Welcome Kool World into the New Year 2014! We're returning back to RPRAI's Artists On The Come Up Series with the Latest Edition on respected Author & Poet (with a myriad of more to discover!) JV Stanley. For anyone who is reading our Artist Feature for the first time, having an actual writer is imperative to focus a spotlight on since 'writing' is a vehicle for many of us to express our full thoughts. Artistry allows us to have a voice through creative expression and just like art, it can be perceived 'one-sided' depending on how it is viewed. Therefore our purpose is to break the mold and enrich minds. In our meaningful and candid girl talk together we unearth the makings of the day-to-day life of your every-day writer: As a wife and mother in the balancing act of meeting needs & obligations of her family while finding time for herself, the challenges of staying committed to this "unconventional job" and never giving up on herself, describing how her work speaks to her through her voice AND as it speaks back to us, adding on the simple joys of life like her children, canning/jamming, 'walking across waterfalls' and lastly the challenge that every writer and artist faces: Rejection and set-backs while finding the faith and inner-strength to
never give up. Stanley revels in the thought that her time is coming and she has no intention of giving up now when she has come so far especially with motivation ringing in her ears of her biggest supporter & influencer, her father -
"Do what you love, the money will come later". The BEST advice to receive from someone you love in a field that doesn't hurt to have as much backing and support as possible. Spend a moment of your time and become immersed in the poeticism and introspectively captivating philosophical story-telling of Ms. Stanley. You'll feel as though you've known her all your life as our next 'ARTIST ON THE RISE'.
Hi Julie, it's pleasure engaging with you!
The first time we really talked was a few
weeks ago and from what I know so far about you and reading your work you are a
respected poet and author.
I had the opportunity to read your poem
"The
Mortician of Inevitable Immortality" and
it really caught my eye. I knew I
had to meet you after reading it because the content was good and worthwhile to
read!
We must start where it all began to get the ball rolling of course! ;)
Where and when were you born?
I was born and raised in Lower
Michigan on the twenty-sixth day of October in the year of our Lord, nineteen
hundred and eighty at old-o-clock.
(laughs) I realize I’m not that old, but sometimes I feel old.
Ah the nasty 30's! You're only 4 years older than me, and I refuse to feel "old" lol. If I'm keeping it young and sexy then you must as well JV ;)
Where do you currently reside?
During my senior year in high
school, I immigrated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I morphed from city girl to country girl. I ended up graduating up here and fell in
love with the area. My mom and
stepfather moved and I decided to stick around.
I used to work as a dealer at the casino in Baraga and I remember a
number of times before I’d go to work, I’d walk on waterfalls. Yes, you heard me correctly.
Adventurer! I was like huh?!? Did she really say "waterfalls". The bible mentions Jesus Christ turning water to wine and walking on water, so I guess you're the modern-day version The Waterfall Walker, wow. Perhaps you can add to this unique skill you possess with explaining how you're actually walking across waterfalls. If there's a bridge involved then you aint that great lol.
My favorite pastime is walking on waterfalls. Immediately following said adventure, I’d
mosey on into work with my pant legs soaked to the knees and no one was the
wiser.
How many people can do that
before work? The Upper Peninsula is
gorgeous, albeit, brutally frigid during the winter months. It’s a bit of a common joke up here that we
only have two seasons: winter and construction.
Without a doubt, who can literally say before work they walk on waterfalls lol. An adrenaline rush to say the least! Before work I'm usually running behind with time not being my best friend.
I live about forty-five minutes to an hour
west of Marquette. Michiganders have a
tendency of calculating distance by how long it takes to get to one’s destination. The Upper Peninsula is its own little
world-tranquil, serene, almost like living in a completely different
country. Those born in the U.P. call
themselves ‘Yoopers’ and have delicately nicknamed those residing under the
bridge…yes, you guessed it. Trolls. I’ve lived up here since 1999, so at this
point I consider myself more of a ‘Trooper’ than a ‘Transplant’.
You may already be waiting for me to make a "wise-crack" on this -Yooper & Troll (even though they can't be avoided for laughs). Wish I knew names for the area where I live but all I can think of is "bubble-town" and entitled littletons lol.
Tell us about your childhood growing up.
Was
it average, hard, special, unusual, or different?
If there’s anything that sets you a part
from others share it too! Were you playing with Barbie and having tea parties
or were you the tomboy who enjoyed just rough and tumble stuff?
I came from a broken, dysfunctional
home. I think that is what initiated my
love of writing. I kept a journal since
1989 and found that my prose was therapeutic.
It allowed me to reflect upon my life and gather insight into what I was
feeling and why. It later developed into
poetry. A few of my friends in middle
school started writing poetry and I found that I appreciated the unique art
form. It was then when I began writing
my own. In 8th grade, I had my first
poem published which subsequently won an award.
From there, I continued writing poetry and prose.
Now here's something I can definitely relate to! Writing did the same for me in my life but instead of finding my inner voice through poetry, fine art became my subconcious outlet for what I was feeling. I can still hear my teacher of four years in high school tell me to relax and not be so heavy-handed. lol.
During the summers of my youth, I would go
fishing, hiking, and participate in a myriad of other outdoor activities. My stepfather fostered my love for the
outdoors, including walking on waterfalls!
When I wasn’t off on an adventure of some sort, I would be in my room
reading and writing to music.
Beneficial mix to have the creative mind flow of being outdoors and to come back inside to release it out. Reading was big for me too! Did you have any genres or Artists in mind (at that age) that inspired your music writing style?
I didn’t have a strong relationship with my
biological father until I was in my early twenties, despite the fact that I saw
him once a week during his visitation during my youth. This was entirely due to the very strained
and hostile way my mother portrayed him.
It was later when I realized that I was a victim of parental alienation,
which attenuated my connection to him while I was growing up. When I finally realized that my mother had
manipulated me against my father, I was able to connect with my father in a way
that I never dreamed possible. He
fostered within me a reflective, more philosophically reserved way of approaching
my problems and provided an attentive ear.
I attribute my outlook on life as well as my ethics and personal
philosophies to my father. His guidance
and understanding through my adult years have proved immeasurable. I cannot go a few days without talking to
him.
As for my mother, we have been estranged
for the past three years and I would like to continue to maintain that
distance.
The physical and psychological
damage that I had endured in my youth has affected the way I perceive
relationships. However, instead of
succumbing to the troublesome nature of abuse, I find it an invaluable facet in
how I perceive life and the relationships I have with other individuals. Instead of allowing it to define me, I use it
as a source of strength by which I can overcome and empathize with others. Instead of allowing it to weaken me, I’ve
used it as a way to strengthen my resolve (as well as inspire me).
omg how awful...
Again I can relate on this-more so on an emotional level. Your response to it is nonetheless similar as well :) You're a brilliant mind JV and it may have much to do with how you've managed to turn circumstances around for the better.
Our past does not make us who we are;
abusing others is a conscious choice that we make due to either ignorance or
laziness to learn the difference between right and wrong. There are far too many people who abuse
others and blame it on the fact that they too, were abused. Instead of seeking out the help, therapy, or
venues that various programs have to offer to assist in our own personal growth
and development after enduring abuse, we resort to what we already know or
assume. This is why the cycle of abuse
continues-people lack the capacity to fix themselves despite that they
recognize the warped ethics that they grew up with.
I couldn't agree more...
Wow it's amazing how much we have in common with views. With your wisdom/understanding you could also go into psychiatry/sociology. If many of us could channel into this form of thinking we would probably live healthier lives.
I model my parenting style to that of my
father, who, while I was growing up, allowed me to live life to the
fullest. From taking me to the circus
every year, monster truck rallies, and even catering to my love of the arts by
taking me to the Detroit Institute of Arts on regular occasions; he broadened
my horizons in ways that have affected how I parent my own children. I cannot
begin to explain how wonderful my father is and has been and I can only hope to
live up to him. Between my father’s
influence as well as my grandmother Zell’s influence, I am who I am today because
of their love and because my father never gave up on me, regardless of the
hostility and abuse that had hindered our relationship in my youth.
Taking a trip down memory lane, as a kid
what did you want to be when you grew up?
Choir was one of the most influential
classes I had in high school. I was in
choir from freshman through senior year.
At first, I wanted to be a singer and had the option to attend Central
Michigan University through the recommendation from the university professor
who attended one of my solo performances. As my writing developed, I started
receiving recognition, and found a home within the literary community.
Again we share something in common! Are you my soul sister or what?!? ha. I was too fearful, unlike you who had the courage and recognition of your ability with pursuance from your mentor. It must be great to know where you can take your skill-sets in case one slows down or you want to do something different.
As a writer and poet myself, I find it easy
to write and convey my thoughts from making it a habit since 11/12 years old.
When did it all began and how did this become your career focus and claim to
fame?
As a result of my disjointed childhood, I
began conveying my thoughts within a journal. It was 1989 and I believe I was either in third or fourth grade. I wasn’t the popular girl in school (GEEK),
so I usually buried myself in make-believe and daydreaming. Once I hit high school, my journals depicted
elements of imagery, symbolism as I tried to hide what I was really feeling or
relate it in some way in metaphor. Most
of my earlier works are so esoteric that many individuals complemented me on
the form, structure, and beauty of the images, but didn’t quite understand the
intent. Back then I was grateful because
I hid a lot of my emotion within it. To
have someone decipher its meaning would probably result in my embarrassment or leave
me feeling uncomfortably vulnerable.
Growing up makes it hard, in my opinion, as a writer because you're trying to make sense of what you're feeling and how to put words to what you see happening around you. I think it's with growth and maturity when we can accept our lives for what they really are and not be ashamed of our experiences -we can't feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. It makes us who we are and others appreciate the honesty because perhaps they went through similar and never had a way of expressing it. It's liberating for everyone.
I wrote my first short story in my high school creative writing class. I enjoyed the ability to paint that cinematic
picture within the mind so much that I not only took the class again, but also
begged a few of my classmates to do their homework for them. Aside from the journal entries we would write
during class, I began writing similar pieces in my own journal. I would turn on Enya, Loreena McKennett, Deep
Forest, among other assorted artists and write to my heart’s content. I’d write mostly prose during that time and
later I would whittle it down into poetry I’d later share with my friends. A few I submitted for publication and won a
fair number of awards.
You were indulging the creative beast! There is a freedom with creative writing -no limitations or restrictions. But on the other hand there's something great about limitations because it forces a writer to dive deeper for creative outlet and possibly help them discover a side of themselves they never knew or paid attention to before.
Which contests or competitions were you submitting your entries for us out here who want to do the same?
Miracle Ezine is currently
developing its second annual poetry competition; I plan on entering that
one.
I’ve also submitted a short story of
mine to Dream Quest One in their winter 2013-2014 competition. Submissions
are currently closed on that one but it’s advisable to check back
periodically. http://www.dreamquestone.com/rules/enter-now/
Probably one of the greatest
resources regarding the craft of writing is visiting Writer’s Digest.
They often host competitions as well and can direct authors to various ones
being held.
Another excellent resource is The
Writer’s Market. That book has a whole chapter dedicated to various
writing contests. It is advised that one should procure the most recent
copy as the specific details for submissions are often updated. The
competition includes ones for books, poetry, essays, as well as many
others. Some offer publication and others offer a monetary prize.
The Writer’s Market is like the Holy Grail of publishing resources.
I realize its off-topic but I have
to suggest a few excellent books on writing and publishing that have helped me
out tremendously throughout the years. I started studying the art of
writing at a young age and a few of the books that influenced me the most are:
The Elements of Style by William
Strunk Jr. and E. B. White
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
How To Get Happily Published by
Judith Applebaum
Write Is a Verb: Sit Down, Start
Writing, No Excuses by Bill O'Hanlon
Crossroads: Creative Writing in Four
Genres by Diane Thiel
Literature Without Borders:
International Literature in English For Student Writers by George R. Bozzini
and Cynthia A. Leenerts
Also,
I’ve been reading the Norton Anthologies since high school. I’d find older
editions at used book stores and found that I really enjoyed the stories within
them. These anthologies also included mini biographies and discussion
questions pertaining to the story that encourage thought and analysis. In order
to be a successful writer one must read. A lot. Reading for pleasure
is a fantastic escape . However, when one stops and analyzes the writing
that is when the story really comes alive. There are many other books
I’ve read but these ones are my favorites!
In college, I enjoyed the same rewards of
writing short stories. In 2006 after the
birth of my first child, I decided it was about time to write my first
novel. I wrote it between diaper changes,
feedings, appointments, and the mundane domestic responsibilities I had to
accomplish. By the end of 2007, I
finally completed the first draft.
During the interim, I studied all areas of the publishing industry and
any book related to editing and writing.
Two of my favorite books on writing are ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott
and ‘On Writing’ by William Zinsser.
These texts offer a wealth of information and I believe are invaluable
resources. I tried to send out the manuscript to agents and publishers to no
avail. I received rejection upon
rejection and eventually gave up.
I took a sabbatical from writing until my
divorce. Sometimes at the end, you must
go back to the beginning. My beginning
is where I found solace. I felt more at
home writing than I had in years during that tenuous and stressful time. I didn’t stop there, though. I went on to write a poem that has inspired
an entire novel (I’m currently working on it, ‘Irony, Karma, And Fate Walk Into
A Bar…”). I later learned about Kindle
Direct Publishing and decided to dust off that old manuscript of mine and get
it published myself. With the help of an
author friend who advised me to modify the book in some areas to improve it, I
went on to edit the book until it was ready for publication. I just had it published November 20th and it
is currently available on Amazon.
So happy for the turn-around. I'm a sucker for happy endings :)
What genre or genres do you express
yourself the most in? Why did you decide to go in this direction for your
writing.?
I’ve always had an affinity for the
macabre, Stephen King being my favorite author since I was a kid. I also gravitate toward personal and
universal philosophies within my writing.
I’ve learned quite a lot throughout the years and find myself reflecting
upon life and the philosophies of others.
Where do you pull your inspiration from?
I daydream, a lot. I used to sit for hours when I was younger
and daydream to music. I would sit and
reflect upon things I should have said, things I should have done. I reflect upon the actions of others and contemplate
the relative meaning behind them. I have
a great advantage in my writing as I’m extremely empathic and particularly
receptive to the emotions of the individuals who surround me. I think this particular quality of mine has had
a strong influence in my writing. I tend
to feel what other people feel. Some
individuals are more projective with their emotions than others.
Like a more human approach. You connect with others on a profoundly more compassionate level, from being interpersonal with just having time to know yourself. There has to be a bigger role you are made for in this life with these qualities you have Julie :)
Some of my ideas hit like epiphanies,
almost as though a cartoon light bulb suddenly flashes above my head. Once I have that spark of inspiration, I
either jot it down in my idea journal or I begin writing in a frenzy.
Me too! And if you're like me you've used anything you could get your hands on like kitchen napkins, wrappers, plates, store receipts, and anything else that can be written on.
Is your subject matter primarily for adults
or do you also write for young adults and children?
I’ve tried my hand at writing a fairy tale
once. I’ve currently sent to another
author friend for assistance in its completion.
I primarily write for adults but perhaps someday I will gravitate toward
young adult fiction. I will go wherever
the winds of muse will carry me, I suppose.
There is a grave tone from reading, that I
notice, about your style and energy. Does this tell readers about your
personality or is it how you prefer to express yourself?
Through the course of my study in poetry,
I’ve noticed similar attributes in other authors. When one thinks of poetry what often comes to
mind are the more romantic pieces, like Shakespearian sonnets. There are a plethora of different emotions
that are expressed in poetical form. Some
of my work focuses on the fatalistic nature of my thinking due to unfortunate or
enlightening events that I feel compelled to write about. More often times than not, the gravity of
emotions are often serendipitous.
It is my belief that there is more to an
individual than aesthetics, and by aesthetics I am not just referencing
appearance. There is the individual that
you see, the aspects that people choose to allow people to see, and then there
is the depth within them. I imagine it
as a cavern with multiple passages that lead to different areas of an
individual but end within the heart.
Upon first glance, I could be described as goofy and fun-loving, relaxed
and laid-back. To those who know me well
would describe me as deep, passionate, and intelligent. Depending upon the situation, I could be
classified first as one or the other.
Does your family compose of writers, just
like yourself, literary observers?
My older brother, Jerrid would read a
lot. He was the first to introduce me to
adult chapter books. The first series I
ever read was the Xanth series by Piers Anthony that he handed down to me. I would sit curled up on the couch with my
cat and do nothing but read in front of the window in my parent’s living
room. From there, I was introduced to
the Anne Rice novels and it snowballed from there. I was the black sheep of the family,
honestly. Where my brothers went on to
‘real’ jobs, I was the one daydreaming and writing stories and poetry. I have a cousin who is also in the arts, Joe
Wakefield, but his aim is Hollywood where mine is Random House or Simon and Schuster.
 |
| ANNE RICE |
How did they feel about this being your
job-focus, were they all for it or wanted a different path for you?
My mother wanted me to be a singer. My brothers admired my creative ability but
thought I would be better suited with a degree and a ‘real’ job. My father just supported me and wanted me to
do something that made me happy. “Do
what you love, the money will come later.” is what he always told me. Doing what you love isn’t always simple and
it’s far too easy to give up and move on.
Life has so many opportunities within it and like other writers who
struggle to follow their dream, they too understand that it takes work and
dedication to succeed. Some do not find
their success until later on in life, but I am a patient woman. I will not stop if I am unsuccessful with one
novel. I plan to write many, many more
in the years to come.
Wow, that is BIG! What your dad told you speaks mega-watt volumes. I believe what parents tell their children can either make or break their dreams -spoken and unspoken. Even your mom sees the bigger picture of the possibilities in music :) A 'real' job for you is following your heart & it takes real courage.
How challenging is it to be recognized and
taken seriously for the type of job that you have?
Some individuals I’ve spoken with admire my
dedication. I recently participated in a
pistol tournament where I won third in the female division at the Sagola
Township Sportsman’s Club. I chanced to
meet a number of really interesting individuals from all walks of life. One woman approached me and asked what I did
for a living. I told her that I was an
author. “I’ve never met a published
author before.” she said and shook my hand. I felt very flattered. She
continued asking me about my work and I was very enthusiastic with my responses
and she was eager to listen.
I’ve also had individuals who don’t take me
seriously at all. I’ve heard the ‘You don’t have a real job’ and
‘Why don’t you go out and get a real paycheck?’ It’s disheartening, obviously, but even more so when I’m looked down on
in certain circles. I have found that
these individuals are under the misconception that wealth equates success. I am content in that my children are proud of
me and share in the excitement that their mom is a published author following
her dream. Their opinion far outweighs
the opinion of those who belittle me for what I do.
It can also be challenging when it's a choice between having electricity or water running as well. When it gets down to the realness of basic necessity, money is either coming in to provide for yourself (and family) or it's not. When it's not then the whole 'get a job' nag is for the better good because at least it's understood as 'pay per hour' for a steady income. But if it's just to dictate how a person should live their life, it's not warranted.
You're also the developer and marketing
director of MIRACLE EZINE, a literary magazine that helps to support creative
writers and multicultural literature, which excited me a bit since I also refer
to my work as an ezine in the making :) What inspired you to be involved with it?
The credit all goes to a
wonderfully talented woman, Guntaj Arora. Almost a year ago, I was perusing different literary magazines I
intended to submit my work to and I chanced upon this fledgling magazine. I submitted my poem, ‘Footprints’, which was
accepted for publication and included in their third issue. When I saw that the ‘zine was looking for a
Development and Marketing Director, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always had an appreciation of
multicultural literature and this magazine perfectly displays the work in a magnificent
format. I’ve always felt that
multicultural literature is an essential element of understanding. There are far too many bias and fallacies
derived from assumption and stereotyping. One of the greatest and rewarding ways to achieve understanding of the
differences in cultures, is to read multicultural literature.
My job consists of sharing the magazine
with the world and spreading the word of its publication. I am in charge of contacting bookstores,
universities, and libraries requesting that they carry the magazine. I also assist in procuring other writers and
encouraging them to submit their work. I
do so by various channels, either by direct contact, development of leads, and
disbursing contact information to various universities and writing groups.
I also write the book review column for the magazine and submit my poetry for
publication periodically. The credit for
this wonderful periodical does not go solely to me, but to the entire team of
individuals who have made this magazine one of the greatest I could ever hope
to work for. Guntaj has been a blessing
and it has been an honor to work for her this past year.
Tell us what the pros and cons are with
being the director of MIRACLE. By the way congrats on completing
the first year of publication and having your first print edition!
Thank you so much! Having the magazine in print has been one of
the major goals we have attained. I
actually just received my copy of it and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned
out. It is simply amazing and such an
accomplishment. It’s been a struggle as
with any creative endeavor, but I am so thankful for the drive and ambition
that Guntaj has for this magazine. With
the talented team of individuals she had selected to work on the magazine, we
have seen steady growth and support. It
is my sincere hope to see the magazine lining bookstands in the future.
Ok so I must share this with you Julie…I
have an affinity for pens especially ball-point color pens. I love free-flowing
ink, calligraphy pens, just writing in ink. How about you? Do you have that
same giddiness with writing utensils?
My calligraphy skills are horrible, to be
honest but I do admire the art. My
grandfather, Paul Zell was an artist and I inherited his calligraphy pens but
haven’t been brave enough to practice with them. I
admire him greatly though he passed away before I got the chance to get to know
him.
I unfortunately do not own a good pen set
that I write with. Perhaps for
Christmas, if Santa is feeling generous, I’ll get a set. I personally like pens
with ink that flows smoothly and glides across the paper. I’ve had pens that I’ve had to dig into the
paper until the words are practically embedded within the back cover.
There’s another I must share with you lol,
there’s something about writing and the way words are written on paper. Can’t
get enough, it’s just the way letters look and read on paper that is
interesting to me. Do you share the same or something similar?
( It’s ok if
not! Lol ).
I miss traditional correspondence a great
deal. Corresponding through snail mail
is so much more personal than email. I
miss the days when I received a hand-written letter. The way an individual writes, their penmanship,
handwriting tells a lot about them. I’ve
kept all the letters my brother Jason wrote to me while he was in the
Navy. Even cards and letters I received
from my grandparents. An email can be
copied and pasted, it can be backed up and saved forever, sure, but the
way someone writes, their handwriting is irreplaceable. I kept a letter that my now fiancé wrote to
me 12 years ago while he was in boot camp. He was amazed that I had kept it all this time but I didn’t have the
heart to let it go.
I must admit the same. Computers have taken over everything to the point where a basic form of communication such as letter writing has disappeared. I've saved written documents in my memory boxes. Looking back on the years when they were written tells a story in itself because it was before we got carried away with the easy access of texting and emails. Someone's handwriting does give a personal meaning because we all have unique ways of doing it. You feel as though the person is right there with you or you're connecting with them personally -almost spiritually.
Handwritten correspondence is a lost art
form. Correspondence has evolved into a
cursory message that takes seconds to send and receive. Although the convenience is irrefutable, I
think a lot of the soul is lost because of it.
Individuals have resorted to texting as opposed to conversing, basking
in the convenience as opposed to depth.
Funny thing, I was perusing Kickstarter
trying to find ideas for presents for my kids and to help support fellow
artists. A number of the gifts for donations for some of the projects included
a hand-written letter of thanks. It
actually made me a bit sad. A thank you
note is quite a treasured gift, but these days some would overlook it as though
the individual is being cheap. My father
raised me with manners and encouraged me to write thank-you notes and show
appreciation. Sadly though, there are a
lot of people who overlook these lost traditions and neglect to show that
appreciation. Either that or they
believe the convenience of a Facebook post or email is sufficient enough.
 |
| Jonathan Swift |
An author friend of mine, S. A. Mantell
sent me a hand-written letter not too long ago.
I was both amazed and surprised by her thoughtfulness. She is a beautifully rare soul, that
one.
Value
in the little things really matter in the end. What the world or
society deems as "important" varies from person to person drastically. I
don't know if we see where we're going honestly...
It just feels like humanity is drifting a part and before we know androids and robots will be speaking and acting for us. That's scary...with animals we know to go extinct we may eventually be following that trend as one of those animals. Or to go deep with this thought, become a lesser species, and another animal evolves and develops traits that we possess, resulting in domination over us. Anything is possible.
During Halloween last year I recall us
talking about your first novel being published and released on the exact day.
That idea fascinated me but did it work out for you?
If so, how well do you think it turned out?
I can't help but laugh a little. As hard as I tried, I couldn't get the edits finished in time for that particular date. At the time I was working on editing a manuscript for one of my clients. As far as I was concerned, her manuscript took precedence over mine. After I sent the manuscript back to her with the final edits, I took the opportunity (and the week-long break from classes and bouts of sickness) to edit my novel and make it fit for publication. I finally managed to get it up and out on November 20th, nearly a month after my expected deadline. I'm rather proud of how it turned out after I made the necessary changes.
You mentioned your next collection of
poetry will have a philosophical meaning...
Are there any philosophers you admire and
read their work? What do you like about these particular philosophers?
Although I do admire the works of familiar
philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates; Henry David Thoreau is
one I admire the most. He focused more
on natural observation and incorporated personal experience into his work. Tolstoy is also an influence, but his work is
far beyond depressing. There are many
 |
| Henry David Thoreau |
others who are considered ‘writers’ as opposed to ‘philosophers’. Voltaire’s Candide, is based on his political
philosophy and I found peculiar. It is
considered a satire, or comedy but I found that the underlying message and
presentation dark but bore universal truths within it. Jonathan Swift’s work is also a great
influence.
Most authors on some level display an
amount of philosophy within their work. Whether it is universally depicted within the characters, plot,
semantics, symbolism, or metaphor; the philosophies of the author shine through
at least to some degree. I gravitate
toward works that were at one point, controversial. I admire the strength and courage some
classic authors and poets had for peeling away the skin of truth and baring the
bold raw actuality of a topic, despite the collective reader’s opposition. It is amazing how at one point these
philosophers and authors were at one point, ridiculed for what they wrote. As the years progressed and more individuals
were educated, their work went on to be admired because they were brave enough
to recognize and acknowledge truth, instead hiding behind ignorance.
Yes, their work teaches us how to believe in our own paths in life and to follow them no matter what. It may not be recognized at first but eventually others will see the greatness. It's not all the time that great people are seen but in step with their achievements they become iconic.
Just by us talking about your poetry led
into another interesting fact, you're also an Artist with an interest in
graphic art & painting. That too I have under my belt as well so we're
coming from the same place. What type of painting and G.A. have you set your
focus on?
I found a love of oil painting years
ago. As I said before, my grandfather
was an artist. When my father was
moving, he collected all of my grandfather’s paints and supplies and passed
them on to me. I have his easel, his
drafting table, along with oil paints and brushes he used back in the late 60’s
to early 70’s. I prefer to paint scenery
pictures because I haven’t quite mastered portraits quite yet. I’m currently working on a mixed media
piece. I’m incorporating one of my poems
with steampunk embellishments. Hopefully
I’ll have time this winter to complete it. I haven’t decided whether or not I will put it up for sale.
As for graphic art, again, I prefer natural
scenes. Decades Review just recently
accepted one of my pieces for publication in their January issue.
I'm a major foodie and noticed you have a
love for canning and preserving. Name some of the things you love to preserve
and/or a master at doing?
I learned how to can jelly when I was a
kid. Admittedly, this is one of the
fondest memories I have of my mom. During
berry season on the weekends, from the early morning until well past dark, we
would pick berries until our hands turned purple. We
 |
| Thimbleberries |
would then go home with our bounty, rinse
the berries and either refrigerate them until the morning, or freeze them until
we had enough for a batch. After I
bought my first home, I continued the tradition and mastered the fine art of making
Thimbleberry jam. This particular jam at
stores around here cost about $15.00 for a half pint jar.
This past year I finally invested in a
pressure cooker because I wanted to start preserving meats and soups. Sometimes through the hustle and bustle of
life, I don’t have the time to cook a nice homemade dinner. Instead, I thought I would make them ahead
of time, can it, and cut out time spent in the kitchen on a busy day. I started looking up recipes on Pinterest and
found a number of recipes I have fallen in love with. Spicy hot watermelon pickles are probably my
favorite so far. I could eat those on
anything. I’ve also made my daughter’s
favorite, tomato soup. I’ve also tried
my hand at making corned beef hash. This
little Irish girl loves her corned beef hash but I’m not a fan of the price of
each can at the store. It turned out a
lot better than store bought, that’s for sure.
For Thanksgiving, I bought a 23-pound
turkey. Since the flavor of the turkey
gets a little gross if frozen for a while, I decided that I’d can the leftovers
for future use. It preserves the flavor
more and tenderizes the meat so if I end up botching the turkey, at least the
leftovers will be tender lol.
What are some meals or deserts you love to
make?
My fiancé is a fan of my home made
brownies. I’m also known for my epic
no-bake cookies and sour cream blueberry muffins.
When I was growing up, my brothers had
fought over the title of who made the best apple pie. For the longest time my brother Jerrid was
the reigning victor. That is, until I
brought my walnut streusel apple pie to Thanksgiving dinner a few years
back. I created my own apple pie spice,
which gives it a unique flavor and thus I won the title. I don’t think either of my brothers bothered
waiting until after dinner to delve into it either. They walked around with fork in hand and ate
it straight from the tin and almost drew blood over the last piece.
Boasting rights for you Ms. Baker!
We’re living in superwoman times literally
with all the roles women juggle in their lives while still maintaining a sense
of self. You have your hands full as a mommy and wife. Where do you find time
to make it possible to do the work you love and how are you able to manage the
demands of keeping up with it?
I’ve been asked this a lot. “How do you do what you do? Where do you find the time?” Most of the time, sadly, I forego sleep in
order to get a lot done. It’s kicked me
right square in the behind on more than one occasion. My kids are gone every weekend to visit their
dad, so while they are gone, I delve into my responsibilities as much as I
can. My fiancé will sit next to me while
I’m working and we’ll cuddle while I work. When I appear frazzled or overly stressed, he’ll force me to take a
break to play Skyrim and unwind. Most of
the time I get so engrossed in my responsibilities that I often forget to take
time for myself.
My fiancé has been endlessly supportive of
everything I do.
Even though writing is your passion and may
consume much of your thought space what activities do you like to dive into
when you’re not writing?
My fiancé got me into pistol
competitions. The first one I
participated in I won third in the women’s division. I would have won first had I used a .22, but
I opted to use his 1911 instead.
Aside from that, I also play video
games. I’m an RPG geek (role playing
game). Skyrim has had my attention for
the past year, but I only play it when my fiancé suggests that I play. Again, I need to be reminded to take a
breather. I also like going on
adventures with my kids, hiking, baking, art. I also try to volunteer at their school as often as I can. For Christmas I bought myself a program so I
can start creating spoken word poetry tracks. I figured that could be something fun to do as well while I’m all snowed
in.
Most of my time spent not writing, I’m
editing manuscripts for clients. I
started Writerz Block editing services around the same time I accepted the
position of Marketing Director at Miracle E-zine. I found that I love editing as much as I love
writing. I also love to teach, so as a
different approach to standard editing firms, I offer classes tailored to the
specific individual and their needs. When I edit a manuscript, I also note what I changed and why, allowing
the author to either accept the changes or modify as they see fit. As a writer myself, I know the difficulties
of the editing process.
That's very helpful and beneficial to give back to your peers & give knowledge to others. I'm sure you find complete fulfillment in giving back using your skills!
What work did you do before now? Did it
lend itself as an opportunity to advance you to do what you’re doing now?
I worked as a freelance writer and editor
at a few sites. I used to write articles
for www.mycollegepal.com and
then progressed to ESL editing for a content writing firm in Pakistan. Before that, I worked as a waitress. I loved that job too as I have an inherent
desire to feed people.
ha! ha! right. Love that.
If you simply had to make a living with an
alternative profession what other skills do you possess that could make it a
simple transition? If you know what other jobs you would be good at share
please!
I was an amazing waitress and I used to
deal blackjack at a local casino. I
would continue working with ESL writers or tutor as I have in the past. Until I earn my BA, there are unfortunately
not many jobs in this area that I would be qualified for. I have been contemplating the potential of
working at a university after I receive my degree and go on to earn my
Masters. When I first started college, I
was aiming toward a degree in elementary
education. After I transferred to Northern Michigan
University, I changed my major to Art & Design and English. When I got pregnant in 2006, I had to quit
college due to the fact that the classes I was taking at the time were studio
classes and I would be around chemicals that could have potentially harmed my
daughter. I started attending again in
2011 at the University of Phoenix online, this time for English and
Communications. I will be earning my
degree in June 2014 and shortly after I’ll be working toward my Masters.
Do you see yourself finishing your Art & Design courses at the same university?
From experience being a writer can at times
be lonely with one’s own thoughts but it’s captivating because the mind is very
active and it’s about expressing through an introspective form, maybe even
outward. Can you explain what it’s like for you?
Sometimes I miss waitressing, conversing
with the customers, and making them laugh. I loved making people smile. It’s
not too bad with my fiancé around, he’s even started his own yarns and we take
a break at times to talk about our work, what we’re doing, where we’re going
with it, and our plans to finish. There
are times though, when it gets really lonely. The kids would either be at school or at their dad’s, my fiancé would be
either at work or drill for his weekend with the National Guard and I’d be
alone. Admittedly, Facebook is pretty
much my only social life, so although it may appear that I’m online constantly;
I usually just have it running in the background. I’ll pop on for a minute or two while I
either write papers for class, edit a manuscript for a client, write, or market
for the magazine.
I’m always thinking about something; even
while I’m driving I’ll be contemplating a new idea or something someone said. Sometimes I dwell upon topics that occasionally
hinder or enlighten me. Mostly though,
it’s an inner reflection and the best way I can express difficult emotions or
circumstances.
I know all about it lol. Somehow my best ideas and creative flow floats into my mind when I'm washing dishes. Anytime we allow our minds to wander is when the greatest ideas come to us! Balancing them with reality helps with keeping them from becoming a burden.
How do you keep yourself motivated when
ideas are not coming so clearly, regularly, and you experience writer’s block?
I just keep on writing. Even if what I’m writing seems nonsensical or
disjointed trains of thought. The
important part is just writing and continuing to write. If I feel stumped with one story line, I will
begin another. I have poems that are
half-finished, simple phrases that come to mind that I plan on developing later
that I still haven’t gotten around to because of that loss of
‘inspiration’. Then there are times when
I just sit back and enjoy the works of others; I read. Sometimes the news inspires a write. I have one poem that I wrote that was
inspired by an article I read a while back on Huffpost. It was about this mother who ran across a
dieting journal her six-year-old daughter wrote. The mother was concerned that her daughter
was exhibiting signs of a potential eating disorder. Then I remembered when I used to do that. I used to catalogue everything that ever
passed my lips. I wrote a very lengthy
poem about my struggles with my body and image, my battle with anorexia when I
was in my early twenties, along with the massive changes my body underwent once
I got pregnant.
It is very brave to share your personal struggles and express it through your art form- writing. Anyone who reads our time togther will know they are not alone with whatever they are suffering with.
Huffpost is one of my favorites for news/education and it definitely gives individuals thought-worthy content to share their thoughts on.
Inspiration can be found anywhere and has
the potential to be write-worthy. Just
because a piece of writing isn’t meant for publication or you have no intent of
having it published, doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t be written. A love of the art of writing is far more
important than monetary gains. You can
tell when a writer is writing for the sole purpose of making money as opposed
to the writer who does it because they love it. Much like any other 9-5 job, you can tell the difference between a
worker who is there solely for a paycheck and the worker who does it and is
glad to be there.
What has been the biggest compliment or
critique you’ve received from followers and/or critics?
Truthfully? When I gave the raw manuscript of Faces In Still Waters to author David
W. Moore III to review and tell me what he thought, I was more nervous than I
had ever been in my life. The rejection
letters I had received in the past had nothing upon
the anxiety I felt as he
read it and I waited for his input. I
have always been confident in my skills as a poet, but when it comes to novels,
I was terrified. Did I suck? Should I be doing this? Is it stupid? So many questions and negativity ran through my head until I got his
call that he was finished. “It has good
bones” he said, and then proceed to tell me where I could improve the
novel.
“Do I suck?” I asked, hesitantly.
“No, you don’t suck.” he responded. This coming from the author of “The Shroud”
and two other captivating books of poetry. I would have to say that was the
biggest complement I had ever received.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for him, my book
would probably still remain buried within a folder on my desktop collecting
dust bunny pets.
Just like the saying goes, You never know until you try ;) right.
Has it been fairly easy to develop a
following or do you still consider it still growing?
I have a lot of people following my poetry
but I will admit that my following is still growing when it comes to my
fictional pieces. Reviews are an
integral part of marketing and a lot of indie authors rely on them to procure
more readers. If a book has no reviews,
the reader doesn’t have a way to gauge whether or not a book is worthy enough
to purchase.
I really cannot wait to receive my first
review. Some authors take serious
offense to a less-than-perfect review. I
know that not everyone is going to love my book because every reader is
different in their likes and dislikes. Books are like an all-you-can-eat
buffet. There are some dishes you will
always love, some you are willing to try, and then there are some that taste
like roadkill. But to others the
roadkill could be perceived as a delicacy that is savored; it’s entirely
dependent upon the individual’s tastes. If I end up with a negative review, I should expect the reviewer to
explain why so that I can improve future novels. Every experience, even negative experiences,
should be taken as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Totally agree! I'm wondering though will you be able to personally handle reviewers/critiques that are left without a reason?
This is why I love my education in
communications so much. If someone were to leave a critique without
reason, whether negative or positive, I’ll just take it at face value. A
lot of the sites that include book reviews such as Amazon have rating system
that a lot of people misinterpret. If I were to receive a one star
review, my feelings would be hurt, sure. Everyone is entitled to their
own opinion, though. I’m well aware that not everyone is going to enjoy
reading my book for one reason or another. What’s ironic is that I just
recently posted an article about reviews and critiques on my blog. There
are a lot of authors out there who get offended with a four-star review.
This particular article can be found at the following link: http://jvstanleywb.tumblr.com/post/73293795975/five-stars-of-death-the-misconception-of-book-reviews
In what ways do you engage with your
audience and encourage more to be involved?
Sometimes I offer giveaways. I plan on doing so here shortly with an
autographed copy of Faces In Still Waters. I’ve also asked questions about writing ups and downs and shared other
authors that I believe in.
Do you have a lucky habit that you do before
or during writing that means you’re on a “winning streak” or a firestorm of
brainstorms, or helps you to stay on track?
Not really, honestly besides staying up all
hours of the night until my vision blurs. I’ll set public goals for myself
via Facebook status updates. This allows
people to know that I’m off in my own little world of creativity and shouldn’t
be bothered. Ironically, though, that’s
when I get more messages and notifications.
First impressions mean everything but they
can also be wrong at times. Have you experienced any situations where you were
not given the benefit of the doubt or there was a misconception about who you
are?
How did you correct the misunderstanding or
turn it around ( if you felt the need to )?
Obviously I would try to apologize for any
miscommunication on my part. I have had
situations where I’ve had personality clashes and often times when that
happens, I tend to apologize and bow out politely. If it’s a friend, we talk it over. With individuals I’m unfamiliar with, I
approach the situation directly and this is where my long-winded tendencies
take hold as I explain the situation. I’ve had to diffuse arguments and hostility due to misunderstandings
between classmates on a number of occasions. Usually, when considering the other individual and their feelings, I can
often times resolve the matter.
What is a day in the life of J.V. STANLEY.
(Finish the rest any way you want)…
“From the moment I wake up in the morning
until the time I go to sleep I ….”
I wake up, get my kids their breakfast and
get them ready for school. My daughter
is in 2nd grade while my son is in the Headstart program, so he leaves a few
hours after my daughter does. As soon as
they’re gone, I begin my day by making some coffee, if I hadn’t already. I then start working on whatever project that
is of utmost importance, either my own writing or editing a manuscript for a
client and marketing for the ‘zine. I’ll
take breaks periodically to clean or socialize on Facebook, retrieve my
children from the bus, and then make dinner. I’ll spend a few hours with them before bed time and then start writing
or working some more. At around eleven
at night, I’ll start homework and work on that until 2 a.m. Sometimes by then, I will collapse into a
heap or I’ll force myself to keep working. On the weekends, I work from the time I wake up until the time I go to
sleep. If I have an appointment or have
scheduled volunteer work for my kids’ school, I will work around that
time. The commute to town is horrendous
though. I live out in the middle of
nowhere; about a good forty-five minute drive from the nearest civilization,
pending weather conditions, of course.
Despite how busy I am, I always block out
time for my family. Every moment I spend
with them is precious to me.
Are there any countries you would like to
visit or have visited?
I’ve been to Toronto, Canada once for my
senior class trip. When I was married to
my ex, we spent our honeymoon in London, England. I would love nothing more than to go back,
but I would opt not to go during the Christmas holiday next time. Very nearly
everything was closed but I still enjoyed my time spent there.
Oh yea overseas they don't play when it comes to their holidays! They understand the meaning of "break-time" even during the year.
I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland and Ireland. I was even contemplating whether or not my
fiancé and I should get married in one of those countries.
What’s your favorite color(s)?
Purple and red.
What is one of your most favorite movies?
I have a number of those. The Saint, Shawshank Redemption, Troy, Star
Wars trilogy (as in 4, 5, and 6 as opposed to the Jar-Jar Binks monstrosity),
Lord of the Rings trilogy, Serenity…there are countless others.
Do you have any unusual talents that you can
share with readers?
I could talk your ear off. Seriously, it will get up and walk away. Does sarcasm count as a talent?
I think it's hilarious that you constitute "unusual" humorously with basic communication overdone lol. Sarcasm is definitely your niche from our conversation. Why not? I mean come on, if it's used creatively how can it not be a "talent".
In all seriousness I can operate an assault
rifle and the care and feeding thereof. I also do voices, as in cartoonish voices. I’ve creeped my friends out with my
impression of Cartman (from South Park) and Gollum. My impression of a chicken is especially
convincing. I had a boss that had me do my chicken impression
whenever I saw her and she’d laugh and have me do it for her friends. I wasn’t sure if I should have been flattered
or embarrassed.
 |
| I was singing Frank Sinatra's duet with Celine Dion..."All The Way " |
I also sing. In Wal-Mart.
At the top of my lungs. I’m
patiently waiting for the day when I end up on ‘The People of Wal-Mart’
website. Christmas is my favorite time
of year because that’s when I really belt ‘em out.
Wow, I'm speechless... lol
What keeps you driven and how do you define
“success”?
I don’t measure success by the dollars
lining my pocket, by the friends I have, the popularity or notoriety I have
attained, or even the awards I’ve won. I
measure success by the level of happiness I have. I measure the success of my life by the
success of my children and their happiness. I also measure small successes like mini victories such as my ability to
help others to achieve their goals overcoming an emotional problem.
What motto or saying guides you through
your hardest or toughest times?
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not
what ships are for.”
― William G.T. Shedd
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting
a hard battle.”
― Plato
I also find myself quoting Dale Carnegie
quite a bit as well.
Has writing changed anything about you?
It has allowed me insight into my own
life. Sometimes as I write, I recognize
aspects about me that wouldn’t have come to the forefront of my mind had I not
sat down and written about it. It allows
me to determine what emotion I am feeling, or what an underlying problem that
needs resolving. It has also helped me
understand a little better the motivations of others. I’ve found that I pay closer attention to the
people around me and am more attuned to their feelings and mannerisms. This inevitably leads me toward an
understanding of their intentions.
Personally what do you take away from doing
what you love to do that is significant to you Ms. Stanley?
I would have to say I take away a greater
understanding of myself as well as the people around me. Situations, conversations; sometimes we need
to stop and really listen instead of just maintaining our sense of
hearing.
With the power you have what do you aspire
to change for the better ( about anything in life )?
I wanted people to read my writing and gain
insight, perhaps into themselves or others. I want people to stop and really think about how my writing relates to
them in life. I suppose I’ve studied
enough literature to recognize and relate to some of the works by authors,
while the average reader delves into a piece of work not just to learn, but to
be entertained. I desire to share my
knowledge, insight, and understanding within my work. If my writing influences or inspires just one
person, I would be content in that.
If you can meet anyone in the world who is
presently alive who would it be and why?
Authors: I would love to meet my author
friends in person, notably Victoria Selene Skye Deme. She and I would have a blast.
 |
| Victoria Selene Skye Deme |
As for mainstream authors, I’d love to meet
Anne Lamott, Barry Eisler, and Stephen King.
 |
| L to R: Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper, & Barry Eisler |
If I could meet an actor, it would be Kate
Winslet, Gary Oldman, and the cast of Firefly, including Joss Whedon so I can
beg them to make a sequel to Serenity. I’m a Whovian, so I’d also love to meet David Tennant, Matt Smith, and
Christopher Eccleston (he was an amazing Doctor). Billie Piper, too; I just love Rose!
Lastly how can readers keep up with the
Latest & Greatest?
I can be found on my Facebook pages as well
as my websites
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