THE BERTHA M. DAVIS INTERVIEW
with Heather Covington
www.Disilgold.com
In a fast paced world of over-sensationalism there is a market for spiritual writers who don’t write books to fulfill fast–paced trends and they don’t need to. They write from the heart and remain true to their writing spirit. In due time, their work blossoms like an undiscovered railroad to freedom you would never have known existed until voices in underground media and those who were there since inception of a work discover or rediscover these writing souls and their world of supporters who are much larger than you would ever imagine.
They nestle in self-help writers forums, book clubs, church organizations, advice message boards, peer groups, support networks and many members are missionaries of their craft unmoved by time, greed and competition. Their renown success and legacy is already sewn in a tablet like your ten commandments of the Bible and readers obey and follow the words of a skilled craftsman who yields the power of life-changing words that uplift and inspire "from the heart." Thus, a poet is born through the millwork and destined to become a legend.
Just because you haven’t been able to harbor a safety net in some author’s secret niche communities, does not mean they do not exist. I have been part of many niche communities that come, go, and return again. There is a mutual respect that resonates loud and clear and members are void of competition. This is how renown writers are built in a community and one-by-one their literary peers who have been there from the start like angels exchange messages of grace when one is ready to blossom, so today I step into the shoes of those angels who also, supported my career as a motivational speaker and poetical griotess to introduce Bertha M. Davis.
She’s the lady who people are not only reading her books, reaching out a hand for an autograph and lining up to meet at events as a powerful voice in literature, but celebrating her work in their day-to-day journey. The people reading books by Bertha M. Davis are everyday people who have defied all odds.
They are your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, newly entrant of a senior citizen home, members of sorority organizations who give back to their community and look for stories from authors who reflect the story of their lives, good spirit, heart and soul and courage to acknowledge one’s past, live for today and promise oneself for a better tomorrow. They are you and me.
Internally, they are a society of people who crave the kind of poetry Bertha M. Davis has written and ready to speak with poetical grace, “Straight From the Heart.” Fancy that, this is the title of Bertha M. Davis’s new poetry book and it’s going Disilgold.
Read, absorb the wisdom of this great literary figure and sit back to enjoy the beginnings of a great poet of this era. She has a message and your undivided attention is required. The Bertha M. Davis Interview has finally arrived. It's PERSOULNAL as we say at Disilgold.com. Poetry lovers get to step into the world of a poet on the rise.
Author: Bertha M. Davis
Title: Straight From The Heart
Web site: www.berthabooks.com
Email: gbbertha@att.net
Disilgold: What can you tell the Disilgold community about yourself that will explain why Disilgold has sought you for a perSOULnalized interview?
Bertha: I’m a bestseller author, poet, self-motivated, and a member of the Outreach Team Prison Ministry for over thirty years Heather. I have also, received many awards plus the Deputy Sheriff Award.
Disilgold: Congratulations Bertha. This is major milestone for you, but you forgot that you are one of my favorite authors and an angel, so I will say this for you. Thank you for granting Disilgold Soul Magazine this interview. I am hearing a lot of buzz about your new book. It’s a beautiful work. I am a fan and just enjoyed every poem.
Bertha: It’ s my pleasure Heather.
Disilgold: You're welcome, and thank you for following your heart and creating this masterful work. Please let the Disilgold audience know what your latest book, “Straight From the Heart” is about?
Bertha: It’s poetry that takes you back to the past and stirs a fire in the soul. ‘Straight From The Heart’ reminds you of the present and project the future. Within this book of poetry are also religious and thought provoking poems that will encourage and inspire folks.
Disilgold:Spiritual poetry is on the rise and educators are suggesting that it be studied among the young. I’m curious to know how long did it take you to complete your book?
Bertha: Straight From the Heart took about 6 months.
Disilgold: If you don’t mind me asking Bertha, what were the happiest moments you have experienced while writing your latest book?
Bertha: Reflecting back, and capturing the thoughts, the excitement and anticipation of completing my book.
Disilgold: These are feelings poets share. You sometimes have to decide if you should include one more poem or one less. There is an art to creating poetry and discipline. Describe your writing style?
Bertha: Writing poetry is like snowflakes that fall to the ground, but all of the flakes are not alike.
Disilgold: That is a good analogy that I never heard applied to poetry and will have to quote you on that one. How did you develop your writing technique?
Bertha: By listening and following my heart which brought in that dedication.
Disilgold: Bertha, when you speak, every word is relevant. I have read your other books so I know some things people just discovering you now may not know. Do you have a favorite author of all time or someone who inspired you to achieve your goals as a writer?
Bertha: Yes! Heather Covington as a young woman has inspired me and I have watched her accomplished so much, and of course Delores Thornton inspired me over the years as well.
Disilgold: (Stopping to cry.) You know how much I respect you Bertha and am honored to be in the company of you and Delores Thornton, one of my writing mentors who I recall her mentioning she read my poetry at one of her signings and now I’ll be reading excerpts of yours at mine. This interview is historical. Your former book, “Growing Up in Mississippi” received multi- honors across the board. Now you have a poetry book and so, it is befitting for me to ask you, where do you see yourself as a writer ten years from now? Of course, I already know the answer.
Bertha: Having a motivational radio talk show, designing my own books to reflect my true inner spirit. I would also, continue to be a mentor to new writers as they fulfill their dreams.
Disilgold: What marketing tips can you provide to new authors to express how you sold so many copies of your book on your own and even inspired me?
Bertha: I would suggest Book TV interviews, Radio interviews, Online Web Radio interviews, and talk shows to let people know when your book will be available. Make flyers of your book cover and pass them out to friends, family, business owners, churches, bookstores, beauty shops, and don’t forget to place flyers, post cards, and bookmarks in your outgoing mail. Marketing can be fun. You can stop by the libraries and drop off flyers at the front counter so people can pick up a flyer. I would also, put ads in the community newsletter. They are free.
You can also, check out magazines, newspapers, and other resources in your town and other towns as well. Don't forget to invest in a website, and make some business cards which are a plus to your advertising. Always keep some business cards in your purse to give to people.
Disilgold: These are all simple endeavors that work. I can’t count the number of times people contact me through my business cards alone. Great tips Bertha. What other projects are you working on?
Bertha: I’m working on a book of short stories, a second edition of Growing Up In Mississippi and a book for new aspiring writers. I also, have a project geared toward single guys and gals.
Disilgold: Looks like we have the Mother Wit of Relationships coming soon. What are your top ten favorite books right now?
Bertha: Wow, I don’t have ten only two right now. Can you Stand to Be Blessed by T.D. Jakes, and Strength for the Journey by Francine A. Yates. I have so many great Authors books but I just don’t have the time to read them.
Disilgold: When do you write and for how long?
Bertha: I write during the day when everything is quiet, and at night when everyone has gone to bed for approximately 2 hours at a time.
Disilgold: Do you have a favorite location for writing?
Bertha: On my computer, at the dining room table when quiet and if I go out off town I’ll take my writing with me.
Disilgold: What method did you use to write or organize your book?
Bertha:Window-XP (Micro-Soft Word) and Micro-Soft Publishing.
Disilgold: What three words best describe your writing?
Bertha: Bold, Creative, and Determination.
Disilgold: What other hobbies do you pursue when you aren't writing?
Bertha: I go to church, sing in the choir, get involved in prison ministry, my grand-daughter’s school activities, am a fulltime housewife, and visit the sick at the hospitals.
Disilgold: Are there any hidden jewels or talents that you possess that many of your readers may not know? This is a classic question of the GET PERSOULNAL interview.
Bertha: Sewing, crochet, and I’ve participated in church plays as an actor.
Disilgold: Now where can folks go right now to purchase your latest book Mrs. Davis?
Bertha: At Infinity Publishing www.bbotw.com, or www.berthabooks.com.
Disilgold: Where can folks contact you and order your book?
Bertha: Book lovers can email me at gbbertha@att.net or call 317-546-3158.
Disilgold: What have been some of your toughest obstacles as a writer?
Bertha: My toughest obstacle was when I took on the responsibility of raising a granddaughter from a baby who is now 6 years old, after she was taken from her drug-addicted mother and an alcohol dependent father. It was like a ton of bricks had fallen on me and I was trapped underneath, but I pushed myself to the top. It has been a rough mountain to climb that slowed down my writing somewhat but I’m still determine to stay focus because I have a dream to fulfill.
Disilgold: This section of our interview requires brief responses. Are you ready to" Get PerSOULnal" Interview, Bertha?
Bertha: As ready as the lord will allow.
Disilgold: Great.
The "Get PerSOULnal" Interview
Disilgold: What time do you awake normally every morning?
Bertha: 8 a.m.
Disilgold: What is your writing fuel in the morning?
Bertha: On full.
Disilgold: Okay, we have never gotten a response like that and I will leave that for interpretation for readers. What early morning rituals have followed for many years?
Bertha: Prayer.
Disilgold: What are your favorite foods to snack on while writing?
Bertha: None.
Disilgold: Do you watch television or listen to the radio when you're writing, and if so, what do you watch or listen too mostly?
Bertha: Sometimes I listen to the song: “Never Would Have Made it Without You.”
Disilgold: Love Marvin for making that song. He is author Tonya Blount’s fav singer, too. What is your favorite book of all time?
Bertha: Can You Stand to be Blessed by T.D. Jakes.
Disilgold: If I get to meet him again and I am going to hand him a copy of your book Bertha before you do. What is your favorite magazine of all time?
Bertha: Scoop Magazine.
Disilgold: I’m going to check that one out. Do you have an exercise regimen to suggest for busy writers?
Bertha: Stay focused and committed.
Disilgold: What is your everyday outfit?
Bertha: Casual clothes.
Disilgold: What is your pet peeve?
Bertha: Always neat.
Disilgold: Yes, writing ain’t pretty. You have to delve into it to win it, but once that finished product is done, so gratifying. Okay, if you could inspire a child, what would you say?
Bertha: A way to go, you can do it, I’m so proud of you, you are somebody because God don’t make no junk, Jesus loves’ you.
Disilgold: Love it! What is your favorite motto?
Bertha: If your work is once begun, never leave it until it’s done, whether the labor is great or small, do it well or not at all.
Disilgold: That one is going down for the record. What is your favorite time to put your writing pen down and rest?
Bertha:11:00 p.m.
Disilgold: Have you traveled anywhere besides your hometown and if so, where?
Bertha: Yes! Charleston Mississippi, Cincinnati Ohio, Milwaukee Wisconsin, Bloomington Indiana, Memphis Tennessee, Greenwood Indiana, and South Bend Indiana.
Disilgold: Where is your dream vacation?
Bertha: Walt Disney World and Los Vegas.
Disilgold: What do you particularly like about the literary world today?
Bertha: It a great opportunity for creative minds, expressing ones thoughts and networking.
Disilgold: yes, indeed. If you could leave one word of advice to people in general, what would it be?
Bertha: Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power.
Disilgold: Thank you beautiful and poetical one for this interview. I feel empowered, so I know the Disilgold audience will feel empowered. What I did was create a new splash page of all past Magazine Award cover ladies and men guests, so please look out for your presentation Bertha. So good to have you back at Disilgold.com. See you at the top.
Reflections from Founder: Bertha mentions,”I reflect back to my Best Selling biography, a Memoir of my life Growing up in the Mississippi Delta” that has been a stepping stone to my success. My struggling life before and after the Civil Rights Movements was such an advantage that has laid a firm foundation to my success as a writer. It was my experience that has caused me to pen words after words, sentences after sentences, paragraphs after paragraphs, pages after pages, and “finally” books after books. It is the reflection that keeps me inspired.” As the founder of Disilgold I am well aware that authors want to write books that will sell, sell, sell, but when you remain true to your writing kin something magical happens and I am going to sit back and await for Bertha’s poetry to make it to the top with angel’s wings. I am confident that Disilgold has discovered one of the most remarkable new poets of this era whose message is powerful and just something one should add to their collection, “Straight from the Heart.”
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