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Interview: Poet Jessica Gipson
By: Mark C. Lloyd Oct. 10, 2016
Jessica Gipson is a single mother of two, a poet, a business owner, a community activist.
She has a passion for people.
MCL: What section of Buffalo did you grow up at?
JG: I was born in Midland Texas but I grew up on the east side 31 park area.
MCL: At what age did you start writing?
JG: I started writing around the time I was 12 I star Ted Keeping notebooks around 17.
MCL: What sparked you to write?
JG: Needing an outlet is what started me writing. At the time my family situation was dysfunctional and I didn't have good friends.
MCL: What do you write ... Poetry ... Prose?
JG: I write poetry mostly in the last couple of years I started writing short stories.
MCL: What do you write about?
JG: I write about everything and anything. Whatever inspires me.
MCL: When did you know you had to keep writing?
JG: Writing it like breathing for me it's automatic. I can't help it.
MCL: What influences you to keep writing?
JG: Now that I've become more open with my writing people influence me to keep going. I help people, inspire people and I like that.
MCL: Please let us know about your first book. The tile?
JG: My first book is titled "Somewhere in the Middle" named after a poem I wrote with the same name. It's currently available on amazon in print and digital form.
MCL: How did the idea come?
JG: I just wanted to share my writing. I was more convinced to do so after reading Lang Leav poetry.
MCL: Is writing a tough or easy process?
JG: I get writers block sometimes but for the most part the writing process is pretty easy for me.
MCL: You are a community activist. How are you involved?
JG: A friend of mine and myself started an organization called the 716 coalition. It's new but we're working on processes to bring the community closer and strengthen the relationship with inner city neighborhoods and the police.
MCL: You are a business owner. What kind of business is it?
JG: I have a small business named Everyday Poetry. I write personalized poems for any occasion so instead of using Hallmark to mark an occasion i can make it more personal. I also set up at weddings or cocktail hours and type small poems for the guests.
MCL: You are a Mom , writer and business owner. When do you have time to write?
JG: I always make time to write. If something comes to me I have to write it down. I always have a notebook with me. Sometimes I even wake up out of my sleep. Kids. Work. Writing my priorities lol.
MCL: Finally ... Promote yourself. What's coming up for you 2016-2017?
JG: 2017 will bring further promotion of "Somewhere in the Middle" and the publishing of a second book titled Diet Love.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JESSICA GIPSON:
https://www.facebook.com/4SomewhereInTheMiddle/
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