We recently had the chance to connect with Steven M. Wuebker and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Steven M., it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am truly on a path!
One of my life mottos is, “Everyone’s journey is their own.”
Sometimes it takes a while to find our purpose in life…the “whatever” it is that truly brings us satisfaction and a sense of universal accomplishment. Not the judgment and approval of others, but the realization we are following the path that is our destiny.
“Not all who wander are lost…” – J.R.R. Tolkien.
A lot of people have wandered at some point during their lifetimes, myself included. And by wandering, there are times when the choice is afforded to select a different path. As individuals, it is solely our decision.
My career path is a perfect example: I moved from corporate banking to culinary arts, then to becoming a published author, all while maintaining a long tenure in the retail industry.
Sharing my written words with the world was a pipe dream I had as a teenager, especially the author part. Thinking it would someday be my path was a thought I pondered most of my life. Today, it is a reality…it is my path!
Looking back, I would choose the same journey again, especially knowing it will lead me to where I am now!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the author of two books of poetry, published through Balboa Press, a division of Hay House.
“Pages Torn From A Plague…” – ©2022
“Relentless Liminality (a few collections)” – ©2023
I have also formally copyrighted my poem, “Art” – ©2021.
In addition to being an author, my career experiences span 24 years in corporate banking & finance, over 15 years in the culinary industry, and almost 35 years in the retail sector.
I have come away from every position ever held with a new-found knowledge of “something”…an enhanced procedure, a different perspective on management, ever-changing marketing and promotional efforts, and so on. Switching gears and returning to school as a non-traditional student later in life garnered my entrance into the culinary world…which incorporated every aspect of my previous positions. Time-management skills, inventory control, and providing service to a customer base…everything is interconnected.
My poems reflect everyday life situations and I describe my writing style as “conversational”… written using common language and flow. I often say my poetry is for people who think they do not like poetry.
“Creating detailed imagery using few words, Steven writes from an everyday perspective of living. His poems incorporate common wordplay into nuanced, exceptionally visual mental montages that conjure life experiences one may have long since forgotten.” – that is one description I have incorporated into my literary biography.
I have been fortunate to learn the machinations of everything from running a privately-owned retail establishment to all levels of various corporate industries. The knowledge gained from a lifetime of employment experiences is cumulative in everything I do currently as an author.
These days, I write about all of the lessons learned…and I do it in poetic form!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Both of my grandmothers are the universal answer to where I gained my gift of creativity. Both of them expressed their “creative gift” through their hands, as I will share in their following stories.
My paternal grandmother.
From the earliest age I can recall, my paternal grandmother was in a nursing home facility. The hours and miles travelled for frequent visits always seemed immeasurable to my young mind. Regardless of the hours spent together, it was measured against the infrequency of visits, as she always mentioned…the concept of “time” existing differenly in her mind at the beginning of age-related memory loss.
Even before the increasing isolation within her room crept in, she occupied her time with cross-stitch. Obsessively. Compulsively. Continually. Beautifully!
Over many years, I was gifted numerous tapestries, pillow shams, handkerchiefs, table linens, and various other creative pieces she completed while “passing her time” as she always said. The stitches are incredibly delicated and hold the many tales her hands experienced throughout her lifetime.
The attention to detail and impeccable stitching remained a constant throughout her “cross stitching career”. Even though she was confined to a facility for decades, she followed her journey through creating beauty that lasts for generations. Her path was simply one “X” after another.
My maternal grandmother.
The strength and fortitude my maternal grandmother exhibited throughout life was always evident in her quilting that has lasted lifetimes.
Hailing from Kentucky…a widow at too early an age, and with a family of children too young to recall many memories, she moved north to Ohio and continued with her life. It’s not fair to say she was given a new life; she carried on with the life she had…just under different circumstances, and in a new location.
And she always quilted.
“One stitch at a time..”, was something she always said to anyone admiring her completed pieces, asking about her quilting process, or just sitting beside her and watching her work.
She could piece together a quilt from most any fabric…everything was a “scrap” to be added to the beauty. Her attention to complimentary colors and pattern layouts was always immaculate. I have inherited several of her generational quilts…where her memories will remain forever stitched.
My creative gift.
The path I have traveled to become a poet at this point in life has woven through many forests of creativity. I have been fortunate to inherit my grandmothers’ gift of seeing the beauty in a completed project…be it a poem, a piece of artwork, or a combination of the two.
The poem, “Artistic titles” – ©2025, is included within this interview and it describes how I often refer to my written works as “pieces” since I consider them artwork. I am a firm believer that poetry is a form of art, and the finished product is an actual piece of art…even if it breaks the rules of both definitions!
When composing pieces, I am concerned with how the finished product looks on the page…just as much as I am concerned with the words themselves. I layout my writings with attention to moving the reader’s eyes along with the flow of the piece. I use the concept of “space” as a pause instead of multiple commas and punctuation marks.
The artwork within this interview titled, “Grandma’s Kitchen” – ©2024, is one example of how I merge art and poetry. The framed tapestry was created by my paternal grandmother and is at least 70 years old. The poem was originally written in 1992 as a tribute to my maternal grandmother. This piece of artistic poetry is my way of honoring them both.
Another example in this interview of how I merge poetry and art is my piece titled, “Art, 3” – ©2024. The artwork is named eponymously for a series of poetic works that began with my previously mentioned poem, “Art” – ©2021. I invite the readers of this interview to go on a scavenger hunt for the second piece in the series – hint: it’s in one of my books!
“Is it poetry…or art?”, is often asked when my words are applied to a canvas and displayed on a wall. I always reply, “Both.”…and then silently thank my grandmothers.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Never be afraid to share your creative work.”
I grew up in a time period when children who exhibited creative tendencies…excelling at artistic endeavors, writing creative literature (including poems!), acting upon the school stage, etc. were labeled with less-than desirous terms…often picked on and bullied by classmates who did not possess the same level of abilities.
Quite often, these school-age children slink into the background…becoming wallpaper in classrooms. The efforts of the creative students often went unnoticed.
Very rarely did I share my written pieces with anyone…fellow classmates and adults alike. The fear of being labeled, of being taunted, always superseded my desire to lay claim to my creative abilities.
Time has a way of changing our perspective…and as the tagline in both of my books reads, “It’s all about perspective…”.
These days, I am always showing my artistic and creative works to as many people as I can…wherever there is an audience of like-minded creatives and their admirers. I have no problem with proffering new written pieces to fellow authors and poets, exalting, “Here…please read this!” – as artists, we can never stop seeking feedback.
Existing in a world of attention spans that last for approximately 140 characters, we can never stop promoting ourselves and our creative works. In addition to frequently sharing my books, I have produced various “artistic poetry” multimedia pieces that have been dedicated to businesses and organizations. These are on permanent display in local bookstores, workplace facilities, individual offices, and even my high school alma mater.
I am always encouraging my fellow “creatives” to share their work…their writings…their paintings…acting abilities…musical forays…whatever they do…just always share it!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Being an individual…especially when it involves creativity and supporting those who are producing whatever their “artform” may be.
As I have stated elsewhere in this interview, everyone’s journey is their own. It is our duty to honor the individual’s desire to follow their path…no matter how diverse or different it may be from our own.
As a society, we should encourage growth along career paths that allow one to follow their passions…occupations that not only bring financial rewards, but a sense of accomplishment that nourishes one’s desire to continue doing whatever it is that leads to their success. This includes fostering environments that support creative growth and expansion, starting sooner rather than later in life.
Within this interview, I describe my youthful hesitation to share my written pieces – poems that were the flintstone-kindling combination of the works I produce now. From a young age, I always put words down on paper…documenting my experiences with the world…my vision of it…how it made me feel…my journey, if you will. I just never shared any of it, with anyone. Oftentimes, these loose sheets of paper were relegated to an old shoebox and hidden in a closet corner…rarely seeing sunlight or the eyes of a reader.
Many years later as life and experience finally lessened that fear (of judgment, of failure, of being labeled)…I began sharing my works. I sought out fellow creatives. In classrooms, at poetry readings, over libations at home or in public settings, anywhere I could garner an “audience” and receive feedback.
With the publications of my books and artwork, my desire to continue sharing, to continue improving, and to continue overcoming fears only grows stronger with each passing day. A discussion about the infamous “imposter syndrome” creative people sometimes experience would fit very nicely here…but that is a topic for another interview!
This echoes my continuous encouragement of fellow creatives to always share their work with others. Put yourself and your creative talents on display for the world to view. The doors to expanded network opportunities and communities will only continue to open wider for you…just take that first step, and share!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I frequently share the statement “Everyone’s journey is their own.”, whether I am addressing audiences at poetry events or rehashing with my spouse our day’s accomplishments and challenges over dinner.
Everyone needs to discover their individual passion, their path…and at their own pace.
Some people have dreams from a very early age of what they wish their desired occupation to be. Others follow their dreams and decide to change their destination in mid-life, not always a crisis, but a shift to a different path. A different journey.
Other people search their entire lifetime, seeking what their calling is in life…what their purpose is in the universe. Some gain answers over time and realize they are following their correct path…what they were born to do.
After a successful career in various sectors of employment, I am grateful for the vast experience gained from the positions held and the insights those opportunities afforded. Within this interview, I reflect on the knowledge and skills I acquired from the financial services environment. Switching careers and immersing myself in the culinary industry aided my further exploration with creativity and the beauty of a finished product.
Composing poetry and sharing my words, via books and stages, is a calling that was long buried yet subconsciously sought after since birth. I never “knew” it’s what the universe intended…I had to grow through time and experience to arrive where I am today. I had to take a journey!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smwpages.com
- Instagram: @smwuebkerbooks
- Linkedin: Steven M. Wuebker
- Facebook: Steven Wuebker
- Youtube: Steven M Wuebker
- Other: *Please note: YouTube videos are filmed courtesy of Dayton Poetry Slam – Dayton, Ohio.
Image Credits
Steven M. Wuebker
