SPOT LIGHT ON: Stephen Earley Jordan,II
 Stephen Earley Jordan, II laughs as he remembers when he discovered his interest in writing. "I was in the sixth grade and my sister and I would have poetry contests and my mother would judge. My mother thought I was copying other writers work and said, 'Do you know what plagiarism is?'" Stephen went on a personal mission to prove to his mother that he indeed had the talent to create great poetry.
Stephen writes some poetry for the purpose of spoken word and some for literary works to be read. "People often want to bottleneck me into a category. I do not consider myself a certain "kind" of writer. I am a writer and enjoy various genres." Stephen admits that he does not have a set creative process, but notes that during the Summer he often kicks into "manic mode" and thoughts and ideas seem to flow more during this time. He often spends time outdoors, particularly in the park just watching and observing people's behavior. "I notice subtle things that others may miss and I use these observations to bring realism to my writing."
In 2001, Stephen founded Outstretch Publications, a home-based freelance business with multi-cultural appeal and a bi-monthly newsletter. Stephen recognizes the plight of inner city youth and the challenges that they face. "I am personally taking courses to prepare myself for involvement with foster care. There are so many kids out there and no one is devoting any time to them. I want to make myself available to them."
Stephen is also working on ways to get minorities into college and maintain a steady and flourishing retention rate. To those young adults who are striving to reach their dream of being a writer Stephen offers this advice: "When people say, 'Oh, you want to become a writer?' Respond, 'No. I am a writer. Don't be afraid to experiment in different genres, don't limit yourself. When people make negative comments don't let them discourage you. Use the negative comments to make you stronger and more determined. Most importantly, come up with your own voice."
Remember, Stephen was on a mission to prove to his mother that he had his own voice. Mission accomplished. Stephen currently works with the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene as an editorial production coordinator.
Read Stephen's writing on www.timbooktu.com.
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