Today we’d like to introduce you to William Bolyard.
Hi William, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started creating short stories when I was a kid to pass the time on the bus, I wasn’t the best student growing up but I read a lot of classic literature. I didn’t start writing professionally till about three years ago when I was published in a poetry anthology book, after that I started to compile my own poetry collection.
I was finishing my last couple of years in the army when I found out my poetry book was going to get published. After the book came out I started writing for a couple of online magazines on travel articles and book reviews which I found to really enjoy. Now I’m working on multiple articles, poetry recorded albums, finishing my 2nd book, and outlining my first novel. I don’t see myself doing anything else for as long as I live.
In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, snowboarding, traveling to strange places, camping out of my van, listening to vinyl records, and occasionally gambling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a long hard road to get here and I’m still hitting bumps along the way. The literary industry isn’t what it used to be so it’s hard for poetry authors to find representation or publishers right now. Most writers I know have side jobs to keep the dream alive and I’m no different.
My biggest struggle at first was formatting and editing because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Luckily I had really great editors and mentors that kept me on track.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a writer, known for my poetry but also have some really great articles out. Slowly transitioning to short stories and novels but poetry will always be my true love. I’m proudest of the book that I recently finished because it is something completely different from what I know people are going to love.
Essentially a poetry collection written by a fictional character told through song lyrics. It will still have traditional poetry but it will have ten original songs that I wrote. What sets me apart from most writers is that I was never supposed to succeed. I’m a poor boy from West Virginia who joined the Army to escape poverty and jail. I have little to no college education, no real formal training, and just a love of art and literature. That and the love of adventure.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for any young writer is simple. Find what you love and let it kill you. Go out in the world experience life, talk to people, see strange things, listen to truly great music, and love with a fiery hot passion. Then come back and tell everyone about it, maybe get a good editor along the way.
I wish someone would have told me to be a little more disciplined when I first started. It’s the importance of writing every single day and maybe don’t write under the influence too much.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @justbuck__
Image Credits:
Edward Crocker
