Terry O'Neal

 

Terry O'Neal is the self-published author of the books entitled "Motion Sickness", and her latest book, "The Poet Speaks In Black." Though her poetry is written with ease and grace, it is the power behind her words that is most exceptional. She clutches upon the emotions that lie in the pit of our souls, translating everyday life into dynamic poetry. Terry was born and raised in Stockton, California. In 1991, she established her residence in Sacramento; where she attended California State University of Sacramento, majoring in Criminal Justice. She is a wife and mother of four children. She works part-time as a secretary for her husband's communications corporation. She is also the founder of her own company Motion Publications, that she established in the year 2000 to publish her work.

Terry is a member of the Poetry Society of America; Publishers Marketing Associations; Black Writers Alliance; African American Literature Book Club; and the Literary Entrepreneur Affiliate Program with FYOS.

Currently, Terry is working on her first novel entitled "Sweet Lavender" - a story about a young black girl's life growing up in a small southern town. Look forward to this novel at the end of next year. Visit Terry online at http://www.terryoneal.com

 

 

Pageonelit.com: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?

Terry O'Neal: I grew up in the small town of Stockton, California. I have always loved to write for as long as I can remember. When I was about the age of 10 years old, I began writing songs as a hobby. I also tried to write fiction; I still have the pages from a novel that I started writing back in high school that I never completed.

I was influenced at a very early age, when I was about six years old. One special day, my sister and I accompanied my mother to work, at an African Gallery on the north side of town. It was there that I met one of the greatest voices of black literature: Ms. Maya Angelou. Ms. Angelou was holding a book signing at the gallery that day. I remember standing in front of her as she reached out to grab my hand. At barely six-years old, I was too young to appreciate the mere handshake of such a phenomenal being. I remember that day as if it were only yesterday. As I became an adult, I realized that it was that encounter which made the foundation for the person I have become.

 

Pageonelit.com: Tell us about your two books The Poet Speaks In Black & Motion Sickness --- How are these books alike? How they different?

Terry O'Neal: Motion Sickness was my first book of poetry that was compiled over a period of five years. I have grown so much since then, as an individual and as a writer; my writing improves everyday. I incorporate so many things into my writing, from events from the past, as well as the present. I have a great interest in black life in the 20th century. I listen to many tapes and documentaries from that era that deeply inspires me. The Poet Speaks In Black is definitely a step up from Motion Sickness, however, they both bring forth the realities of life.

 

Pageonelit.com: What is your favorite poem (that you penned) and why?

Terry O'Neal: I have several favorites, it's impossible to pick only one. "Here I Go Again" is a poem that I admire because of its honesty, in addition to its broad correlation with others.

 

Pageonelit.com:You said, "All things will eventually emerge from the darkness and into the light." Please explain.

Terry O'Neal: Darkness is the veil for many things, our secrets; our fears; our hopes and dreams. All things, just as they are concealed, will one day be revealed. Light being the opposite of dark: to brighten; to come into existence; to make sight possible.

 

Pageonelit.com: In your opinion, how different are poets and writers of fiction? How are they alike?

Terry O'Neal: I believe that poets and writers of fiction are alike in terms of being artists. Many may disagree, but in my opinion it takes a certain kind of talent to create a great novel. I find the artistic side of poetry writing to be much greater than in fiction. Fiction writing takes more time and plotting in the development of the story.

 

 

 

Pageonelit.com: What has been your feedback from readers and book reviewers?

Terry O'Neal: I have gotten much positive feedback from both readers and reviewers. My most valued review was from the State Librarian of California, Dr. Kevin Starr, "Your poems are reflective of African American culture and at the same time underscore our universal humanity."

Pageonelit.com: Tell me about your publishing experience -- The good, the bad and the ugly ...

Terry O'Neal: Well, I'll start with the good first. I decided to self-publish because I didn't want to go through thousands of rejection letters before I found a publisher. I was quit anxious, and didn't want to wait years to see my book in print. So I decided to start my own publishing company to publish my work. The great part about self-publishing is that I can do whatever I want; I can be creative in the designing of my books. The bad part is the amount of the time and energy that it takes to market my books; getting into the bookstores and libraries. I always heard that writing a book is the easy part, but I didn't know how true it was until I experienced it myself.

 

 

Pageonelit.com: Are you working on anything currently? Do you have any plans to write fiction?

Terry O'Neal: Yes, I have my first children's book that I recently completed that will be released at the end of August. I am also working on my first fiction novel entitled Sweet Lavender that I plan to have published by the beginning of next year.

 

Pageonelit.com: What was the last book you read?

Terry O'Neal: My favorite poet is Langston Hughes. I collect all of his books of poetry and fiction, and I find myself continuously reading his books over and over again. The last book that I read was Hughes's "Laughing To Keep From Crying."

 

Pageonelit.com:Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing.

Terry O'Neal: Every aspect of my life inspires me to write; everything that I hear and see goes into my poetry. I don't have much time for hobbies between working for my husband's corporation; running Motion Publishing; and being a wife and mother of four. It really leaves little or no time for anything else.