Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Stephens.
Hi Stephen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, continuing from where we left off in my book-writing journey, I became an author on May 13, my first book titled “My Better Half” was published through Amazon. It remains both exciting and surreal. I moved roughly 85 units the first month, had a rooftop book release party in July, and have been self-promoting my work through social media and open mike sessions throughout Cleveland. I was able to grace the stage of Karamu House Theatre, celebrating its 100th anniversary. That was amazing because it was the first time, I’d had such a large audience of perfect strangers. I was nervous, not about the performance, but about how my pieces would be received. I was able to share 3 poems in three minutes. I’m happy to say it went very well and I received great feedback and offers to perform in the new year. Things are looking up! In the meantime, I’m about 20 or so poems in for a new book, that I’m hoping to release next year. I have included three promo pics in this interview.
Here is one of the poems I read at Karamu House Theatre. I hope to one day make these my wedding vows. Your readers are welcome to embrace it for their ceremonies as well.
YOU ARE
You are the cream in my coffee
You are the last dream of night
My gold at rainbow’s end
My lace of shoe pulled tight
I look to you when close to the edge
When all seems lost and close to death
Suddenly you are the north to my south
Invisibly saving me, by my heart string no doubt
You are the sand of my castles
You are the shield protecting me so
My wish upon the stars
My present with glitter and bright bow
I look to you when all is right
When all seems perfect, a candle burns bright
You are the center lane on my highway of life
No bumps in the road, only magical nights
You are the candy at the corner store
You are the sparkle on my July 4th
My clover of four precious leaves
The breath that forever fills me
I look to you knowing love is real
When all that is left, is a kiss to seal
Like the last stroke of a painter’s brush
You are that which completes me such
Copyright May 2023 – permission granted
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think what’s been challenging is the marketing of my book. Unfortunately, Amazon won’t assist because of some of my content. There is one chapter that is inspired by erotic poetry. With that said, inspiration-wise I’ve been great. No mental blocks to speak of and my writing style has shifted to a place where I’m challenging myself with how I approach my poetry for instance, how to write with the least amount of words yet make the most impact when heard. Going forward I was contemplating writing a fictional book and incorporating my poems to move the storyline. Now that will be challenging, but the wheels are turning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have worked in the field of banking for about 28 years. Started out as a bank teller. Moved on to new accounts, an operations manager, and private banking retail. Now I’m about to bring in 10 years in private banking investments. So, in a nutshell I service high-net-worth clientele with their trust and investment accounts. I’m proud to be working for one of the largest banks, ranked number 24 in the US. Without any college education, I think I’ve done okay and I’m excited, as I was recently considered for a specialty position being developed and launched in the new year. High hopes for 2024.
What matters most to you?
Well, that is a loaded question. If I had to sum it up, I’d say maintaining a good balance between mind, body, and spirit. It’s a continuing and ever-changing commitment to staying healthy, staying focused vocationally, and creating a circle of ongoing support for oneself. Being there for family & friends while keeping myself intact, if you will. All these attributes and more are connected. The key is knowing how, why, and when to let life flow on its own or give it a nudge in the right direction when it’s all said and done.
Pricing:
- 9.99 – Kindle Audio
- 26.99 – Paperback
- 42.99 – Hardcover
Contact Info:
- Instagram: sphenspiration
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefon66/
