JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jae L. Pettigrew, author of Through Her Eyes
(INSPIRE Book Group/H.I.P Books)
Through Her Eyes is a hip, urban, sexy, collection of poetry inspired by the life of Chicago native, Jae Pettigrew. Drawing on her experiences in relationships, friendships, loses and self-discovery, this compilation of poems is without a doubt entertaining, soulful and original.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Through Her Eyes?
Jae L. Pettigrew: The idea to write Through Her Eyes came from different people’s views that read the few pieces of poetry that I made public through blogs, events, etc.
They were very persistent in their belief that what I had to say through my writing was book-worthy. I get the inspiration from true life events.
JP: What sets Through Her Eyes apart from other collections of poetry?
JLP: I have never compared myself to other artist nor my book to other books. But what I can say is my writing is honest, to the point and in black and white. I don’t hide behind words. I tell true stories and give the reader a chance to know who I am.
It’s spiritual and sexy; it’s happy and sad. I through my gift try to give people the thoughts, feelings, emotions and situations of a simple young lady that they can perhaps relate to and possibly get something from.
JP: What poets inspired you to take your craft seriously and create Through Her Eyes?
JLP: I actually don’t study poets. Where I’m from, we didn’t have creative writing classes and things of that sort. Poetry was merely a way of releasing my stress and thoughts so I could function another day.
I did nothing to learn it nor did I deserve it, which is how I know my poetry is a gift from God. I started writing, as a child, my feelings and emotions. As I got older, my craft got better.
I’ve always taken my writing seriously I just didn’t consider sharing my world and my thoughts with outsiders until I received the overwhelming supportive response that I had.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Through Her Eyes?
JLP: My writing process: a spiral notebook and a pen it’s the only way I can work. I sit down with those two things. Whatever is pumping in my heart will bleed out onto the paper.
Through Her Eyes came from over fifteen years of writing. I gathered what I thought were some of my better pieces, and I wrote a few new things put them together. Then I presented it to the world.
JP: What’s next for Jae L. Pettigrew?
JLP: I am currently writing my first novel as well as writing some poetry for my Through Her Eyes follow-up book both will be released by or before the summer of 2010.
http://mzjae.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JaeLPettigrew
http://twitter.com/Mz_Jae
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Very interesting. I also write poems and started young. Whatever is on my mind and how I feel is what leaks onto the papers. I am adding this to my list….
Thanks 🙂