Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Snorton.
Andrew, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My artist journey as an author probably started in March 2010 when I used to write for an online magazine (Examiner) until it shut down in July 2016. I mainly covered community-based events and organizations but would do some interviews crossing over into entertainment as well as a few op-eds.
Once the magazine shut down, I wanted to continue writing in some way, shape, or form. During 2016, after reading “Follow the Fiyah” by Fiyah Tyressa Ty and some insight from Darrius Gourdine, I embarked on my journey as a published author. My first book, “Deeper than your deepest sleep: thoughts on love with Joseph Snorton,” is my first release (2017). It’s a poetic look at love via the lenses of family, community, people past and present, self-reflection, and other themes based on a conversation with a family member (Joseph) who I didn’t know existed until a few years ago.
My second book, “9 stories of faith: volume 1”, goes in a different direction as it is more interview based. Thematically, I feel most people can relate to the notion that all of us are dealing with something. However, I took it a step further and asked what are people dealing with each day, ranging from physical health, mental health, life after incarceration, and other life challenges. The people I interviewed opened up and shared how through the lens of their faith (the people interviewed are of Christian, Islamic, or Hindu background), best practices (in health and wellness), the implementation of their support network (family and friends), and their self-drive, they are able to live positive and powerful lives. It’s very humbling and encouraging, even to me, as all of us need a reminder of who we are and whose we are.
And that’s just wearing the “author” hat; thankfully, there’s more on the horizon.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As an author, it is about being authentic and accessible.
It’s about speaking with people about relevant topics, from the inspiring, encouraging, and challenging. In using multiple means (the first two books are examples as I go from poetry to interviews), multiple topics, it’s about speaking with people instead of at them. It’s about engaging people to think, challenge, and ask, “Where do we go from here”?
When you consider the topics covered (i.e., love through wider examples), part of doing so is for people to take inventory of the people in their life, as well as people no longer in it. Consider the positive takeaways as well as some of the adversities that may come, but to note that even if you are not experiencing love in one way (i.e., a relationship with a significant other), it doesn’t mean you aren’t at all; when you think about those who provide community service, or who send a message and block off time to meet for a cup of coffee, those are examples who think enough of you, so there has to be some sort of emotion and connection.
The same for the second book. Before you feel your current challenge is too much, consider what people live with each day. One person is living with MS (multiple sclerosis), yet has traveled outside the United States (and through means of her use of medicinal marijuana to her weekly Bible study, is able to live a life of impact). Consider how about 10% of US citizens will ever travel outside the US and are likely not living with health challenges of this kind, and it truly makes you take inventory of what is going on.
In the end, it is about being accessible; speaking with people instead of speaking above or beyond them is the main focus of any of my work. Knowing that you can and are capable is another takeaway. Reconsidering things and people around you and showing a measure of understanding is big, as when we speak to be understood, it can set a better stage and bridge to figure out agreement and progress.
Again, that is the hope.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
The main thing is to pursue your passion, especially if it allows for personal, professional, and community growth. Likewise, there are times you have to “filter out the noise”; this includes people who have known you for a while and are used to you being in “one lane” instead of the lane you are evolving and pursuing (i.e., writing, painting, music, etc.). Take in constructive criticism and feedback, but anything that is dream-killing related, just filter it out.
Understand where you are isn’t where you’ll always be. You may pursue painting, but you may eventually land as a purchaser or opening your own art gallery, so understand you may still do something associated with the craft, but in a different space and place. Be appreciative of people; for example, at a festival, when you are able to speak or when a person comes to your table, make sure they are walking away with something, be it your book, a business card, or something so they can keep track of what you are doing. As long as people see you are dedicated and genuine, you’ll be surprised at what doors and opportunities open up for you.
Embrace the journey and go where it takes you. In my two years of writing, I am blessed to see different cities, venues, and of course, meet some truly amazing people. A number of people who helped me didn’t know me from a can of paint, but they gave me a chance. You don’t forget those people who helped you or gave you a chance. Many of the venues where I have done signings to festivals, they didn’t know me, but they saw the work I am doing and trying to do and extended an opportunity to me. Even if I can only get back to venues once a year, I use those said venues to build relationships.
Always focus on a win-win; this ranges from venues to your photographer, to just about anyone. Whether it’s two or 2200 people that come to your event or show or what have you, give the best you can give. You may be the first author, artist, singer, or what have you people come in contact with. Show them who you are, what you do, and why they need to keep you on their radar (and share your info with others). And make sure to help others along the way as none of us got here by ourselves.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Both books are available on Amazon, as well as bookstores in Metro-Atlanta (Booknook-Decatur, Medu Bookstore, Nubian Bookstore, and Black Dot Cultural Center), Macon (Tubman Museum Bookstore), Greenville, SC (Fiction Addiction), Spartanburg, SC (Hub City Bookstore), Charlotte, NC (Park Road Books), Readmore Book-N-Card (Madisonville, KY), Pan African Connections (Dallas, TX), Book Additions (online via Roanoke, VA), Detroit Book City (Detroit/Southfield, MI), and the Wake Forest University on-campus bookstore (Winston-Salem, NC). I’ve done different book festivals, including the Mississippi Book Festival (2017 and 2018 in Jackson, MS), The African American Authors Festival (Nashville, TN in 2018), East of the River Book Festival (in Washington DC in 2018), the Bluffton Book Festival (Bluffton, SC in 2018), the Atlanta African-American Book Festival (Atlanta, GA in 2018), and recently, the African American Family Book Expo (Detroit/Southfield, MI in 2019).
Any online purchase, in-store purchase (as I’m looking at adding more stores), book-signing (I have done signings in Metro-Atlanta, Macon, Spartanburg, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Baltimore, Washington DC, Randolph and Asbury Park, NJ [both on the same day – there’s a story behind that one]), Chicago, Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, Madisonville and Hopkinsville, KY [both on the same day – there’s a story behind that as well]), and any special event (previous ones include Sanford, NC at Central Carolina Community College). I’m always open to doing a lecture, discussion (with a book club or related community organization), and I’ve done benefits to help support community organizations; the best ways to connect with me are by email (authorasnorton@gmail.com), Facebook (Author Andrew Snorton), Twitter/Instagram (@authorasnorton), YouTube (Author ASnorton), as well as the web (asnortonccs.wixsite.com/authorpage).
Contact Info:
- Website: asnortonccs.wixsite.com/authorpage
- Email: authorasnorton@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/authorasnorton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorASnorton/
- Twitter: twitter.com/authorasnorton
Image Credit:
The headshot (with me holding the books) is from EmoryRose Photography.
The photos (going from left to right starting from the top) are via Phrozen Memories, Fiyah Tyressa Ty, and Andrew Snorton.
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
