Student Authors New Book on Poetry

“Writing is my way to subtly ‘spill tea’ or just keep myself sane, processing life. I couldn’t stop writing if I wanted to,” says DeAndra Merrills, junior English major at Southwestern Adventist University.

Merrills shared her first original book Daily Dose, a complied a book of poems, with the world in May 2017. The book has no underlying theme or concept since it was collected over time, and because of this, the mood and style of each poem changes from page to page.  

“I wish I had a word or phrase to sum it up, but I really don’t,” Merrills admits. “There’s some heartbreak ones, a few religious, lovey-dovey ones and so on. I have a Context section at the front where I try to categorize them as best as possible. It’s called Daily Dose because everyone’s drink order is different. I think there is a little something for everyone.”

A hobby that grew on her over time, Merrills considers herself an avid poet and plans to continue writing in the future. However, despite her love for writing she does not see herself creating a future career out of it. Her plan is to become a teacher sharing her knowledge and passion with her students; she sees publishing books as a great way to further her career goals as a teacher.

“There was a time when I thought I could just spit out books and live off that, but that’s a little unrealistic for me,” she clarifies. “I didn’t publish for money and I don’t think I ever will, which is why I consider it more a hobby than career.”

Regardless of her stance when it comes to publishing her work, Merrills loves writing and has every intention to keep it up until she has a good reason to stop.

She published her book through CreateSpace, owned by Amazon, and sells it directly through them.  Amazon is not the only way to order her book however, Merrills also sells a copy on her website, deandramerrills.com, and on the Barnes and Noble’s website.  

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