Interview with Greatest Poet Alive (G.P.A.)

Greatest Poet Alive (G.P.A.)

Interview Date: 9/20/2012

Biography

G.P.A. is born,raised,and living in Chicago,specifically its Southside.He has written three books of Poetry(The Confessional Heart of a Man, The Book of 24 Orgasms,and The Mind of a Poetic Unsub) and released a cd of Poetry and music entitled The G.P.A. Experience. He has participated in several anthologies of various themes and is on tour promoting his work. Currently, he is the Moth Storytelling Champion


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I started writing in 2007,while i was incarcerated in for tax fraud.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonably powerful.)

If i could have one superpower,it would be to fly,so i wouldn'tt be late for performances.

Kev's response: I was about to say the ability to stop time would be as well, but if you needed to catch a cab to cross town, and they are all stuck in time, it wouldn't work out so well...


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

My favorite superhero from comics and the last three and first two movies is Batman, the Dark Knight.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

I am inspire by life and beautiful women to write Poetry. To be the greatest Poet ever is what motivates me to reinvent myself and keep improving.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I plan poems,but mostly i see a sunrise or sunset,a beautiful woman, wake up,anything,and i start writing.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

Only when i have a deadline do i write on a schedule,but i write all of the time.The thing is that some poems no one will see.

Kev's response: That sounds like a bummer, although I suppose it's similar for a novelist that edits out a chapter, never to be read again.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

My favorite genre to write is Poetry but love and telling stories specifically.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I enjoy the process of thought then putting on paper most out of writing.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

I really don't enjoy having to be a salesman when it comes to my work.The art should speak for itself.

Kev's response: Promotion definitely isn't enjoyable for many of us. I'm with you.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

Something odd about me is i don't sleep much and love to walk the night during winter here in Chicago.


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I like to work on several projects at once. That way, my mind is not idle.


In my evil plot to take over the world, do you advise I use highly intelligent, self-motivated minions, or simple ones, and why?

You need a combination of both intelligent and simple minded followers because there will be instances that you cannot be in every place at once.Intelligent soldiers can be delegated authority,while simple ones will follow unequivocally. It is the best of both worlds.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Paper books will make a comeback.There is no better feeling as an author and reader than holding an actual book in your hands.

Kev's response: The other day, a U.K. newspaper reported that while ebooks have increased in sales, paper books still sold the same in dollars (or pounds) as the year before, so we're seeing an increase of readers rather than one medium stealing from the others. (Which is great.)


What are your current projects?

The Mind of a Poetic unsub is my current book,but I am working on Revenge of the Orgasm.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

In self-publishing, be diligent and do a lot of research.Try and have your hands on every step of the process,so however it turns out,hopefully well,it is on you.

Kev's response: There's definitely a learning curve.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

http://www.iblowyourmind.com, G.P.A.(Greatest Poet Alive) on Facebook, and hchise22 on youtube.

Kev's response: G.P.A., thanks for joining me. You've got an interesting mix of audio, print and Kindle products out. I wish you the best on your work!



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