Kezia Arterberry

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm Kezia - Most just call me Kizzy. I am an Arizona native, born and raised. A few things I really enjoy is spending time with my family, mediation, going for walks, listening to or performing spoken word poetry and cheering on my Green Bay Packers and Phoenix Suns!

When and why did you start writing books?

You know, there's a chance I came out the womb with a pen and paper in hand. Honestly though, I've been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, like 7 to 10 years old, I remember folding printer papers in half, topped with construction paper, stapling it through the middle and writing and illustrating my little books. As a teenager, I don't think I ever really had a desire to write books for real. But, I was always writing and was encouraged to do so. And one day, with the encouragement and support of my mom, my first book, Brokennedy was self-published in 2010.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I honestly don't think I ever dreamed or desired to be a writer as a career or have more than one book published. But, once I was introduced to Spoken Word Poetry my junior year of High School, I knew that writing was going to be a special part of my life. Writing combined with the art of spoken word gave me life! I found confidence to say everything I'd once been too shy and afraid to say. It's a great way to share my story and hopefully inspire and empower others. And, that is why I continue to write and publish books even after I think to myself, this is the last one.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I have to say my latest book, Let's Be Real, is my favorite, for many reasons. It is by far been the most challenging and yet the most exciting project to release. My latest book is a collection of poetry, written as if I am standing on stage reciting it. And the poetry is real and it's raw. The poetry is literally inspired by my life experience and thought's that have crossed my mind as I battled through episodes of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and more. Not only am I exposing the realm me, but I'm sharing the upside to mystruggle. The victory. Because my testimony is just as real as the struggle.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Let's Be Real takes the W again. You know, as I mentioned it was definitely the most challenging to release. Many of the poems, I wrote when I was either in or coming out of dark times in my life. These were moments when I was as my lowest of lows and didn't have the courage to tell anybody that I needed help. There is something quite beautiful about finally finding the courage to express that pain and share it with the world. Even though these feeling and emotions I wrote about didn't just happen yesterday, there's still something so freeing about knowing it's out there now. And if there is a next time, I don't think I'll be as afraid to reach out for help the moments I need it. It stretched me as a writer, because I had to be vulnerable during the writing and publishing and it will continue to stretch me, because I am outside of my comfort zone, the more people read and learn what kind of thoughts were going through my mind.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Oh man! I can never just choose one. How about 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction? At the moment, my favorite author is Mel Robbins! I have really enjoyed her book called The Five Second Rule. My favorite author of all time is V.C. Andrews! My favorite books by V.C. Andrew's is Rain and The End of the Rainbow

What book are you reading right now?

Nothing at the moment. However, the book I'd like to read next is The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I'm inspired most by life experience. Some personal and other's from what I witness.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my free time you can catch me somewhere outdoors and around people. If I'm not out walking the park, the mall or trying a new restaurant or coffee shop then I'm probably in my car exploring a nearby city or at home reading or blogging. Every now and then I'll binge watch a new TV show.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I just released my new book Let's Be Real: The Secrets of My Heart Exposed. It's actually now available on Amazon in E-book and Paperback! This has been the scariest and most exciting book to release. I'm really excited to share this poetry with you all!