Which quote, quip or quandary would you pick as your best to date?
Energy defines life not flesh and blood, we are infinite energies experiencing infinity through a finite aperture.
Looking back, which incident do you think has had the most impact on your life and your thoughts?
Working in the mortuary as NCOIC (non commissioned officer in charge) of the body handlers in 1990 at Dover Delaware port mortuary when I was in the USAF United States Air force.
How would you define yourself as a product of your past experiences?
Many that read my things call me many things: a Mystic, a Sufi, and on and on. I say, "Call me Stan."
How does writing help you ward off your personal demons?
I’ve written tons since my mental illness set in. I find it a great release and I write to empower a reader that may be fighting the same demons as I do…
What was the first verse you wrote down or thought of which you clearly remember?
“Even in the fiercest battles the Butterflies and Bees still kiss the flowers.”
Can you share your definition of good poetry?
A Fresh Breath
I can write long poems that might bore you to death,
Or I can write short poems that might take your breath.
But the most important poem a poet will do
Is the one that breathes new life into you.
(Brevity is the key in poetry you want to get your point across quickly and not lose your reader)
How important is it for writers to feel strongly the emotions they write about?
I write to empower the reader and most of the time I don’t try to convince, confirm or condemn just maybe generate some different lines of thought.
Can you name some writers who influenced your writings?
Edgar Allen Poe, Harry Graham.
What is your idea of literary success?
I write not for the masses but for that one person that might find relief or joy in my creations.
Do you recall any particular conversation that you had with a stranger which you found highly thought-provoking?
One time I ran into an Native American chief for a council. We discussed the cycle of life and infinity and how Native Americans believe life was like a circle. I said “When you look into a person's eyes you see circles within circles.” I brought up the quote “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” We talked actually a couple of hours and went on our way.
Out of your four published books, which would you pick as your personal favorite?
Curse of the First Bite, it’s a 448 page poem written entirely in rhyming couplets and has an interesting story line. I hope to have the continuation finished soon.
How long did it take you to finish writing your first book?
It was a compilation of over thirty years of poems from life experiences.
Is there a higher purpose you wish to serve through your writings at a community level?
As I said previously I’m hoping to help people that suffer from the demons I myself have.
Does the internet and social media contribute to the well-being of poetry?
For some poetry is a dying art. I have a quote: “Many say the art of poetry is dead, I believe it’s alive on pages they haven’t read.”
Finally, how is All Author helping with the promotion of your publications? Would you recommend this platform to your author friends?
Even though your organization is fairly new, with the effort and creativity you put into your site and promoting authors, I see you and your associates as an awesome group run by a team of professionals. I would recommend it to any author that wanted advertising promotions at a fair and equitable price.
