Today we talk about Silent Ebony, a book by Jesse Yaw published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Jesse Yaw to get to know him better, when and why he decided to write his book Silent Ebony, as well what he would like to hear from his readers
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- When and why did you decide to write your book of poems?
I started to write Poetry from the age of 9 years old and started to compose poetry from the age of 13. So, my poetry collection Silent Ebony, is an amalgamation of years of poetic writing and musings. For me poetry has always been an instrument or a gateway to allow my mind to interpret the complex realities of human nature, whether that be through the images I create through my words, acting as a metaphoric mechanism through which one can truly unravel and dissect the power of human experiences, manifesting itself on occasion as trauma, love, rejection, pain, happiness, not just on a person, or an individual, or on a family level, but across generations. Particularly as I explore pathologies. The pursuit of understanding our human mind, human nature, spirituality, and experiences through exploring different narratives and hearing stories of dilemmas, victory, happiness through friends, families, strangers, personal experiences, and observing political relations of states, and personal relations of individuals, created many questions in my head growing up. Poetry allowed me to artistically answer or capture these key impacts and complexities of life, which has manifested itself in a collection of powerful and sacred poetry, Silent Ebony which I present to the world and my readers.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
I would like readers to connect emotionally and spiritually with my body of work, and for it to allow them to explore a plethora of emotions and feelings, to unlock traumas and any yokes around their necks, and to meaningfully engage with different alternative perspectives. To challenge their own discourse and realities, and to reflect on themselves, perhaps life experiences, for instance; heartbreak, overcoming rejection, violation that readers may have endured, in the discovery of what it meant for their growth as individuals. I call on readers to connect and identify with me as students of life. I explore racial injustice, and hope that I provide a platform to voice current political issues such as black political identity, the violation of black female pathology, and the struggle for freedom and racial equality.
- How did your passion for Writing started?
I had a passion for reading and writing as a child, and enjoyed my English literature and History classes I was exposed to great schoolteachers who loved poetry also, like Mr Smith, Ms Stacy and Ms Hainsworth, and of course reading the Bible, allowed me to take meaning from our human journey of life. I began writing quite early on in life, writing has mainly been my outlet, a paintbrush on my canvass, and a safe space for my feelings and the exploration of different emotions, sometimes I use personification to draw this out. I started to compose poetry around 13 years old. The poetry collection, Silent Ebony serves as a sacred text, which provides healing, community, and an outpouring for the pure and unashamed voices of those who are marginalized, and those who seek rejuvenation.
- How was your publishing experience?
Great, the process is quite extensive and can take a bit of time; however, I appreciate the way how the publishers can move quickly from concept to end product.
- Are you planning to write more books you can tell us about?
Yes, I am writing a new piece that will explore the journey of the life of a wonderful and powerful woman, who journeys from her homeland in Africa to start a new life, in the western world, I explore the challenges that come with adapting to a new culture, poverty, a difficult relationship, children and no support, and highlight her magnificent journey in overcoming all odds and adversities placed against her, under the stewardship of the holy father. Pertinent themes around historical, political, psychological issues, particularly in relation to pain, African and Western culture, insecurities and stereotypes will be tactfully explored. I acknowledge that the re-education of the mind is central to the true emancipation of African descendants, and that poetry is the flute of life that allows humans to see and feel each other free of judgment and pain.
Europe Books thanks the author Jesse Yaw once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Silent Ebony. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, may this book connect you emotionally and spiritually with what is told in the book and that this allows you to get excited, experience feelings and unlock traumas or blocks.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!