We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Birdman 313 a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Birdman, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My parents taught me to never give up they both would say that is what people who tease or bully you expect you to do. Through my journey of writing which spans some 40+ years I always had doubters. Cousins, my first ex wife, an ex college girlfriend told me I will be the judge if you can write poetry. I have been knocked down many times but I just get back up and write more. I write for me not anybody else. Open mics , book festivals has given me the strength to ignore the ones who doubt me. And I ask God to give me the strength and words to write or speak.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m and Author Poet/Videographer
I have published 13 poetry books as 9 of them are at amazon.com/author/birdman313.
I write mostly nature poems as I feel comfortable with the outdoors. I shoot videos to go
along with most of poems as I also have a Youtube.com/AuthorPoetBirdman31355 channel .
I try to write inspirational, uplifting, encouraging poems.
I have been featured for several open mics, artist of the month, and several certifications and
a gold medallion for one of my poems. I have several poems/videos featured on Coffee,
Wines, and Words Spotify channel.
I am working on my 14th poetry book looking for a release by mid spring.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My 4th grade teacher told my parents that I could be a good writer and to keep me writing. My parents
made sure that I wrote as I wrote all their letters. When I was in college several of my professors told me
instead of typing my work write my term papers.
Jr Walker of the famed Jr Walker and The Allstars encourage
me to write when he learned I enjoyed writing, and I wanted to write lyrics.
Play write Thomas Melançon, and the late Ntozake Shange read a few of my poems after I attended their workshop and express, I wanted to be a full-time writer, and just said if you want to be a good poet just keep writing.
My advice to other writers never gives up and don’t let others distract you or discourage you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Growing up they made sure I wrote every day, and I had plenty of paper, pencils, and pens. Also to read as much
as I can and to listen to music and meditate for inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/birdman313
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/AuthorPoetBirdman31355
- Other: Spotify.com/Coffee, Wine, and Words platform Birdman313
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
