Meet B. Anderson

Today we’d like to introduce you to B. Anderson. 

Hi B., please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am B. Anderson, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was diagnosed with Nystagmus from birth. It’s an involuntary rapid movement of the eyes that can slightly blur vision. Being visually impaired is what fueled me to be the creative I am today. The truth and vulnerability in itself played a huge role in giving me the ability to use my gifts to motivate and inspire others. 

I am an award-winning author, poet, spoken word and recording artist, and host of The Mic Drop with B. Anderson. 

The Mic Drop with B. Anderson is an interview platform to give artists who use a microphone the space to share all things them. Guests promote their current projects, dive into their journey, and look at what’s next. All 19 interviews can be found on my YouTube channel. 

I’ve been legally blind since birth. My experiences are very relatable, and I touch on them in my debut book of poetry, A Penny for My Thoughts, and even more so in my follow-up poetry book, VISIONoverSIGHT A Legally Blind Poet’s Truth. From my childhood to parenthood, ridicule, stereotypes, beliefs, and mental illness, I walk you through my journey. These things almost destroyed me, but finding my way back to God and Poetry saved me. VISION (internal) always beats sight (physical sense). If you love poetry that expresses raw emotions from the heart, you’ll love A Penny For My Thoughts and VISIONoverSIGHT A Legally Blind Poet’s Truth. 

My debut spoken word album, A King Pen Collection Volume 1, Here’s My Two Cents, was released in September. I was inspired to explore the realm of music because having multiple avenues to relay your message is essential to expanding your audience and it gives individuals a new perspective. I’ve released standalone singles since then and my next project is finished and will be streaming everywhere very soon. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having a disability is a struggle in itself. Confidence and self-esteem had to develop before I could allow the world to hear my voice. I wanted people to hear my voice before they ever saw my eyes. 

Self-publishing has been a huge obstacle. There are pros but the cons are that you have to do every single step yourself. You don’t have the national exposure a publishing company would provide. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an author of two poetry books. I’m a spoken word and recording artist. I’m a host and producer of my own interview segment. I’m a contracted teacher who teaches creative writing through Elementz Hip Hop & Cultural Center. 

I am so proud of my ability to use my gift to write to impact others. I love words and I love using words to convey my message. I also love to promote others. I created my own show, The Mic Drop with B. Anderson because I wanted to bring awareness that there are talented creatives right here in Cincinnati. So many talented individuals feel like they have to go to big cities to get their name out there. I wanted to alter that narrative… 

What sets me apart from others is my story. I’ve only met a handful of creatives who live boldly while being visually impaired. Everyone has a source for where their creative juices flow from. Mine is overcoming my disability and being the best version of myself. There is a kid coming up with a visual disability and I want that kid to look at me and get the motivation to do anything they put their mind to. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I overthink everything, even my craft. I second guess myself and I think it’s the perfectionist in me. I always want my content to be relatable to someone. As a creative, I’m sensitive about the work I put into the world. Being the best version of me is key no matter what subject matter I touch on. 

Pricing:

• A Penny For My Thoughts- Sold by Amazon- $10
• VISIONoverSIGHT A Legally Blind Poet’s Truth- Sold by Amazon- $10

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/B.-Anderson/author/B08P5TKLNT?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorb.anderson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056966209333
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@AuthorBAnderson
• Other: https://unitedmasters.com/b-anderson4756