickbates.com/poetry. Follow him on social media at www.Facebook.com/AuthorRodrickBates and www.Twitter.com/BatesRodrick.
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