Hello readers! Today I am excited to welcome Rave Reviews Book Club’s February Spotlight Author to The Indie Spot. Take it away, Forrest. . .
Writer’s Q&A
What inspired you to write and become published?
Answer: Many people have heard me say I like to represent people who are in the “land of misfit toys.” What do I mean by this? When I use the analogy, I am talking about people who do not fit inside the heteronormative, privileged society. Some question if this world still exists. If you look at current politics in the United States, you can see these examples fully. I represent the different; LGBTQ, people of color, the poor, etc. We are all human, however, there are many who are privileged who tend to focus on their own “special needs” and forget to represent all people.
“We the people” does not mean you pick and choose who get civil liberties, or cutbacks in taxes. It means all people, no matter race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or identity. I may be lost in a utopian point of view, but I believe we can care help each other. As far as why I pursued publishing? Was it to become a world-famous author that would be a NY Times best seller? No, I never imagined my work would elevate to such levels. Not that I would be opposed to it, however, my goal has always been to inspire others to find their voice, to make the world a better place, and to show others they are not alone. I have survived more than most people, so I have been told. I truly believe literary arts help unite people and help them into a world of common ground. When we start to see similarities in each other’s eyes and hearts, we can become united, creating a world that focuses on the greater good.
Excerpts from “Journey to the Rainbow’s End” by Forrest Robert Stepnowski
Human
I sit here in the silence, complacent, and meaningless.
Am I but a whisper of make believe, a soldier trapped in a world of turmoil and lies,
I am alone,
I walk through a shadow driven by what I believed to be my calling,
An inspirational relic lost in the memes of my successors,
I am lost,
I stare at the night sky wondering where I’ve been, trying not to dwell on the should’ves, could’ves, and would’ves,
Not knowing what exactly I’m doing wrong and why I walk in pensive dreams of those who may oppose me,
I am drowning,
I lay my head down trying to escape the nightmares of existence, of a world that still identifies me as the keeper of rainbows and glitter.
Forgetting I left my heels and tiaras at home in a closet that I thought I’ve long since escaped in distant memories,
a closet which many wish me to return,
The Journey continues,
I wake up and begin to laugh at the adversity being thwarted at my doorstep, for I have survived this demon before.
It attempts to taunt and hinder me, trying to break my will and sparkle,
I am my own utopia.
They say god doesn’t give you more than you can handle, I am broad shouldered after all,
Even the meek can fight the negative blood outpoured from those who say they are true friend,
I am humbled.
I am captured by rejuvenated thoughts and energy, and begin to rise and embrace new beginnings…
I fly like an eagle, soaring out of the darkness and into the light,
For this I say… I am human.
Social Media Links:
Website/Blog: https://www.forresttakesajourney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forrestrobertstepnowski
Twitter: https://twitter.com/frstepnowski
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forreststepnowski
Journey to the Rainbow’s End: A Drag Queen’s Odyssey (Available on Kindle and Paperback)
AUTHOR BIO – FORREST STEPNOWSKI
Forrest Robert Stepnowski is an advocate, writer, social worker, and performance artist in the Pacific Northwest. He has been writing poetic works and prose for most of his life. He realized how important it would be to share his work with others, who may have tread similar paths of self-hate, self-deprecation, and self-loathing, in the hopes that they find they weren’t alone. Helping others who have been deemed as “different” because of varying sexual orientations or identities to realize that they are not deviants nor are the “against human nature” has always been of grave importance to him. He wants this group of beautiful people to know they are part of a collective, on an island where being different is embraced and accepted.
I enjoyed reading Forrest’s question and answer as well as the excerpts of his book. Thank you for hosting, Beem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Miriam for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed today’s postings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Forrest, thank you for your voice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting Forrest, Miriam.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s my pleasure, Beem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Forrest takes a Journey! and commented:
Thank you Beem for hosting today! Hope everyone enjoys! Thank you all for your wonderful support.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Forrest. Best wishes to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how Forrest is giving a voice to those he calls “misfits!” Thanks for hosting today, Beem!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Jan for stopping by and for you amazing support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Jan.
LikeLike
I admire Forrest’s emotion-packed poetry. Thanks for sharing Beem. Congratulations to him for the honor of being a “spotlight author.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for visiting, Balroop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Balroop! I appreciate your amazing support soul sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love “land of misfit toys,” that’s adorable. It’s great that you allow the superhero in you to shine, Forrest. Enjoy your time in the Spotlight, my friend❣️Thanks for hosting, Beem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking the time to visit, Vashti.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Vashti. You are awesome my friend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤ xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beem, thank you so much for hosting Forrest during his Spotlight. I always enjoy visiting your site. (Need to do it more often!!) Forrest, I love your statement of “misfit toys.” I’ve always thought of myself as being a unique individual, one that doesn’t always go with the crowd, so I feel that is a perfect representation of not being afraid to be your own person. In your continued statement, you mentioned wanting to make the world better… This is something we should all strive for. If only more people had that same inspiration.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Mar. I’m glad you stopped by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marlena. And you are absolutely right. If only more people who act on behalf of the silent and vulnerable. I know this to be true with in you own heart. Continue to shine your light towards others and the inspiration of compassion with ignite in others one soul at a time, spreading that light like a wild fire. Much love to you my friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Forrest!! 🖤🖤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your answer, Forrest. The reference to the land of misfit toys struck a cord. You have bridged that perfectly in your book. Enjoy your month.
Thanks for hosting, Beem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Denise! You are truly an inspiration to me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for hosting Forrest, Beem. His words inspire and give a voice to the voiceless. Bravo!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Soooz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sooz!!! Hope you are well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations, Forrest. Thanks for hosting, Beem
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely agree that through artistic expression we are free to stretch beyond our assumptions and explore and appreciate experiences that are other than our own. Thanks for this!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Sarah for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said, Forrest! This world belongs to all of us and those who don’t want us to belong will be the first to fall off the boat! Thank you, Beem, for hosting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Joy and well stayed! I wish more people would look at the world with the same conviction and hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the visit, Joy!
LikeLike
I am very glad to have discovered Forrest’s poetry. It is very powerful and moving.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Roberta! I appreciate you stopping by today!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Forrest, the world is a better place because you are in it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Forrest on your Spotlight Tour!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Shirley!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Forrest, the world needs more voices and champions like you for all those labeled as “different” or “misfits.” Yes, we are all “beautiful” people. Your poem is emotionally charged and thought provoking, thanks for sharing with us today.
Beem – thanks for hosting, Forrest today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Peggy! That means the world to me.
LikeLike
Thanks for the visit, Peggy!
LikeLike
Hi, Forrest.
I’m sorry I’m late, again. Great post, you know how much I like your work! I hope you are enjoying this tour. *Hugs*
Beem, thank you so much for hosting. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by and supporting Forrest, Rhani!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by Rhani!
LikeLike
Forrest, you’re a real popular guy, aren’t you? Glad you had a good time on Beem’s blog.
Thanks, Beem!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by, Nonnie!
LikeLike
Hi Nonnie! Thank you for stopping by today! It’s nice to feel supported by everyone!
LikeLike
I could feel that poem deep within my heart! Great writing, Forrest! 🙂
LikeLike