Demond Alverez is a creative writer, traveler, blogger, motivational speaker. His website is Demond129.wix.com/the-poet. He also has a blog called Soul Sisters spot lighting African American women that is doing remarkable things and giving back in the community. His goal is to network with creative minded individuals and broaden his horizons as a writer, an entrepreneur, and a world traveler.

1) When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

It started with reading and hanging out in the library when I was really young and watching a lot of cartoons. I have been writing since the late 90’s, I have always had an amazing creative imagination. I always had a love and a passion for writing since i was younger. Since I started first writing poetry which helps me to be a more well-rounded writer. Since the art of poetry is do deep and very in depth. I grew up very introverted so writing in a sense gave me a voice in the beginning. So writing in a sense has been my saving grace, and I also suffer with depression and writing helps to motivate me and it keeps my creative juices flowing.

For me writing is almost like acting, you can become anyone or anything when telling a story. It’s the joy of inspiring and intriguing the creative mind and capturing the imagination of the audience. This is very much something I love to do. It just comes natural like waking up in the morning it just fits like a glove.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? What projects are you currently working on?

My first book was entitled Soul of A Man, poetry for the mind body and soul. I called this first book my mix tape. It was an introduction into my talent level and writing style and love I have for writing. My second book was entitled Lyrical Soul, lyrical quotes for her mind body and soul. It’s a short book of quotes of quotes and positive affirmations. I also have 2 coauthored children’s series, one with Ms. Tristan Jackson entitled the adventures of Bunny Detective. He is the world’s smartest bunny detective, helping kids solve their problems. I also have a children’s book called Chance your Begging For trouble, the first book in that series is about bullying which I feel is something that really needs to be talked about more.

Current projects I am currently working on my first coauthored novel. Entitled Secret Church Wives which I am very excited about. There is also a book entitled I AM 31 positive affirmations journal. I am working on my first comic book also. I just finished over the weekend my first Solo hosted event. Entitled Building our Wakanda it was a round table discussion about coming over coming barriers in the African American community and working and building our community together.

3) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

My most significant achievement as a writer, would have to be seeing my goals and dreams come to life. Having my writing boldly taking me into brave new horizon’s. Being featured on Television and magazines and podcasts it has been an amazing journey so far. The best is yet to come. Now having my own platform putting together my own shows is an amazing thing to behold in one’s journey.  

I have dealt with rejection I mean everyone has an opinion what you do is not going to resonate with everyone. I take it with a grain of salt, and I take it all in stride. My main purpose is just reach to right audience with my writing.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I do have a schedule when I want to write as far as completing a book or a certain project. To keep it all stream lined and to keep myself on a timeline.

I do outline my novels as far as timelines and character development. It helps the story and the books come together more fluently.

It normally takes me 5 months to finish one book it normally depends on what I am writing, I am normally working on more than one thing at a time multitasking is key, especially with a creative mind, new ideas are always developing.

5) Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Definitely traveling the world giving back more and preparing the next generation of writers and entrepreneurs. I see myself with my own entertainment company doing movies and plays. Doing different ventures across multiple entrepreneurial endeavor’s. Definitely giving back to the community having mentor ships to those who are less fortunate. Traveling the world exploring and growing as an artist and learning. It’s never too late to learn something new in this thing we call life because it is a journey.

6) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I believe that things happen in their own divine timing. So, it’s never too late for one’s dreams to come true. I believe in a society where it has to happen when your young. Although in life with age comes wisdom, and knowledge and understanding.

7) What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? What’s the first book you read that made you know that you could do this for a career? What book are you currently reading?

Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was the first book that really touched me. The first book I’ve read that made me know that I could do this for a career, I was always drawn to Edgar Allen Poe’s work as a writer so anything by him I believe it was the “Tell Tale heart. I am currently reading “The Third Eye” by Sofia Stewart.

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you ever just sit down and curl up with your own book?

I may take a look at what I have written saying that I am my biggest critique and my biggest fan all rolled up into one. I mean one has to be their biggest fan and believe in themselves in the beginning, this is how you get other people to believe in you as well.  

9) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing? Are you more of an e-book person or a traditional book person?

I think your writing can take you places that one may have never dreamed of. Now you see more people writing books than ever before. I think this is due to social media and people don’t necessarily need these big publishers any more like they use to. Now with the advent of technology it’s a whole lot easier to get one’s voice heard.  Are you more of an e-book person or a traditional book person? I like tradition but you have to be able to keep up with the times.

10) I feel like so many of us writers, us artists in general, are made to conform to other people’s idea of what we should be. I think we creative types should be unafraid to be whoever it is that we feel we have the right to be. So what is your write 2 be? What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?

I write from the soul and I connect with the God in me and with my ancestors and with that it gets no deeper with my writing.

In general, my main purpose for writing was to share my talents with the world. Along ones journey it will mold and shape you in ways you could have never thought imaginable. I just want to say when it’s all said and done that I did my part to spark the imagination of creativity and of love in the minds of the people of the world.