We had the pleasure to sit down and talk with author Rodrick Bates about his latest novel When Faith is Shaken and his inspirations for being a writer. He is best known for his uplifting and encouraging poetry about relationships.
Rodrick: When Faith is Shaken is actually my latest compilation of poetry. It’s a chapbook of poetry which is a small compilation of poetry usually 30-50 pages and it is also a series. The title speaks for itself. It’s an encouraging and uplifting compilation of poems. I have been known for the people that follow my work that my writing is about personal feelings about relationships, love, and life. I wanted to shake it up a little bit and write something that was more encouraging people about their life, relationships, and love life. I wanted people to look at the title and say, they can gain something from it. Are you working on any other projects?
Actually, When Faith is Shaken is a series of poetry and this is volume I that was just released. I also released another chapter book called The Book of Hearts. I am currently working on volume II for When Faith is Shaken as well as another book of love poems which is yet to be titled.
My initial inspiration was found through searching for a unique way to describe my feelings. I was not looking to start a journal or write as I was outlining a memoir, but really a way to display my feelings and articulate those thoughts that have already been said and written in a unique way. So as I continued writing I kept gaining inspiration along the way; for instance, through my personal relationships, relationships of others, through music, and through movies. Sometimes God would wake me up in the middle of the night to writer about things that I have not been through or written about, but somebody somewhere can relate to it.
I have always loved Mya Angelou, Eric Jerome Dickey, and I grew up reading Tupac poetry as well. He has a lot of poetry online that you can find.
In 2015, I want to do more charity work outside of writing. I want to help more people. As far as writing, I want to make more appearances to continue to encourage and uplift people. I actually did an appearance for the Martin Luther King celebration in my hometown. I wrote MLK speech for that celebration and recited a poem. I thought it was very uplifting.
My advice for the dreamers is to never stop dreaming. If you have something that you are passionate about, continue to work on your passion. Lastly, continue crafting your passion and don’t let anyone force you to believe that you cannot accomplish your goals and dreams you have set for yourself.
What advice can you offer aspiring writers?
My advice for aspiring writers is to learn the business of publication first. Then come to the table with a product that is finished. Continue to work on what you love to do and don’t let anyone kill your dream.
Learn more about the self-published author Rodrick Bates by visiting his website and following him on his social media platform. His website is www.rodrickbates.com and Blog at www.rodrickbates.com/poetry. Follow him on social media at www.Facebook.com/AuthorRodrickBates and www.Twitter.com/BatesRodrick.