Tell me about yourself, how old are you and where are you from?
Antwan: I am just a simple boy who is trying to be heard. My name is Antwan J Thompson, born and raised in Maryland. I have many identities; I am a writer, a dreamer, the lone wolf, creative, the wallflower and the invisible one.
How old were you when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
Antwan: To be honest with you, I don’t remember when I wanted to become a writer. Picking up the pencil/pen and writing on a piece of paper wasn’t the goal to be a writer. The possibility that I could be a “potential” writer didn’t show when I was in school, being forced to write what the teachers wanted me to write was something I hated. If I have to pick something, then I would say the writer in me started to grow when my uncle died. For some reasons I began to write as it was lyrics singing in my mind and I wrote it out and never thought of it again until my teacher read it. And of course she say she loved it but I knew it was a lie because she is the teacher, they are suppose to install “hope” in the student. But I kept writing for my own personal use.
Tell us more about your book! When did you start writing it and why poetry?
Antwan: The book is called Dear Tyler; a self-reflection about me as I reflected on why I am in an abusive relationship. Why did I accept it? I started writing as proof. I documented in my journal, as I wanted proof. I had so many unpleasant thoughts in my head so I wanted to drain the venom out and pour it into the journal and lock it away. I was afraid of what would happen if I snapped, or if the illusion would be gone, I’m ruin. I would rather be in denial then be the loser. It started in September last year; the final crack had broken the illusion, as I could no longer accept the abuse. I walked away from him; from there I was free. I picked poetry because it is my first love and it brought harmony to my souls as I wrote. It was easy but it also was challenging to get in touch with the darkness and have it tamed for limited purpose used. There have been crying, madness, and destruction locked in my head begging to be free. A book came along.
What type of books do you enjoy besides poetry? What are two of your favorites?
Antwan: I enjoy reading comic books and novels. I just finished reading “The Handmaid’s Tale” By Margaret Atwood
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy doing during your free time?
Antwan: I enjoy taking pictures, spending time with friends and going to movies. The one thing I enjoy the most is eating, I enjoy trying different cultures of food.
If you could pick any songs to describe your process while writing this book, what would they be?
Antwan: Now I understand how Sophie (Sophie’s Choice) felt when she had to choose. It would be
Hello- Adele
I will always love you – Whitney Houston
Out of Reach- Gabriela
Too Good at Goodbye- Sam Smith
I’m Not the Only One- Sam Smith
Substitute for Love- Madonna
Do you have any upcoming books in the works?
Antwan: No, well I mean yes. I have begun writing at this moment but I’m not sure if it’s something I want to release in near future. We shall see once everything settles down and I have a chance to regroup. Doing Dear Tyler really exhausted me and I need to recharge!
Do you have any book specials/giveaways or events coming up?
Antwan: No.
Where can readers keep up with you on social media? Post your usernames!
Antwan: Instagram: @antwanjthompson
Check out his book of Poetry called Dear Tyler on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Tyler-Antwan-J-Thompson/dp/198301396X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527706219&sr=8-1&keywords=dear+tyler
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