I am beginning a series of interviews with AD poets and authors. Since it is the Christmas Season I thought it would be appropriate to interview one of AD's most beloved Christian, Inspirational Poets. Please enjoy this glimpse into the life and craft of Joyce, JMS, Bell.

   Because I know that God is the Lord and Giver of all life, I know that where I was born was definitely an influence and has affected my writing, as it was suppose to. I was raised in New York City...Manhattan and the Bronx.

   What important recent news would you like to share with your readers?

   When God closes one door, he does of course open another. I am now writing more books(ebooks). Something I've always wanted to do but didn't have the time to do. Check me out when you have the time.

   When and why did you begin to write?

   I began to write as a child. I remember writing poetry and little short stories. I was an only child, by myself most of the time and didn't have many friends. It was a source of communication for me...someone to talk to.

   How many books have you written? What inspired you to write your first book?

   To date I've written 9 books; 2 hardback, 7 ebooks. My latest ebook, 'Blessed Assurance', is a spin-off of a 2005 published hard back with the same title.

   Is there a consistent message in your books you want readers to grasp?

   Though every book I've penned has several messages there is one dominant message; God is over all things and totally in charge of our lives. At times it doesn't seem like it, but He 'always' wins.

   Besides Christ, which is obvious in your work, what person has most influenced you as a person and as a writer?

   Over my life , from a youngster to the present, I've heard,  read and listened to so many inspirational 'tools' that God has touched and strengthened me with. I'd have to say, there is no one particular, no  'one' person but a combination of so many.

   Here again, I don't have a favorite. I enjoy reading so many different authors and poets. I look at the maker and filler of the vessel rather than the vessel. 'He's' my favorite...everything!

   What do you find to be the greatest challenge to your writing?

   Vocabulary, spelling...editing, totally. I always say, I wish I had an editor but God provides what He feels I need.

   Did you use traditional publishing or self publishing for your books? Why?

   Do you have any writing tips for other poets and authors?

   Just be you. Sometimes our gift flows and sometimes it doesn't. Wait on the inspiration to come, it will. Some writers get very upset why a 'dry' spell comes but it's quite natural that we will not always be inspired, there will be a quell. There are writers who write for pleasure- it's a hobby. Others write to survive- it's therapy.  Still some write to inspire and help others. In our 'dance' all poets and authors usually touch on all these things at one time or another.  So, while we're swaying remember that everyone dances differently, thus,  respect  all that are called to pick up the pen. You might not agree with them and would have said what they said differently, but respect their voice and their right...to speak! And something else that has been happening here on AD that didn't use to happen;  readers don't comment. One should never read a poem and don't leave a comment. Even if that particular poem is highly objectionable to you, find another one. To me, it really is an expression of common courtesy among writers to do this and that's what the 'comment' box is for.

   What are your current projects?

   I'm going to re-do one of my ebooks and then do a part 2 of another book. And then...go back to dabble in something that I hadn't done in years, but recently had to do(book and covers demanded it)....draw!

   If you could meet any person, from the past or present, who would it be and what question would you most like to ask them?

   Jesus. Can we go home now?

   Where do you usually write, do you have a study, a dedicated place?

   I live in a senior citizen's residence and have a large two room apartment. I have cornered off a section of my bedroom where I have a computer and a small(sometimes very cluttered)desk. And there I be. I often dream about being able to go to some place with aquamarine blue waters, a balcony, a laptop and a lovely breeze, but knowing me...I'd probably go to sleep(laugh!). So I am convinced that The Lord has me just where He wants me to be right now and I'm satisfied that 'He' flows so sweetly here.

   How do you write, pen, keyboard, do you need quiet or background noise while you write?

   Sometimes music, sometimes not. Pen and keyboard. Pen for poems, keyboard for stories. I usually scribble the start of  an inspiration down and that starts me. The Lord will give me what He wants me to have such as subject and direction and then I go from there. If it's a story He'll give me the entire story from beginning to end and then I sit down and play with the building of it. He is really so Marvelous! I look back at stories that He's penned through me and give Him all the glory for what He's used me to do.

   Of course. But to me, it's not a block. God simply isn't using me and that's fine because it's Him not me. So, I wait.

   Is there a new poet or author that has sparked your interest? Where did you find their work?

   I enjoy authors and poets on AD as much as I enjoy authors and poets that are, quote/unquote, 'famous'. To me it's not the individual but what they've said at the particular time that interested and inspired me. I find inspirational messages and writings of interest all over the place; billboards, advertisements in buses and on trains, books, movies, etc.

   What motivates you to continue to write and has that changed at all over the years?

   God. He's my motivator. Even if it's a news issue, He inspires. When He gives me something, I move. I am writing more books now as compared to years ago when it was mostly poems. We accumulate 'stories' through our living, as we progress through life. I'm 71, so I got a few things to share.

   I am a poet and writer, that's what I do. So, wherever He leads me.

   Is there anything specific you would like to say to your readers?

   I often write on a personal level, from the first person singular perspective. That's because that's how the message is given to me. In order to fully understand my work, it is important to read my short bio and as much of my work as one can. My readers can learn a great deal about me in this way. I am not above anything I have written about. In other words, God is speaking to me first when I hear the inspiration. His Spirit first ministers to me and then what He has said I use through 'His Inspirations' to minister to others. But it is never me, always Him. I have experienced much and am constantly in need of God's presence in my life, in every area. And I write from this aspect. Because of this I feel that some of my readers might sometimes misunderstand and feel that I am boasting about Jesus in my life. But, I am simply 'testifying' of what God has done, is doing and  can do in any one's life. For if He still loves me, in spite of my numerous imperfections, He still loves them in spite of their imperfections. I come from the viewpoint of giving a personal testimony which says, what God is doing for me, He 'will' do for you...if you want Him to. I don't do fantasy. Even in with my books I consider my stories to be 'parables' that point  to the awesome power of God. My writing is genuine and I want my readers to understand where I am coming from. So readers, please, 'step into the words' when you read 'His Inspirations' - put on my coat and  let the words, 'I' or 'Me'  become...you.

   Tell us in a few sentences...what is your philosophy of life?