JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Carlos Harleaux, author of Blurred Vision
(Peauxetic Expressions)
Blurred Vision is an original collection of poetry compiled from the last eight years of writing. The subject matter ranges from relationships, suicide, domestic violence, and spirituality.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Blurred Vision?
Carlos Harleaux: I was initially inspired by anger about something I was going through in a relationship. I realized poetry was a great way for me to get my feelings out on paper.
It’s very therapeutic, and many of us are going through the same situations. Why not help someone else out along the way? As far as each poem in the book, I get inspired from personal experiences, songs, conversations with friends, you name it.
JP: What sets Blurred Vision apart from other books in the same genre?
CH: There aren’t many poetry books out there period. I feel Blurred Vision is in a class of its own because there isn’t a strong young male representation in this genre, as far as published books are concerned.
My ultimate goal with this book is for people to be able to relate to the content and improve their lives based on it. It’s not so deep that you can’t understand and apply it to your own life or someone you know.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Blurred Vision getting out to the public?
CH: Since I’m self published, there’s a lot of work to be done on the promotional end. When you can be your own boss, it’s so much easier to convey your vision to the masses and still have creative control.
My family and friend networks have also been extremely supportive. Plus, I use Twitter, Facebook, and now JoeyPinkney.com!
What has helped me complete my book is you have to put in the time and dedication, be persistent, and surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable to your dreams.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Blurred Vision?
CH: My writing process is actually very simple. I just write about what inspires me at that time, which could be various things. I always try to keep a pen and pad around because I have ideas for poems on the spur of the moment.
Writing the poetry was actually the easier part. From start to finish, it took me about four months total to complete Blurred Vision.
JP: What’s next for Carlos Harleaux?
CH: I have over 300 poems, some of which will be featured in my second and third books. I just pick the best ones that fit the concept and title that I’m going with for each book.
I already have the titles for my next two books, which I’m excited about. I plan on releasing my second book in the first quarter of 2013. For now, I’m working on heavily promoting Blurred Vision. My next steps are to have it available on Amazon and in Kindle format by the end of the year.
http://www.peauxeticexpressions.com/
facebook: Search Peauxetic Expressions
Peauxetic.Expressions@gmail.com
Thanks to Joey Pinkney for this great opportunity!
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I am so proud of Carlos! Proud of his accomplishments, his successful book and the positive feedback from the readers! Many of those that have the book are saying how much they enjoy it…how they can relate to many of the poems in the book, while they consistently express their amazement at the depth by which the poetry is written! His God-given talent continues to wow the many fans of Blurred Vision!
Thank you, Ms. Swisher. I appreciate your comment. You are right, Carlos hard work shows in this collection of poetry and this interview.
Wow! I want to echo Momma’s sentiment and say that I, too, am very proud to be able to call Carlos Harleaux my brother. His drive to go after his dream to write and put in the work to self publish is nothing short of amazing and inspirational. Some people go an entire lifetime and dream of being a published author and never see that dream realized, but Carlos is different… I know that the Lord has so much in store for Carlos and so much for him to accomplish and to share with others. I can’t wait to witness the next installments.
He did a great job. I look forward to working with him in the future.