Meet Jason Blakely | Poet/Publisher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Blakely and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I wanted to have a book of my own poetry published. A friend purchased the 2003 Poet’s Market Book for me.This book was a road map to becoming published. I submitted poems, most of them rejected but it really got me interested in the business of publishing. What happened next would change my views of publishing forever. In the quest to become published, I wrote over four hundred poems. When I say wrote, I mean a pencil and paper. I submitted them to a publisher and expected to have them published. The poems were returned along with a rejection letter, very impersonal, saying that the company couldn’t publish my poems because they didn’t fit what they were looking for but encouraged me to keep writing. This major event, along with a few others would be the motivation to become a poetry book publisher.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Poetry Is Life Publishing was established in January 2004. But well before that, the foundation was carefully being laid through unique experiences that are the driving force, the heart of Poetry Is Life Publishing. It was my freshman year in high school and I was blessed to have a teacher that encouraged me to do my best. Mrs. Stewart suggested that I take a look at the bulletin board and what I saw was opportunity. It was in the form of an 8.5 x 11 flyer of a poetry contest sponsored by the Anthology of Poetry by Young American’s. I was so excited to possibly have a chance to have my poem published in a book for people to see. Something inside me changed. I had an opportunity speak my mind and also the opportunity to hear what others are going through. I entered the contest and my poem, One’s View of Life was published and printed on the first page of the book. Right then, I knew that poetry would forever be a part of my life. The most important part was the fact that I was able to express my feelings in a way that brought inner peace. I bought a few copies, signed my amateur autograph to them and it gave me confidence to write, in the process learning who I am and how to express myself in different ways. It showed me that I could make a difference and connect to the lives of other through what I wrote and that I connected to the lives of other and was encouraged by the poems they wrote.

What sets me apart from others and where I am is my ability to see the potential in a situation or an idea. Also, my determination, humility and passion. The ability to challenge myself and others in a respectful way, for the benefit of all and not just select individuals or groups or those propped up due to connections that others may not have. It is not easy, but the work is necessary work. I have come to realize and welcome challenges, knowing that they will help me grow into the person I want to be. I am able to overcome challenges knowing that God has a purpose for me and what I am doing, and I know that I am working in my talents, gifts, and blessings, everything will work out. I have learned to keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep going. I have also learned to “be still” when it is necessary and to be obedient amongst the chaos. I want the world to know that Poetry Is Life Publishing is more than just a publishing company. It is a platform for those who feel that they are not listened, because I was that person who felt I wasn’t listened to so I set out to change that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Akron Civic Theatre is a wonderful spot. When you see the outside, you may think, “this isn’t much.” But when you go inside, you will be amazed by the beautiful space that you will see. It is a life changing experience. The Peanut Shoppe is an awesome space as well. Along with Summit Art Space. There are some beautiful parks as well. (Summit Lake)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can credit my success to God, blessing me with gifts and talents and people to help grow those gifts and talents. There are a number of people who have helped me and contributed to my mission and vision. My mother Judith A. Thomas Blakely, my father Kermitt Earl Blakely, my wife, Michelle Blakely, my three children: Jaylynay, Jaleeya, and Jason Blakely, Jr. My brother Christopher Blakely and sister Nina Williams. Mr. & Mrs. Owens, Officer Michael Gould, Michele Olivieri & Fred Cruz, Duane & Lisa Crabbs, Bobby Irwin, Joe Tucker, Phil Talty, Justin Book, Joe May, Jim & Melody Dietz, Pastor Curley Bryant & Mrs. Lois Bryant, Tony Gamblin, Valarie Pugh Peake, Larry Jackson, Julie Carneal, Michael D. Curry, John Glover, Michael Sparks, my ninth grade English teacher Mrs. Stewart and the many people who have contributed to the poetry compilation books, open mic readings, and events in and throughout the community.

And other family members after, Nina Williams. I would like to add Vincent Amodeo, Mr. Tuggle to the names of those who have helped me, along with Chiamaka Sentwaki. And I would also like to thank Howard and Francine Parr, Ivy Johnson, Breea Shephard, Joanne Isaac, Megan Mannion, and other Akron Public Schools staff. I would like to thank Nicole Mullet of ArtsNow, Heather Meeker of Summit Art Space, The Akron Community Foundation (John Garofalo), Ginny and Tom Knoll, Marge and staff from The Peanut Shoppe, Downtown Akron Partnership, and anyone else that has genuinely embraced me and my vision.

Website: www.poetryislifepublishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poetryislifepublishing/