Johnson Soldout 'Scattered' Interview | Respect The Author
Where are you from? Originally I'm from Bergenfield NJ, but I moved to Essex County recently.
Tell us the story of how you got into writing
I was always writing even before grade school. When I was young (and to this day) I had a very active imagination and I always wanted to write my own cartoon or book. I use to get in trouble all the time at grade school for writing or reading while the teacher was in the middle of a lesson. As I got older I started to write poems and rap verses because I had a very high interest in music and hopefully will make my own songs in the future. And went full focus on poetry once I got to university and joined the poetry club that was on campus after watching one of their showcases. Around 2016 I decided to take poetry on full time and decided to make a career out of it. I made the decision because after dropping out of university and working dead-end jobs a couple years, I was falling into the trap of being a wage slave and not enjoying my life. Writing and creating were and still are the type of things I love to do a majority of time, so I decided I needed to make that a bigger priority.
What was your favorite book growing up?
I have so many! Captain Underpants and Chet Gecko got multiple reads from me. Judy Blume's books and Calvin and Hobbes comics were very heavy in my reading rotation too.
What is your favorite book as an adult? Currently 50 Cent's Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter.
What is the name of your new book? The name of my new poetry book is called Scattered.
What inspired you to write the book? I wanted to share my work beyond an open mic setting.
Tell us more about your new book
Scattered is the very first poetry book of many to come from me. I named it Scattered for a various amount of reasons. One of them being that the poems in the book range from 2012 to 2019. Another reasons is it covers a wide range of topics between self-motivation, depression, funny personal stories and even erotic pieces. My work can be enjoyed by many, but I think my target audience is typically the 23-37 crowd trying to figure out life and finances.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?
To be honest I don't have a set location. I use to be a real Barnes and Noble/Café type of guy, but Covid ruined that. Most of my poems are crafted when I'm driving or in the shower and then I develop them in my room or wherever/whenever I have time. I'm usually playing hip hop music like MF Doom, Blu, The Alchemist or soul and funk music like Minnie Riperton or Curtis Mayfield something real relaxing or real dark and lo-fi sounding really helps get my creativity out.
Who needs to read this book?
Young black men, anyone who needs a laugh,anyone who needs inspiration and reassurance to live a life they aspire.
Who inspires you? My friends everytime they make moves to better themselves regardless if it's monetary or personal life. And as corny and cliche as it may sound, just living life. Day to day living inspires me to always try flip current events into witty poetry.
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?
It's vital! Books contain knowledge and keeps the mind thinking and creative. Most online media does the opposite
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?
Don't fall for the imposter syndrome and don't try to be perfect in any aspect of your dream. Anyone can do whatever they want if they believe and consistently work towards their goal.
Where can people find your new book?: https://linktr.ee/JohnsonSoldout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnsonsoldout/
Stereotype Co’s mission is to shine light on dreamers around the world.
Your support helps us continue make a difference.