Interview: Poet Jon M. Nelson, Author of ‘Reflections of Life’

I am always honored to interview authors. Today I am especially happy to interview Jon M. Nelson, whose book of poetry Reflections of Life won a Readers’ Favorite 2014, award. Jon’s English teacher inspired him in a huge way. In addition to sharing his talent through his poetry, he serves in the military.

Tell me about yourself.

I was born and raised in Minnesota for the majority of my life, and I still consider it home. I joined the Army at 20 years old. Since then I have called many places home and have traveled the world on several occasions. In my spare time, when I’m not busy as a soldier, I share my deepest and personal thoughts in the form of poetry.

I have written many poems to honor my brothers and sisters in arms, but I have written so much more than that. Whether it’s a love poem for my wife, a spiritual salute to God, a praise to children and family, or even an inspiring tale to uplift humanity, my poetry touches on so many subjects that it can be read and shared by so many audiences, even if they’ve never been a fan of poetry. I hope that my writing will in some way make an impact on the world, and make it a better place, even if it can just change or inspire one person.

I am currently stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and reside in Clarksville, Tennessee. I am looking to retire from the military within the next couple years, and my family and I have decided to settle down in Clarksville and make it our permanent home.

What inspired you to become a writer? 

One of my biggest influences for writing was my high school English teacher, Mrs. Niemi. She asked me one if I ever considered taking up writing as a career, she said I had a great imagination, and I showed a lot of promise. That stuck with me. I had written many poems since high school, and people who had read my work said I should get them published in a book. I self-published my first book, Changing Moods, in 2010 and I have worked on other projects since.

How long did it take you to acquire the skills to become a writer?

I am still honing my skills. I learn something new every day, and I’m always curious about what I can do to improve.

How many books have you written? 

I have solely written and published two books so far, but I have my third at my publisher now, and I’m hoping it will be available soon. I am also a contributor and co-author of three other books, and I’m always willing to be a part of other projects, especially if the proceeds go to a good cause.

Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity? 

I pretty much get my inspiration from anywhere. I could be talking to my wife or daughter, listening to the radio, driving down the road etc. If an idea hits me, I try to write it down immediately, before I forget. My inspiration can hit me at any time, so I’m always prepared to write something down.

What are you working on now? 

I’m stepping out of my comfort zone, and taking my chance at a novel. It is slowly but surely coming together. I have actually been working on this project for a couple years now. It’s very different from writing a few poems and putting them into an anthology. I also have a few ideas for some short stories, so I may do a collection of those down the road as well.

Where can readers find more information about you and your books?  

A lot of advertisement and promotion of my work has been through word of mouth from my fans. If people want to get really in depth about me or my work, they can go on my website and read my bio and also find links to my writing and books. The real social media people can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

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