Author Terry O'Neal is not just a writer, she's an activist, a mother, a wife, woman who is using her talents to inspire her communities. She's the author of: "The Poet Speaks In Black", "Motion Sickness", "Sweet Lavender", and two wonderful childrens books entitled: "Ev'ry Little Soul", and "My Jazz Shoes". Her latest release is her third volume of poetry called: "Good Mornin Glory", which is a celebration of the vibrant richness of life. She is also the ditor of the annual youth poetry anthology: "Make Some Noise". Tery has so much going on, yet she finds some time to talk with us about her love for writing, and how she uses her talents to help our communities.

ymib.com: When was the first time that you fell in love with writing?

Terry: Well, I always loved literature since I was an adolescent. My mother kept shelves full of books. When I was in elementary school, I would write songs, much similar to poetry. At the age of six, I met one of the greatest African-American voices of black literature, Ms. Maya Angelou. She held a book signing at an African Gallery where my mother used to work. Even though it was so long ago, and I was only a child, I remember it as if it were only yesterday that I walked up to Ms. Angelou and she shook my hand.

ymib.com: What is your writing process like…how do you come up with your topics?

Terry: I write what is in my heart. I write from…inspiration. Being that I am a very heartfelt person, inspiration comes so easily to me. It comes in the littlest things that many other people might overlook.

ymib.com: What is the most memorable experience while working with the youth for Make Some Noise!?

Terry: Make Some Noise! is one of my favorite’s. I take a lot of pride in this project because it allows me to give youth something that will last a lifetime; something that will live in their hearts forever; while at the same time, it will contribute to the young men and women that they will grow into. My heart wants to give so much, and to have the ability to give young people the opportunity of a lifetime: to express themselves creatively through poetry and be published in a book, is fulfilling for not only them, but for myself as well. Just knowing that I can make a great impact in the lives of today’s youth is all the reward that I need.

Also, I have developed bonds with these young people. One young lady, who was once suicidal, is now about to graduate from a prestigious college in New Orleans, LA. Over the past four years, our relationship has grown stronger and stronger and she has become the child that I never had. She has even flown all the way from Atlanta, Georgia, where she relocated during the Hurricane Katrina tragedy, to Sacramento, where she stayed with my family and I for a week.

ymib.com: How would you describe your writing style?

Terry: In everything that I write, there is a message—something to gain. I write from everyday life experiences from the prospective of a black woman that everyone, all races, can relate to.

ymib.com: What author/writer/poet has inspired you the most?

Terry: Even though Maya Angelou had a profound affect on my life and she contributes greatly to who I am as a writer, I would have to say that I was most inspired by Langston Hughes. There was so much in his writing and in his voice that I could relate to. When I read his poetry, it was as if he were speaking to me. I am a Langston Hughes enthusiast! He makes me smile. He gives me so much inspiration. I have a bookshelf in my downstairs hallway dedicated to him alone; filled with inscribed books, magazines, and photo’s; first editions, second and third editions of his titles sit on that shelf just below a 27 x 41 framed poster of Hughes.

ymib.com: What made you decide to start EJC…what was it about Jamaica?

Terry: The fact that there is so much more to Jamaica than many of us imagine. Before my trip to Jamaica, I never would have thought that there was so much poverty there. The kids simply won my heart. To see children with little of nothing be so appreciative of the small things that many of us take for granted was inspiring in it self. When I visit schools, I leave the children with photos and bookmarks. As I passed out the bookmarks to the children there, they had no idea what it was, but they were so grateful to get it. The mere thought of their faces makes me smile. When I returned home, I had a strong desire to do more—to give them more than just a visit, a book, and a bookmark, and that is when Lend Your Hand was born.

ymib.com: You are a wife, a mother of four, you assist your husband with his communications company, an author, and you run your own non-profit organization. How do you keep organization between your home and career?

Terry: By the grace of God who stands by my side every step of the way. Without Him, I would never make it.

ymib.com: Favorite Affirmation or Inspirational quote?

Terry: One of my favorite quotes is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ymib.com: What was your emotional state when writing, “Here I Go Again?”

Terry: The day that I wrote “Here I Go Again” I remember getting up and looking at myself in the mirror, brushing my teeth, putting on my “make-up,” heading into that same old, everyday routine. Just tired—the monotony of day to day life. “Here I Go Again” is one of my favorite poems because it’s something that we all can relate to.

ymib.com: With having a busy schedule, do you ever have time for yourself, and when you do, how do you spend it?

Terry: I have very little time for myself but during those rare occasions, I enjoy spending time with my family and just kicking back and watching a good old LifeTime Movie.

ymib.com: If you could meet any author/writer/poet from the past who would it be and what would be the first thing/question that you would ask?

Terry: Langston Hughes of course! I would greet him with a warm smile. I would give him a big hug, and then, I guess I would ask him to tell me about the most bittersweet moment in his life.