DT:  Please tell the Blackrefer.com readers a little about your background. Where you're from? How long you've been writing? When and Why you started your literary career?
SL: I'm from Yemassee. A small, quiet, family-oriented town in the Low Country of South Carolina. It's like Cheers--"a place where everybody knows your name"; the people are friendly, warm, and loving. It’s the perfect place to call Home and enjoy your family. I have been writing for most of my life--it started in the 4th grade with a short story assignment.

I've been writing ever since. I started writing poetry at the age of 14 (I'm now 23.); my first poem was “What Do They Know?” I believe a conversation I had with a friend of mine the previous day inspired it. Being young adolescents, we were tired of people talking about us; talking things they do nothing about so decided to make stuff up.To me, writing is like an escape—it allows me to fantasize, create, and express myself while connecting me with others on a personal, emotional, and spiritual level.

DT: Your book, Sayings of a Soul: A Collection of Poetry, is a wonderful work of poetry. Where did you get ideas for your poems?
SL: Many of the pieces in Sayings of a Soul were inspired by personal experiences in my life and the lives of some of my close acquaintances. Some of the others were created through imagination only; they resemble scenarios that I want to be in or situations I’ve been in and should have gone another way. In short, the selections reflect the feelings and situations we all experience in relationships with our family, friends, and lovers. Life, in general.

DT:  I found myself reading some of your poems over and over! I especially enjoyed the simplicity of "Insecurities", and the whimsical "C Me." Which one is your favorite?
SL:  I do not have a personal favorite. But if I did, it would have to be between “Trapped In My World,” “Voice of a Soul,” or one I recently finished--when I was writing it, I had no idea as to what it was about, where I was going with it…and I didn’t have a title. All I knew was that it was funny and filled with anger.

When I went to restructure it, I was reminded of the now infamous interview between Wendy Williams and Whitney Houston; it was then the title hit me: “To Wendy; Luv, Whitney.” My favorite between “Insecurities” and “C Me” would have to be “C Me” because it represents more of who I am as an individual. I believe in being true to myself, and as my friends would say, “I keep it real.” I want people to know me for who I am, not for whom they think I am or for whom they think I should be.

DT:  In what type of environment do you find it easy to write? Why?
SL: I think every writer has their favorite environment to write in, but for me it varies. I like to write in a dimly lit room, where I am relaxed and away from outside stimuli and distractions. Therefore, it’s usually late at night when it's quiet and I'm comfortable. Although, believe it or not, many of my ideas come at times when I don’t have pen and paper: Times like driving on the interstate and when I’m taking a shower. And that’s all I’m going to say about that one. lol

DT:  Some of your pieces invoked strong emotions, and I wondered how they would sound if read aloud. Do you ever attend any spoken word events?
SL:  I’ve attended a few spoken word events, and people have told me about a few that are approaching; hopefully, I will be able to attend a few of them. I think that some of the poems are best read silently, but there are those that I love to read aloud--some allow me to get in "character." I have also had the pleasure of hearing a few people read my work; it’s amazing, they bring a different voice and aspect to the pieces. I hear things, that even as the writer, I never thought about.

DT: How successful have you been in marketing and promoting your work? Do you belong to any writers' groups? Do you have a publicist? Or do you feel they're needed?
SL: I’m new to all of this, so marketing and promoting has been slow and locally focused, but I am learning new things and networking all the time. Word-of-mouth by people who have read Sayings of a Soul has been a great vehicle for promotion; just by people talking about it and referring it to their friends. Now that we’ve established our “core,” I am now focusing on branching out in terms of marketing and promoting, so we’ll see how that goes.

I do not belong to any writers’ groups, but I do have a “circle of talent”---many of my friends are talented, creative individuals (writers, actors, singers, etc.) and we are constantly inspiring each other and giving feedback.So far, I have not been able to find a publicist, but I am always keeping my eyes and ears open. I view a working relationship as a friendship; the vibe/connection has to be present, and there needs to be that level of trust and understanding.

DT: What's next for Syieve Locklair? Any upcoming works? And are there literary events scheduled?
SL: Hmm…what’s next? Maybe a chance to do a “Got Milk?” ad or one of NBC’s “The More You Know” spots…or is it the time where I shout, “I’m going to Disneyworld!” Ok, seriously….I recently relocated to New York and I have started working towards my graduate degree in Counseling; also, I have started auditioning for various roles —so you could be seeing me on the silver screen or on stage somewhere.

In regards to writing, I am constantly working; I have written quite a few poems since the publication of Sayings of a Soul, but the next collection doesn’t feel complete yet. In addition, I have started editing a teen novel I wrote and I am in the process of compiling a wedding music guide---I love music and memories! Also, we’re putting together what we call “Book-A-Ware” Parties; they are like Tupperware Parties, but for books. At this present time, I do not have any scheduled literary events, but I always list events and updates on my website: http://www.geocities.com/sayingsofasoul.

DT:  Any final comments?
SL: I would like to thank Blackrefer.com and Delores Thornton for giving me this opportunity. And a very special thanks to Ms. Thornton for taking time out of her busy schedule to read my work; I greatly appreciate it…Thank you! I don’t want to sound like I’m at an awards show, but I would also like to thank my family (especially my mother---a true blessing), my friends, and my fans (I can say that now!) for their continued support, wishes, and love. And rest assured….You ain’ seen nothing, yet; the best is yet to come!

We here at Blackrefer will certainly be looking forward to seeing you in the bookstores everywhere. And, keep us informed on your advances toward the big screen. It has been a pleasure speaking with you and we pray for your continued success.