Interview with Gamaliel Gooding

Author of Poetic Reflections and Poetic Verses

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Grifton North Carolina, I now live in Harrington Delaware, with my wife, Elvira and son, Hasani.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I left home at the age of 19, to travel to Vero Beach Florida for work. Returned home in 2 years. Remain there until my parents past. Moved to Washington, DC, for a while.
Eventually moved to Newark NJ, where I met my wife, Elvira. We were married in August 1976. We moved to Washington, DC in 1980, We moved from DC to Upper Marlboro Md, in 1982. We both retired and moved to Harrington Delaware in 2008.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I begin writing as a child, lost interest in writing when I became interested in girls.
I became interested in writing again after my job in security, placed me on the night shift. It should be noted that I made a career in the security industry, spanning 40 years. During this time I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, mostly because I was the person in charge. Out of boredom, I found myself writing again. After accumulating enough work for a book, I was convinced by my co-workers, that I should publish it. That is basically how my first book was published.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It is basically a book about life, love of family and friends. My personally out look on life and my journey. It is both light in it’s content and serious. It is also religiously based. Because both of my parents were Ministers of the Gospel, I wanted to make sure that they were a part of my work.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

People that are interested in the love of family, friends, their next door neighbors,
people that are concerned about their surroundings. People that are not afraid to look in the mirror of their owns lives.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned just how powerful words are. How they can uplift the spirit or crush it. Start wars or bring peace, spread hate or love. Words are a very powerful tool to be in the possession of. I did not have in problems with getting my work published. I did learn that not all publishers have your best interest at heart.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I have always created poems on a very fast track. I learned that fast is not always better. I now spend more time creating my work. I more interested in the quality of the product then quantity.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

In the beginning I was writing only for myself. However, I discovered that if you have a gift, it should be shared. Having said that, I would like to reach as many people as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Because in the early stages of my writing, I have never took myself or my writing serious, I managed not to face in challenges or frustrations. The challenges and the process is different now. I no write because I am bored, but because I feel like I have too.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

When I make up my mind to write, the ideas for my work comes quickly. Still learning about publishing and marketing.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

In the past, I have not spent a great deal of time in creating my work. I have always been in a hurry to get this done. I have learn that a gift requires patience. I have also learned that not every publisher has interest at heart.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

in a year

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Traditional