My interview with Ms. Tiffany Rae Starkey was inspired after reading her article, “Saving Grace for Surviving Homelessness,” on the Zealousness blog. Ms. Starkey developed a passion for education, reading, and writing by going to her local library every day. She was determined to write and go to college to finish her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In her journey, she has dealt with the challenges of homelessness by not giving up. She discusses what she had to do to get her transcripts and describes how awesome she felt to take and finish her open poetry course because she knew it would allow her to transfer her credits. She used the resources she had in the library by reading and writing books, and submitting her poetry and stories to websites like Star. She is an inspiration in determination and progress by facing problems with tenacity as she stated in her March 6th article, “Apply Myself: Education During Homelessness.” She would get up and keep her day going by going to the library and putting pen to paper as she consistently believed in herself. She believed in her purpose as a writer. She gained the confidence she needed to never quit. This is her testimony of unyielding strength because she never stopped believing in her childhood dreams. I ask all readers to read Ms. Tiffany Rae Starkey’s articles on the Zealousness blog.
- What is your favorite book and when did you start writing?
I think I am still working on this question, but I like Best Loved Fairy Tales by Walter Crane. One side of the book contains fairy tales, and the other side contains poems, like “My Shadow.”
- How did you develop a love of children’s books and do you read young adult fiction?
I guess I’m just still a kid at heart. I don’t see why not to read them. I read Harry Potter, so yes.
- Do you like to keep a journal and do you enjoy art, music, or theatre?
At times I keep a journal. It’s a good habit that worked for me in college. Sometimes it’s not as methodical as I would like. I get notebooks, but I end up turning to a blank page to write a phone number or something of the like.
I love music! It’s a big part of my writing.
I’m an artist. I draw, sketch, and do some digital work. I take photos. I also really appreciate the art others put out there. Florida Grecco in Bullhead City, AZ/Laughlin, NV gave me a chance to put my art up at her gallery with some fantastic artists. Looking back, I realize that when you have artistic ability, you can’t compare yourself.
I enjoy theater. I’ve been to a few shows. I’ve seen some Shakespeare, and I remember A Night of One Acts included a short play on nationalism.
- What is your goal in college?
My goal in college is to chip at my craft. I want to be consistent. I want to produce work–not just complete assignments.I want to enjoy the journey of learning and take lasting lessons that I can apply. For example, at Mesa, I learned how to stay consistent enough to write a full book of unpublished poems on my own.
- What do you want to major in?
I want to major in English.
- Who is your favorite writer?
My favorite writer? Samuel Taylor Coleridge–I love “The Rime of Ancient Mariner.” The guy who wrote “Soft” in Weird Tales by Darrell Schweitzer. Maybe Blake.
- Do you self-publish for other writing websites?
I self-publish on Star.
- Have you ever received a writing internship or a writing job?
No.
- What is your ideal career?
My ideal job–a freelance writer.
- What advice do you give to other writers?
I would tell other writers to 1. Keep writing even when you feel like you can’t or you aren’t any good at it. 2. Write what is in your heart. Don’t write what you think sounds good. You need to be authentic. 3. Share when the time is right.
- Do you have any updates on how your classes are going and have you started working on your Bachelor’s degree yet?
I’m over half way with both of my classes. No, I haven’t, though this is my Bachelor’s work–independent learning.
- Also, what would you tell those who have lost all hope in their abilities and lost hope in life in general, what advice would you give to them?
I would tell them to go to their heart. Pull out what hidden resources you have and look at what seems obvious, as it might be a resource that is taken for granted. Relationships are important–relationships with one’s God, loved ones, and artistic mediums.
In conclusion, Ms. Starkey is articulate and knows what she wants to do in life. She did not let people or anything get in her way of completing her Associates degree either. Her goal to become a Freelance Writer can be achieved because of her drive to never stop writing. I am proud to say that she is achieving each goal one step at a time.
