“Vernon J. Davis Jr. has been writing poetry since the early seventies. He was first inspired by Langston Hughes's poem "Impasse", which started his journey and adventure into the world of poetry and the spoken word.Vernon's very first published poem,"Beautiful Black Woman"(the basis for his poetry book) came out in 1978 in a magazine called Black Forum. More poetry followed in other magazines like SoulWord and Dawn, a magazine supplement to the Los Angeles Sentinel, an African-American newspaper.Mr. Davis has also taught Creative Writing and recited his poetry in talent shows, Church gatherings and open-mike forums. He is still inspired by and in awe of Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou. His Idols.His creative collection of Love poems,"Love,is, the Beautiful Black Woman" is his 1st book. Vernon's 2nd book of poetry--"The Emosewa Woman"--was released Feb. 14th, 2010. He is currently working on his 3rd Book of Poetry, Tenatively Titled, "Her, She, Woman"(Her, She--Hershey(Chocolate) Woman).”
HH: When did you initially decide to pursue your passion full time ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: I actually decided to pursue my passion full time January of 2012. My first book “Love, is, the beautiful black woman” of course was published in 2005. However I’ve recently been put in the position to promote my books full time.
HH: What do you think the world will gain from your work ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: I can only speak on what I’ve heard personally from my fans. I’ve been told my poetry is inspirational, motivational, and spiritual. That is all I could hope for.
HH: How do you get inspired as an artist ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Of course a lot of my inspiration stems from women. I started writing my first book in 1980. At the time I lived in Compton, California I could not help but notice how beautiful the women were. Over the years I have come across many beautiful women, and I’m not just referring to beautiful in a physical sense either. I would have to say I receive inspiration from them all.
HH: So far what has been your hardest obstacle to overcome ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Contrary to what most believe getting your book published is only half the battle in becoming a successful author. Traditionally it was the publisher's responsibility to promote the book, but it was harder to get published. Now it’s easier to get published, however you have to do all your own promoting. Up until recently I’ve had a full time job outside of promoting my books. So initially it was very difficult to balance the two.
HH: How does it feel to see what you envisioned becoming a reality ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: It is empowering, I’m truly blessed to be where I am currently in life. I have been writing poetry for over 30 years now, and I must say there is nothing better than getting paid, to do what you love doing.
HH: What are some of the most common misconceptions you encounter as an artist?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Ha, well one can only imagine the criticism I’ve received for naming my first book “Love, is, the beautiful black woman”. I am not a racist, all women are beautiful. We all have gifts as individual beings, I just wanted to give the black woman recognition. Simply because I feel like it is something that is lacking in this day and age.
HH: Where can we find your work ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: My work can be found on
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-is-the-beautiful-black-woman-vernon-j-davis/1014733154http://www.amazon.com/The-Emosewa-Woman-Vernon-Davis/dp/0557263336http://www.loveisthebeautifulblackwoman.com/ http://www.theemosewawoman.com/
Vernon J Davis Jr: I actually decided to pursue my passion full time January of 2012. My first book “Love, is, the beautiful black woman” of course was published in 2005. However I’ve recently been put in the position to promote my books full time.
HH: What do you think the world will gain from your work ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: I can only speak on what I’ve heard personally from my fans. I’ve been told my poetry is inspirational, motivational, and spiritual. That is all I could hope for.
HH: How do you get inspired as an artist ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Of course a lot of my inspiration stems from women. I started writing my first book in 1980. At the time I lived in Compton, California I could not help but notice how beautiful the women were. Over the years I have come across many beautiful women, and I’m not just referring to beautiful in a physical sense either. I would have to say I receive inspiration from them all.
HH: So far what has been your hardest obstacle to overcome ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Contrary to what most believe getting your book published is only half the battle in becoming a successful author. Traditionally it was the publisher's responsibility to promote the book, but it was harder to get published. Now it’s easier to get published, however you have to do all your own promoting. Up until recently I’ve had a full time job outside of promoting my books. So initially it was very difficult to balance the two.
HH: How does it feel to see what you envisioned becoming a reality ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: It is empowering, I’m truly blessed to be where I am currently in life. I have been writing poetry for over 30 years now, and I must say there is nothing better than getting paid, to do what you love doing.
HH: What are some of the most common misconceptions you encounter as an artist?
Vernon J Davis Jr: Ha, well one can only imagine the criticism I’ve received for naming my first book “Love, is, the beautiful black woman”. I am not a racist, all women are beautiful. We all have gifts as individual beings, I just wanted to give the black woman recognition. Simply because I feel like it is something that is lacking in this day and age.
HH: Where can we find your work ?
Vernon J Davis Jr: My work can be found on
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-is-the-beautiful-black-woman-vernon-j-davis/1014733154http://www.amazon.com/The-Emosewa-Woman-Vernon-Davis/dp/0557263336http://www.loveisthebeautifulblackwoman.com/ http://www.theemosewawoman.com/
