Since the early age of nine, poetry author David “Werdsman” Lewis has been using the art of poetry to express himself. As early as the eighth grade, he took his writing to another level when earning his first publication and $500 reward for best poem. Since then, his writing and love for words has taken flight.

With a full-time career of writing and performing his poetry as a spoken word poet, it’s no wonder this poets’ name is growing ever so popular in the poetry community. Learn why “Werdsman” does what he does and how his passion for words has inspired him to take poetry by storm. – Spoken Word New York

Congratulations on the release of your first poetry book. What is it called and what is it about?

My poetry book is titled, “Poetry Don’t Pay The Bills.” It speaks of Life – the struggles that come along with my life and overcoming obstacles; Love – having it and losing it; Passion – for living out my dreams and my continuance of my poetry.

What inspired you to write a poetry book and why that title?

I came up with the title “Poetry Don’t Pay The Bills” because I was told growing up that my writing wouldn’t amount to anything. Poetry became who I am and will continue to be. And although it began with a negative outlook, I was able to pursue it. Through extensive research and guidance, I was able to publish my book independently with lulu.com and now I’m able to inspire the world with my dreams and my struggles.

Was there work that you wanted to put into the book that you left out and for what reasons?

Over the course of 11 years I have written over 300 poems. I only put a fraction of them in the book because I wanted to divide them. My goal is to create several books of the hundreds of poems that I have written. Including the ones I am currently working on now.

What inspired you to become a writer of poetry?

I wanted to express myself. I am an observer of the world and I love to tell stories about myself and things that I’ve experience and observed.

What were some of the first steps you took to get started on writing full-time?

I got started on becoming a writer full-time when I was in the eighth grade and I won a poetry contest. Since that moment, I have never stopped writing poetry. I have become more involved with poetry and spoken word ever since.

Who/What are your favorites – authors, books? Why?

Some of the books I have read over the years are: “Sound the Trumpet – Messages to Empower African American Men” by Darryl Sims; “The Audacity of Hope” by Barack Obama and “The Spoken Word Revolution” by Mark Eleveld and Marc Smith. I also have read several poetry compilations throughout the years that I enjoy because of the message that it sends to the reader.

Who is your target audience…who do you write for?

I hope to inspire people of all ages. My goal is to inspire them to better themselves, stimulate their minds, and impact their lives in a positive light.

What type of poetry are you into?

My favorite poets are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemingway, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe and The Last Poets.

How did you get into reciting your poetry and spoken word?

I was inspired by watching poets and spoken word artists on HBO’s Def Poetry. I always wanted to be a part of something where I am impacting someone’s life. I think that I do that through my words and by expression while on stage.

Who, in the poetry circuit, is doing what you are doing with poetry spoken word that you admire?

Well, there are several artists that I admire and enjoy listening to. They send a strong and uplifting message to the people. Some are: Definition, Lamar Hill, Brook Yung, Elysee Thomas, Speakers of the House, Black Ice, and Stacey-Ann Chin -  just to name a few. In my line of work, I have come across many amazing artists.

What are some of your accomplishments? Things you are most proud of since you began writing?

Well, I was published in my school yearbook in the fourth grade. In eighth grade I won a poetry contest for my poem “The Secret” in which I won five hundred dollars and received publication for. I had several publications while attending two different high schools. In both schools I became the founder of my poetry clubs, as well as in college. Since adulthood, I published my first book of poetry on Sept 11th 2006 called, “Poetry Don’t Pay The Bills.” And on November 12th 2007, I published my first spoken word CD and coined myself “The Werdsman”.

What are your future plans in writing? Future books…how often do you write?

I hope to start my own publishing company soon. I will introduce the name of the company after my next project which includes a chapbook and spoken word CD (featuring ten tracks) which is called “Intellectual Ignorance”. This will be released officially on Sunday, October 10th 2010 – which would be 10/10/10. I plan to release another one after that. It will be named appropriately after my independent company, “Werds of Art” which is also being worked on.

Where can your followers and fans find your work and your future spoken word performances?

You can check out my performances on facebook.com under David “Werdsman” Lewis and my fan page on facebook “The Werdsman.” I can also be found on www.reverbnation.com/thewerdsman.  My book can be purchased on www.lulu.com/content/113795

You can also find updated events for “David “Werdsman” Lewis here on Spoken Word New York in the events category.

Tags | David Werdsman Lewis, poetry authors, Poetry Don't Pay The Bills, Poetry Spoken Word