Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen C Stephens.
Hi Stephen C, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in 1966 in Ohio, Stephen C. Stephens, nickname “Sphen”, is a first-time writer, delving into the world of poetry, spoken word, and lyricism. After finishing high school in 1984, he continued with careers in the food service and hospitality industry, performed in local dance troupes, and modeled in and around Ohio. All while teaching fashion runway, photo posing, skincare & choreography to thousands of students for 30 years. Still residing in Cleveland, he makes his living working in the private banking sector.
Excerpt from the preface of my book:
It began with a poem I wrote in November of 2016, after visiting a friend in Florida. It was about someone very special in my life and still is to this day. Then it seemed like overnight, it started flowing without effort. It was like some kind of pandora’s box opened; of course, without all the curses that accompany it. In other words, I never knew this was in me; this untapped talent. It took me, my friends, and my family by surprise. I’ve never taken a class or really read much poetry in my lifetime. Still, my mom suggested that I could be replacing the creativity that once was dancing & modeling and channeling it in a different way. I guess I’ve developed somewhat of a lyrical/songwriter’s style, and I hope it comes across that way. I hope to create and tap into different styles as I plunge into this creative rabbit hole. For the most part, I want my readers to relate & understand what I’m expressing without having to scratch their heads afterward. I want my pieces to spark conversation about the human condition & its relationship to ourselves, each other, and our environment. I figure poetry has no age qualifications to limit me physically so as they say, the sky’s the limit. For me, it’s been about expressing my mind, heart & spirit in a way that resonates with others. I have written many poems here that explore my perspective on my dreams, hopes, realities, experiences, and the like. Whether they be extracted from my relationships, family, sexuality, politics, beliefs, or the world at large; it’s all in the pages before you. Also, many have shared their journeys and stories with me, and I’ve attempted to capture their experiences in rhymes.
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?
When I first decided to post my pieces on Facebook (Poetry With Sphen) it was all very exciting, and new and the response was overwhelming. I was receiving accolades, praises, and “thank yous” from places like India, Africa, and even the Philippines and Australia. It was very surreal. Over the course of six years, I had over 62k followers worldwide and was connecting with them through poetry. It was then that I realized how powerful someone’s voice and perspective can affect those around you, even those thousands of miles away. Then last year the poetry page was hacked and as a result, I lost all administrative rights. So I was then unable to post any new work on that platform as a creator of the page. For no lack of trying, Facebook was not at all responsive to my many requests for assistance. Suddenly I was left with no outlet and unsure of my ability and knowledge of how to write a book. Something my followers had been asking for, for quite some time. Once I made the decision to move forward I started seeking sel-publishing platforms and with the help of a few friends, was able to overcome my fears & anxiety surrounding this new venture. I struggled with many things (book-creating wise) but as someone once told me (who had written several books) 10% is who you know that can assist and 90% is Google research. It took about 10 months to pull it all together but on May 13, 2023, at 11:51 pm I received an email from Kindle Direct Publishing that I was a published author. As they say, the rest is now history. Now the fun of promoting, and interviews like this one, I can start a journey of touching more lives by connecting with the words of a writer’s pen
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I work in an administrative, sales, and service capacity at Key Private Bank here in Cleveland, specifically in Pepper Pike. This is my 9 to 5 and has been for the last ten years. Though I’ve been in banking since 1995
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The support I’ve received on social media & in person has meant the world to me. All my friends both close and virtually have helped to pull this creative blindfold down. I want to give a special thanks to Debbie Dittebrand a co-worker and friend) for assisting with her editing skills. Charlotte Hunt with her formatting expertise. And Sammy Correa for initially sparking the inspiration to put pen to paper
Pricing:
- Readers can purchase my book retailed at $26.99 on Amazon. Prime Amazon Members may receive discounts and free shipping depending on your membership.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C51XDJ57
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_zen_guy66
https://www.instagram.com/poetrywithsphen/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefon66/
