Interview with one of the editors of Whispers of Inspiration, Steven Manchester.

Steven Manchester believes “that good writers make readers think, while great writers make people feel,” and this is the inspiration he used when he began compiling the anthology, Whispers of Inspiration. Manchester worked on compiling and editing the anthology for fourteen months. He did not attack this monumental task alone; however, Whispers of Inspiration came together with help from his sister, Darlene Manchester. It gave this sibling team a chance to share something creative. And “Surprisingly, we had very similar taste when selecting the final poems.”

Steven and Darlene are not the only two siblings featured in the anthology. Whispers of Inspiration also features the work of my sister, Katryn, and myself. As one of the contributing authors, I had the opportunity to interview Steven Manchester.

Hosking: When people shared their “whispers”, what was it that spoke to you?

Manchester: Emotion. Spirituality. Works that conveyed the essence of peace, love and unity.

Hosking: Who has inspired you the most in coming up with and completing this project?

Manchester: Dozens of talented poets I’ve met along the way; many who have found it difficult to find a national platform on which they could share their incredible work.

Hosking: Do you believe inspiration is whispered? And if so, how does someone turn up the volume to hear it?

Manchester: I believe that inspiration can be received in a whisper or a scream, and the trick is to be aware of it when it arrives. Most of the time, though, inspiration is discovered in the stillness where there is less distractions for the gentle voice found within.

Hosking: How would you like Whispers of Inspiration to change the lives of people it reaches?

Manchester: I would like it to confirm the intuitive awareness that WE are ONE; that none of us is ever alone in this World!

Hosking: Why have you chosen to share the profits from the anthology with St. Jude Children’s Hospital?

Manchester: I have been blessed with three healthy children, but I’ve always believed that we don’t have to be affected by a certain disease or illness to help find its cure.

Hosking: In compiling this anthology, have your inspirations changed in any way - how?

Manchester: Yes. It’s confirmed my faith in my fellow human being. Though it won’t sell newspapers or magazines, I know that there are more good people than bad in the world.


Although the idea “there are more good people than bad in the world” won’t sell newspapers, a natural disaster will. The release of Whispers of Inspiration was delayed because of Hurricane Katrina. Sunpiper Press, the publishing company for the anthology, is located in Alabama and was hard hit by the hurricane. Therefore, Whispers release date was pushed back to late November. Since November is world kindness month here at RITRO, this writer would like to thank everyone who contributed to the hurricane relief whether it was through money donations or volunteer time. And I hope you enjoy the writings of all the contributing authors who came together to form the Whispers of Inspiration when it appears in your local book store.

http://www.sunpiperpress.com/

http://www.whispersofinspiration.com/

http://www.stevenmanchester.com/