Today we’d like to introduce you to Chauncey Kelsey.
Hi Chauncey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My writing journey started over 20 years ago when I began writing poetry when I was in high school. My passion to write probably started long before that when I was in elementary school and I won 2nd place in a Halloween story contest.
My poetry on the other hand, came from me using some of the creative writing that I picked up over the years and thinking how it would feel to be in various situations or relationships. I honestly didn’t date a lot in school and it amazes me that my book of poetry has been able to relate to so many people. I also have to share the fact that this book has also been years in the making as well.
I wanted to publish my poetry about 5 or 6 years ago (maybe longer) and of course, fear of failure often gets in the way. This was a year that I wanted to do a lot of the things that I always said I wanted to do and that is when I set the goal of publishing my book of poetry. I created a mindset that it did not matter to me if I sold one copy or ten, I wanted to get it done and add the title of the author to my name. My biggest supporter along this journey has always been my wife, Tara Kelsey.
“Reflections of Love: From My Younger Self”, is so titled because, a lot of the poetry in the book was written when I was younger and it also reflected on how I felt about love at that particular point in my life. While working on the book, I also created a playlist in Spotify called “Reflections of Love: The Playlist.” The songs on this list are some of my personal favorites, while others are songs that I have heard that I felt would be a great addition to the list.
In addition to poetry, I have also been blogging for the past few years as well and I have had the opportunity to blog for a few organizations such as: Sticking 2 Positivity, PerfectlyBlack, and The Extraordinary Negroes. Most recently, I decided to start my own blog site where I will be discussing various movies, which is why I also refer to myself as an “Unofficial Film Critic”. Again, fear is the reason why I did not start my blogging journey sooner but I know that I enjoy watching movies and also talking about them (without giving away too many spoilers).
People have already started to ask if I plan on publishing another book and honestly, I’m not sure if I know the answer to that question just yet. I know I have a lot of ideas in my head and stories that I would love to try to write.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth, my biggest struggle was myself and fear of failure. I have always been my own worst critic and I honestly thought that no one would like my poetry. I had this thought in my head that success meant that I had to sell so many copies and that success also meant me getting recognition for my work.
Over time I realized that for me success would be accomplishing the goal of becoming an author and getting out of the mindset that I had to sell so many copies or get recognition to be successful. Most of the people who have read the book seem to have enjoyed it so far with some reaching out to me through social media.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would not really describe myself as an Artist but I definitely relate more to being a writer/author which could also probably be described as creative as well. I wouldn’t say I’m known for this but I just recently published my first book which is a book of poetry called “Reflections of Love: From My Younger Self”.
I am most proud of the fact that I was able to finally publish my first book and I am also proud of the feedback I have received so far. I believe what sets my poetry aside is the fact that the majority of my poetry is related to the topic of Love. I think that as a man we are typically known for not expressing ourselves and the fact that these poems were written when I was younger but are relating to people now shows that I was on the right path.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is accomplishing things that I always said that I wanted to do. Being able to finally get out of my own way to publish this book was an accomplishment on its own and once I got past that it honestly didn’t matter to me how many copies of this book I sold. I was already successful because I took the time to do it and get it published and by sharing my story with others, it’s my hope that I am able to inspire someone else and to show them that it’s never too late to do something that you have always wanted to do.
Pricing:
- Reflections of Love: From My Younger Self $15.00 via Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: chaunceykelsey.godaddysites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justbeingck/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustBeingCK
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Love-My-Younger-Self/dp/B0948JWQV2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=chauncey+kelsey&qid=1625582036&sr=8-1
