INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE!

INTERVIEW SPECIAL WITH AMAZON BESTSELLER,  BILAN THOMPSON ! 

Bilan Thompson broke the whole internet on the last day of February , when her debut poetry collection dropped officially.  In a few hours, she had reached the bestsellers charts on all of Amazon and after barely 10 hours was sitting  atop the Contemporary  Poetry Bestsellers list,  Love  Poetry list of bestsellers and she had the top new released book of all of Amazon worldwide.  

Today,  she takes us on her journey and how she got to the top of the literary world.   Bilan  is the Co-chair  of the Collab Tour, and a wonderfully gifted poet,  with an ability to connect with her audience in otherworldly fashion by virtue of her super talents. 

Bilan  grants us an Exclusive Insight into aspects of her life and what makes her as a person stand out.

1.Tell us a little about your background?  

Well, my background started with me being an avid reader. I always knew I was supposed to be a writer. Growing up, I always wrote out my feelings.  Writing is how I got through.  I used to find comfort, journaling when things got tough.  I always had a dream of being an author.  Orchestrating chapter books I would do just for leisure, also writing my very own songs.  The art of rhyming words mesmerized me. I still remember the very first song I created called, “I Look into Your Eyes”.  It had a grand chorus and a mighty rap verse at the end.  

Back then, I wanted to write songs just like Marvin Gaye, George Michael, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson.  No one could ever tell me I would not be an outstanding music producer like Quincy Jones.  My imagination was huge.  Too big to be contained.  

Throughout school, I was the child involved in everything from playing instruments, majorettes, dance teams, basketball, volleyball, cross country, junior army reserves.  Anything you can think of, I was part of it.  As an adult, I danced on many stages.  I taught many people creative arts, ministry, and education.  Eventually, I found my way back home to writing.    

2.When did it occur to you that you had a gift for writing poetry?  

I always knew the gift of poetry was there, but I remember taking a Creative Writing class in college.  After the semester ended my professor pulled me to the side and said she has taught many students over the years and have never felt so strong to tell someone to pursue their writing.  For a final poem I submitted a piece called, “Mind Boggling”.  Where I talked about the vastness of God and how my mind could never comprehend His greatness.  She was blown away and said she would always remember me and the poem.   Even after her encouragement I still didn’t pursue my writing.  At that point I lived, moved, and breathed dance.  

3.What has been the impact on your career since you joined the Collab Tour? 

 The Collab Tour changed my life.  Not only am I a stronger writer but I am part of a community where we grow together. My brand is worldwide now.   Joseph Spencer is such a genius and the honor of him presenting me with Co-chair left me speechless.  He believed in me from the beginning.   The Collab Tour opened so many doors for me.  It also helped advance my career as a writer.  

4.How did you get the inspiration for the title of your book, “Black Diamond”?  

Well, when I first started back writing, ‘Black Diamond” was the first poem I wrote.  Then I felt God  

speak to my heart about it not just being a poem, but for me to write a poetry book called, “Black Diamond” also.   Then I met Joseph Spencer and right away he started calling me Black Diamond.  He even told me, “Bilan your first book must be called, “Black Diamond”.  When he told me this, he was not aware that the Lord already said for me to name my first book this.  At that moment I knew he was God sent to my life. I had ignored what the Lord told me and was going to name my book something else.  I was going to follow my plan and not God’s. Joseph was the instrument that the Lord used. No one will ever understand the special place he holds in my heart.    

5.Describe how the experience has been so far since your book got released?

 I am blessed. Since the book has been released, I have been super busy. The feeling has been surreal.  I have been blown away by the endless streams of love pouring in my direction. I have received excellent feedback from people across the world.  People love the book. Some people are ready for my second. I have cried multiple times.  I have laughed. I have praised.  I have learned.  I also was able to connect with new cool people.  I gained more followers.  I also can’t put into words how special it was to hold my paperback book in my hand. With my name on it.  The journey has been long, but I did it.  

6.Did you envisage that your book would be so successful? 

When God spoke to me, He told me it would be very successful.  Although I heard Him, I was still shocked.  Not that I don’t believe in my talent and abilities.  It’s just that it surpassed my expectations.  I never knew that so many people loved me and my poetry. 

   

7.“Black Diamond” reached Number 1 on the Bestsellers list in Contemporary Poetry, Love and Erotic category, African poetry and several other lists: how was the feeling like?

The feeling was so rewarding.  Writing and getting a book published is not an easy task so to see the hard work and dedication payoff is a feeling that can’t be described.  I also felt joy knowing that my poetry reached a wide spectrum.  My goal and target were to write a poetry book that anyone could read and relate.  No matter their background, religion, race, or gender.  No matter their culture or profession.  I think I did a pretty good job making the book well rounded.  

8.How do you stay motivated after achieving such stratospheric success on your debut release? 

 The thing that motivates me is the fact that I know I am just getting started. My future is bright, and God’s plan is big.  There is so much more work for me to do.  Many more things for me to achieve. Great things to create.  My success doesn’t stop here, but I know it's a continual of work.  It’s some sleepless nights.  It’s knowing it takes giving your all to achieve great success. It’s realizing you must offer your best.  

9.What are your future plans? Any other books on the way? 

My future plans are to continue publishing books.  Although my first book took years, I now realize my dream is obtainable and that I can do anything I set my mind to do.  I also have some other plans, but they are a secret I am not ready to reveal them yet.  

10.Your parting statement to your fans across the globe?

  Well first I want to thank all my fans.  Without all of you none, of this success would have been possible. I will never forget the kindness I experienced.  It’s been an absolute pleasure having each of  you as part of my family.  My love for you is sincere.  You are way more to me than just fans and followers.  You are my inspiration.  You are my motivators.  You keep me going and I want to encourage you all to never lose sight of your dream.  It can happen.  Even if it happens years later.  It still can be achieved.  I also want to encourage you to find the people who will stand in your corner and help push you to the next level.  Don’t waste time. Make the best out of your life with what you have been given.  Be thankful. Be gracious. Be loving.  Be authentically you.   The world is waiting on you.    

Culled from The Writers Revolt.