Today we’d like to introduce you to Elijah Taylor.
Hi Elijah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started writing poetry during the Fall of 2018. During this time period, I was extremely depressed, and poetry became my coping mechanism. Four days after a breakup, I wrote a poem entitled “Love.’’ I always felt that sensitivity was my downfall, but inevitably it began my healing process. Within a few minutes after posting the poem, “Love” on Snapchat, a few people screenshotted and commented on the poem. I thought to myself, I must continue to create art that relates to people. As the months passed, I continued writing more poems. During the Spring of 2019, I composed, “A Bottle for My Emotions.” “A Bottle for My Emotions,” entails the story of being a man in society and not being able to express your emotions. “I feel as though if not for poetry, the emotions would have seized my happiness, and I believe by far that this poem is the most powerful.”
In the Spring of 2020, “A Bottle for My Emotions” was published by the Beacon at Sam Houston State University. I then began to realize that I needed to take my poetry to the next level. However, I despised speaking in large crowds of people. With practice and positive words of reassurance, I mustered the courage to begin Spoken Word. In the Summer of 2019, I performed, “A Bottle for My Emotions” at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. I then took the next step forward and joined an organization at Sam Houston State University called “Music Nation,” which allowed me to showcase my talent. In the Fall of 2019, I performed “I Am More Than,’’ the poem takes a stand for self-love and self-worth. As time passed, a few people began to inquire about the creation of a book. Although I did not think of making a book at the time, I soon began to think of the idea. God then gave me a vision that I was able to capture. The COVID 19 pandemic was the perfect catalyst for motivation. “As Life Happens,’’ was the perfect title to depict the unpredictable circumstances of life.
In the month of April, I wrote 20 poems, which were different from my typical 1 to 2 poems per month. Choosing my book cover was difficult at first until I imagined the perfect cover. The falling dominos perfectly helped to portray the consistent changes in life. On August 19, I released my first poetry book entitled, As Life Happens. Some of the themes included in As Life Happens are transition, manhood, love, anxiety, self-love, self-worth, and spirituality. As Life Happens, is now available on Amazon, Books A Million, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble for $11. I am currently working towards placement into local book retailers. In addition, I have created a poetry website for people who enjoy poetry or are new to poetry. I would like to give thanks to the man above. I also would like to thank everyone, that has supported my dream and vision. This would not be possible without your support. I hope that everyone enjoys reading, As Life Happens.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been rather difficult to find traction with poetry, as the audience tends to be limited. Also, many people are not accustomed to poetry or dislike the transparent nature of poetry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write poetry for those who struggle to express their emotions. I specialize in sensitivity and transparency that leave the audience speechless. I am most proud of following the path that God created for me. I feel as though my conscience and vision set me apart from the pack.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I would like to see my work globalized, and impacting the lives of others.
Pricing:
- $11.00 (Amazon)
- $11.00 (Books A Million)
- $11.00 (Barnes & Noble)
- $11.00 (Walmart)
Contact Info:
- Email: elitaylor21@gmail.com
- Website: As-Life-Happens.com
- Instagram: JazzyET__
- Facebook: Elijah Taylor
- Twitter: JazzyE_
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/bS3jS_WZTHQ (Elijah Taylor Q&A)
Image Credits
Photographer: Damonte Anderson
