Poetry Book Place

Tell us about yourself.
I am a retired science teacher with some early working experience of the photographic industry. I was born in the UK just after WW2. I enjoy reading most genres of fiction such as sci-fi, crime/detective thrillers, historical and wildlife stories. Non-fiction reading mainly includes scientific or historical books. Walking in the English, Scottish or Welsh countryside with binoculars ready for bird-watching or other wildlife is a particular pleasure.

My first novel was Fallen Hero and the So What! series of three books followed and which are all focussed around the fictitious Birch Green High School, but based upon my real experience as a teacher. More recent works include poetry: Dizzyrambic Imaginings, two illustrated children’s sci-fi stories about ant-size aliens and 5 historical novels based upon real characters from the Industrial Revolution period: The Quarry Bank Tales series. During the commemoration of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester Central Library, 2019, I was privileged to read out the chapter about this from his novel, 'Mules; Masters & Mud' – a book from the Quarry Bank Tales series.

If you enjoy reading any of my books please share your enjoyment with other readers and post a review. Or contact him on a Comments page at his website: www.gjgriffithswriter.com

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Birmingham, England and my experiences as a child and teenager greatly influenced the writing of Fallen Hero, my first novel.

What was your journey to getting published like?
After having a couple of scripts rejected, with kind advice, for a play on the BBC, I entered a novel competition for KDP Amazon. Although I did not win I got the "writing bug" and have not looked back.
It is a most rewarding experience and recommend it to anyone retired who is looking for something to do!

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
The positive feedback from staff and volunteers at the historical cotton mill, Quarry Bank Mill Museum, who have read my novels about it made all of the research and editing/re-editing etc well worth the time!

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Make sure you keep on reading other authors' books, long past and more contemporary writers. It all helps you to 'find your voice' as you write your own novel.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: G J Griffiths

Tell us about yourself.
I am a Cuban writer, poet, and photographer based in the USA, where I blend visual arts and storytelling in my work. I hold a degree in Communication Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Education.
Since relocating to Florida in 2011, I’ve exhibited my photography and writing documentary projects at the NPTI Gallery and the Coral Gables Museum. In 2021, I held a solo exhibition, “Havana: The Gift of Diversity,” which included an essay and poems about Havana. This work was also published in a book by Gallery TEN in Tokyo, where the exhibition took place.
In addition to my creative work, I teach in Miami, where I inspire my students with a philosophy of lifelong learning and creativity.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Cuba, an island with a rich and diverse cultural and social background. From a young age, I was surrounded by the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean music, the warmth of my Spanish and African heritage, and the traditions passed down by my grandparents. My grandparents taught me to read when I was just four years old, and from that moment, I’ve never been able to go a day without reading. Their love, wisdom, and the multicultural environment in which I was raised deeply influenced my worldview and shaped my writing.
My characters are built from this perspective, and the settings and historical backgrounds in my stories are inspired by the rich culture I grew up in. In particular, my poetry is influenced by the Spanish Décimas, a traditional form that my grandmother taught me. I write in both Spanish and English, which allows me to express myself in two languages and share the knowledge and roots of my country with a wider audience.
Growing up in Cuba has kept me grounded, and it has given me a unique, multi-layered perspective that I bring to my writing. My experiences growing up in such a dynamic, culturally rich environment allow me to approach stories from a place of depth and understanding, with multiple viewpoints woven into every narrative.

What was your journey to getting published like?
My journey to getting published has been quite an adventure, one that I navigated from the ground up. I took a hands-on approach, creating my books entirely on my own. This particular book, available in both English and Spanish, has been a unique challenge for several reasons. First, it's a blend of my poetry and photography. I wanted to illustrate my poems with fine art photographs that I created specifically for the book. The images are designed to complement the depth of the poems, helping to create a multisensory experience of healing and self-discovery for my readers.
Second, as a photographer, I had a vision for my work in magazines, but turning that into a book format was a whole different process. I had to teach myself how to lay out the pages and ensure the design worked seamlessly with the content. It was a learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding one.
Finally, while the self-publishing process is more accessible than ever, there were still many new aspects of it that I had to learn—especially the technicalities of Amazon Kindle’s platform. From understanding policies to managing paperwork, every step was a learning experience. But through perseverance, I was able to navigate it all and bring my book to life. It’s been a journey of growth, and I’m proud to have reached the point where I can share my work with the world.

What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
The best piece of feedback I’ve ever received came from a reader who told me that my work:
“I cried, I laughed, I was transported and I loved, many mixed feelings when reading this book, it is very deep, I recommend it, she is a young and very versatile artist. She is Human, I already know part of her work since I follow her on social networks, she is Real.”
This feedback meant so much to me because, at the heart of my writing, I always hope to create a sense of shared humanity. For me, writing is about more than just telling stories, it’s about offering readers a mirror, a way to connect with their own feelings and experiences. So, hearing that my work had that kind of impact was incredibly validating. It reminded me of the power of words and reinforced my belief that writing can truly help heal and inspire others. That’s the kind of feedback that keeps me motivated and reminds me why I do what I do.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
First, I must say, read. Reading is a rich source of learning and inspiration. Second, always edit your manuscript thoroughly and don’t hesitate use self-criticism and listening to feedback from others, editing is essential for developing quality writing. Third, avoid comparing yourself to other authors; everyone’s journey is unique. Believe in yourself, everyone has a story to tell, and your book could inspire others’ lives.

[Read more…] about Author Interview: Mia MP