Meet S.O. Davis | Author, Poet, Lover of Words

We had the good fortune of connecting with S.O. Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi S.O., do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Creative writing is definitely an exercise in self-motivation. I am my own cheerleader in many ways, well before I share my work with an audience. So, for me, when there’s writer’s block, or writer’s laziness, as it were, or just not feeling it, I remind myself that writing chose me. I fully believe that. And also reminding myself that my voice belongs in this space because it’s mine and mine alone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a fiction writer, poet, blogger, and playwright. I’ve been writing creatively since I was 9 years old, when a very watchful and beloved 4th grade teacher noticed that my love of reading was moving beyond books. She uttered the words that I could be an author one day and I never, ever forgot those words. What sets me apart is my voice; I write stories about women like me. Women of color who will be empowered, who will find clarity in life, who will find themselves by way of a cleverly designed use of intrigue, imagination, and perhaps fantastical or allegorical elements here and there. I’m proud of the three books I’ve published of short story collections and poetry. Of course it’s not easy to share your work, especially when you experience rejection, which I have. I also went through a long period of not writing at all as I grieved the loss of my father. I truly believed that it was over for me. But with time and encouragement from the folks around me—blogging, for example, helped me to KEEP writing even when I felt like I was empty of words—I overcame the challenges of diminished self-confidence and the absence of creativity. The lessons along the way were many! A big one: talk about your challenges as a creative; you never know whether a suggestion can be the lifeline you need. Conversely, if you need some time away from the pen or screen or the notebook, take that time to recharge and refuel. Trust your instincts. And self-publishing is a wonderful way to get your work out there!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First off, we’re definitely hitting up a museum or three! The Dallas area has great resources for artists and creatives and my friends know we’d be taking advantage. We’d also visit the Bishop Arts district for great food, too—I’m a brunchaholic, so we would head to Ida Claire or Whistle Britches—and hang out at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. I also love the Deep Ellum area! It’s a neighborhood filled with quirky shops, restaurants, and amazing murals. And you can’t leave Texas without visiting the Reunion Tower or staging a chase between you and the cattle sculptures at the Cattle Drive Sculptures at Pioneer Plaza. (Like we did!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout first to Lauren Layne (@just2LLs) for connecting me for this interview! I also have to shout out my bestie, Vee Walker, who’s enthusiasm and willingness to read and discuss my writing never fails to move me. Lastly, thanks go to an abundance of friends and readers who provide their eyes to my work. I write alone but I share with many, and their reading, encouragement, and feedback is without description. I will never not be thankful.

Website: www.okyerewa.com

Instagram: @frowriter

Image Credits
just2LLs Photography Queena Johnson