MANdatory Awareness: Mr. Nolan P. Holloway

Nolan P. Holloway, Jr. began writing poetry  in 2010 at 51 years old. He joined multiple poetry sites to interact with fellow poets and has gone on to publish three books beginning in 2012, “Into My Rotation, A Collection of Scribes”, “Journey to The Poetic Light, Illuminations”, and “Life Between the Words”. Mr. Nolan’s work has been featured in both anthologies “Love is A Four Letter Word” and “Shades of the Same Skin”, as well as he has been a guest on internet radio shows “Sizzlin Sundays”, “DowntownHottRadio”, and “World Poetry” (Canada based).The poet has recited from his work at various events including, Do You Lyric Lounge and Lakewood Church of Hope. His books have been featured at the Gwinnett Public Library and can be found at MEDU bookstore at Greenbrier Mall. Mr. Scribe, as  he is known, received a 5-star review from Realistic Poetry International. Plus he co-hosts an internet radio show, “Level Up”. Meet our MANdatory Awareness spotlight below.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagger? What makes Mr. Nolan, Mr. Nolan?

Nolan: I was born and raised in Queens, New York, so swag is part of my DNA.  I have grown into a people person. Feeling comfortable in social settings has served me well personally and in business, but what is the essence of Nolan is that I am still seeking my purpose and asking God to continue to guide me through my struggles.

Fancy: So, were you retired when you began writing poetry? If so, what did you do prior to that?

Nolan: Not retired, I am still employed with Vallen Distribution as a National Account Associate, but planning on retirement within 10 years.

Fancy: What inspires your writing?

Nolan: What happens inside and outside of me.  I can be anywhere, and the words in my head form into poems.  At times nothing happens; I just simply wait until the flow starts.  When things in my life move me, a poem is not too far from being written. Also, I will write in different types of poetry on the internet poetry groups I have joined, and April just happens to be National Poetry Month.

Fancy: Who are some of your favorite poets and why?

Nolan: Langston Hughes, because of the way he was able to articulate through words the time that he lived in.  Racism and discrimination was part of his daily life, yet he was able to have the vision to see and write beautifully beyond his time.  That is what I aspire to do, to have my words live after me and make an impact.

Fancy: What sadness was there or is there in your life and how do you combat it?

Nolan: My third book, Life Between the Words was birthed from my Mother’s continued battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s and the sudden deaths of my brother and daughter.  Their passing was over a two-year span, and my Mother has been suffering for over ten years. As I grieved, the words just flowed, and I was able to articulate my sadness through my poems.  God provided this outlet for me to deal with some dark times. Even today I get saddened when I see my mother, and she doesn’t know who I am. I think of and my daughter and brother often. But my faith strengthens me.

Fancy: Do you feel there are many opportunities for poets?

Nolan: Here in Atlanta there are many outlets for poetry, but I am not a slam or performance poet.  I simply stand at a podium and recite the words with the emotion that I wrote them. Sharing my work is very gratifying every time there is an opportunity.

Fancy: What is the best advice you’ve received that impacted your path as a man?

Nolan: My Mom who was always praying told me this, “Always have your own, so you won’t be obligated to anyone”, and to take ownership for the choices you make.  And for good or bad, I have been able to live that. It has not been easy, but I continue to do that even today.

Fancy: Tell us a little about radio show, Level Up.

Nolan: Angee Corman, the host and a member of the church I attend, had me on the show twice as an author.  In November 2018, she asked if I would consider being the co-host. After having so many people tell me I have a “radio voice”, I accepted her offer.  The show is on internet radio, Sundays from 3-6 PM. The show is steadily growing followers. Our theme is ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Our audience feedback is that they enjoy our content.  Our current focus for our audience is on finances.

Fancy: What are your thoughts on the current state of the Black man?

Nolan: We are targets, but we, as men, need to look to God for true guidance.  This world has really nothing to offer but suffering and pain. What gives me hope is seeing my brothers living their faith.  I am not naïve to think that everyone is going to do that, but that is the path I have chosen.

Fancy: What advice would you give to other writers?

Nolan: Continue to write to find your voice.  No matter what type of genre you are in, read other writers to help with that process.  We live in a time where knowledge is so accessible. Take advantage of it.

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming projects or events that you care to share?

Nolan: Yes, writing book number four, but there is no theme or concept.  I am just writing the poems as they come to me. The process of putting it together will come later.

Connect with Mr. Nolan below.  

Website:  nolanphollowayjr.com

Twitter:  @nolanpholloway

Tumblr:  yesiscribe

Instagram:  gman2k

Pinterest:  nholloway.scribe@gmail.com

Facebook:  Take a View of My Rotation