velvet received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Angel I. Hawkins.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
velvet, published 4/4/2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
“a collection for the heart that cannot yet articulate the course of its own veins”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A poetry collection for the hopeless romantic, velvet, encapsulates the scope of being in love as it takes the reader on a journey divided into three sections. From the first meeting to true happiness, velvet captures the heart and its beautiful idiosyncrasies.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was in a writing slump for a bit longer than desired. In the span of three years, I birthed my two beautiful children, continued onward with more grad school work, and the everyday duties of my career all took precedence over my writing. Then, one day, inspiration struck out of nowhere. Poetry is not my usual form of writing but when inspiration and creativity strike, you must write!
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
For those who want to read more poetry or those who love romance in all of its forms, this book is for you. I have always enjoyed reading and writing romances and so this book is best for those who simply love a good romance.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The main “character” does not have a name here. Since this is a book of poetry, it follows a young woman going through the motions of a relationship. Many poems take inspiration from my own life though I would not purely designate this autobiographical. It is intended to be what the reader makes of it and hopefully makes it all the more relatable for anyone on their quest or current journey through love.
When did you first decide to become an author?
Ever since I was a young child, I have dreamed of completing and publishing books. My grandmother instilled a love for reading when I was very young which in turn inspired my early writing and need for storytelling.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
velvet is my second book, but first foray into poetry. My first book was the YA novel, The Point.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am an English teacher for high school students. I have also taught on the middle school level but hope the students I have encountered have developed a better appreciation for literature.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie would have to be the creative liberty I have over my work. My cover design, publication date, content and all other decisions are such a treat to be able to influence as I see fit. The hardest part, though, is visibility. With so many wonderful choices out there, it is hard to find readership outside of friends and family.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Write for writing’s sake. Tell the story placed upon your heart, the story that begs to be told. It is a feat to publish and even if one other person reads it, your art is out there. I write to share an experience, hopefully others find it compelling as well but the story is there.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would like to try traditional publishing if the opportunity presented itself. When I self-published my first book, I initially sought traditional publishing but when that didn’t pan out, I discovered the joys of self-publishing. For the creative freedom alone, I will likely continue to self-publish my future works though I would like to experience both routes and have that goal realized at some point in my writing career.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Fame and fortune do not motivate me to write. I do follow my earlier piece of advice in that I just love writing what is on my mind and needs to be told. If nobody outside of my circle reads my work, that is fine but there is something truly rewarding about producing art that almost cannot be placed into words.