Hello everyone! Welcome to another author spotlight! These will be posts where I discuss and showcase, predominantly women and people of color, their writing talents and published works. So without further ado let’s get on with the Author Spotlight!
Meet the Author!
Sharonica Nelson, EdD is a wife and mother who enjoys spending time with family. She is also an educator, professional development consultant, researcher, and adjunct instructor. She has had a love of a writing since childhood. She tried to run from writing, but it keeps finding her!
Her latest endeavor has been completing her debut book: Unapologetic: A Poetry Collection. The collection centers on themes of life, love, and society. She is so excited to finally publishing her work and hopes that her voice inspires others.
What and when started your love for writing?
I sparked an interest in writing in middle school to escape and manage typical teenage issues. This writing led me to speaking at school events, being the editor of her high school literary magazine, working on the newspaper staff, and entering and winning poetry contests.
I strayed from poetry at a certain point in adult life and career and went on to publish academic writing. However, with the onset of the pandemic and the passing of my grandmother, I found my voice in poetry writing again.
Of all of the book genres, what drew you to write about yours?
I have always been drawn to poetry. I journal daily, and much of that is in the form of poetry. I have always wanted to publish some of the pieces of my work, and I felt that now is the time to put my voice out there. The passing of my grandmother sent me into figuring out ways of healthy management of grief and poetry was one way. I found it therapeutic.
If you could meet your favorite author who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Maya Angelou. She wrote two of my favorite pieces of poetry: On the Pulse of Morning” and “A Brave and Startling Truth.” There are many more of her pieces that I consider favorites, but those have been speaking to me lately. Dr. Angelou was a master at the craft of writing poetry. She has an impeccable way with words that is so inspiring. She also gives the wisest and beautiful life lessons. I wish I could sit at her feet and just listen. I believe this is what my generation needs more of- wise and encouraging words from the elders. I still watch and listen to her interviews and am inspired. She was a jewel.
What makes your book(s)/writing special?
I believe that several things make my writing special. For instance, I believe in the power of writing what speaks to my soul, drawing from life experiences, and using my authentic voice. If I don’t get butterflies or am not touched as I write, then others won’t feel it. If I am not pulling from my experiences, then others won’t relate. If I am not speaking from my authentic voice, then others won’t hear me. My writing is special because of these things as they are all infused in my writing. My debut book Unapologetic: A Poetry Collection is a book composed with these ideas in mind. Therefore, I believe that this book is special and will inspire and encourage the readers.
So…what are you working on now?
Now, I am working on releasing Unapologetic: A Poetry Collection. It is set to release Oct. 2020. I am excited about this work. I am working on building an audience and connecting with them. I am also working on a follow-up book to be released in 2021. My website is www.sharonicanelson.com. Readers can subscribe here to keep up with my author endeavors. They can also follow me at www.instagram.com/smn_nelson for updates and inspiration.
Sharonica as such a sweet soul. It was awesome getting to meet another author and educator! I know great things are to follow Sharonica in her writing journey. And many blessings and congratulations to her are her debut book! If you want to get in contact or connect with her you can through:
Thank you all for reading and remember:
