SIS by Kelisha Lopez-Shealey is a collection of micro poetry on the lines of women supporting women. Going by the title, this book emphasizes how we women are each other’s sisters and we ought to support each other because of our sisterhood.

In a chat with Bookish Fame, Kelisha Lopez-Shealey has a lot to talk about her book, her writing, and her future plans.

• Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Kelisha Lopez-Shealey – an inspirational poet, author, and designer. I was born and raised in Tampa, FL, and writing poetry is something that found me through my journey of personal growth. Poetry has quickly become a treasure for me and through my words, I am showing the magic of women as we evolve through the many phases of life.

• When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

I have always had the itch to write. In 2018, I started journaling my thoughts and feelings just as a way of working on my personal growth, finding peace, and speaking back to myself. Those journal entries became inspiring poems and quotes for all women.

• What inspires you to write books? What are the things which catch your attention?

I am inspired by my life and the life experiences of all women; we are such magical souls. I am passionate about our power, resilience, struggles, joys and so much more. All the parts of life – good and bad – inspire me. 

• Tell me something in brief about your book?

The poetry of SIS is for every woman. It encompasses the beauty and struggles of women while highlighting their power and strength, as well as their capability for growth and self-love. Sis is powerful, fearless, and vulnerable while transforming into the magic that is her.

• How do you organize yourself, as a writer, to keep track of the world you’re writing about?

I write for the peace it brings me. I keep myself organized by writing every powerful, positive, and sometimes (negative turned into a positive) thought I have down. It may even be an incomplete thought; I write it anyway and piece the feelings together later.

• When you were young, did you ever see writing as a career or a full-time profession?

I never imagined that I would be an author, nor did I consider this was something I wanted to pursue as a career. As I entered early adulthood, I started to feel an interest in telling my life story, but I was not completely comfortable with writing a memoir. However here I am years later, and I have found myself telling my story through poems and quotes. 

• How did you approach the writing process this time around? Do you have a set routine or does it vary? And how do you manage it with your full-time work?

This being my first book ever, I did not have a writing process and I still do not. I write when I feel the need, when that part of me yearns for express when I feel a mood or vibe when I need that release. I do not force anything or force myself into a process. I feel more creative just speaking to myself in my journal as the thoughts arise. 

• Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

For me, my writing is spiritual and therapeutic. I heal when I write, I find peace when I write, and I connect to all of me through writing. 

• What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

It can sometimes be difficult to share pieces of myself through my work, I battle with what feelings and thoughts to share sometimes. 

• How crucial are marketing and promotions when it comes to selling a book?

Marketing and promotions are an especially important part of selling books, especially if you are self-published. Getting your book to your target audience and making those book sells (that we all want), will depend largely on how you market and promote your book.

• Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I love to read, a few of my all-time favorite authors Eric Jerome Dickey, r.h.Sin, Lalah Delia, and Mirtha Michelle Castro Marmol.

• Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers.

I would tell any aspiring author to write from a place of passion and stay true to your artistic style.

• Are we going to hear more from you in the future?

You will absolutely hear more from me in the future. My journal is already capturing new thoughts and feelings for me to share with the world. 

*We wish Author Kelisha Lopez-Shealey all the best for her future endeavors.*

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