We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Conney Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Conney below.

Conney, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

moving to california from shreveport. 1981. i had been in the air force from 1975-79. but i was stationed in my hometown my entire enlistment. i worked as a disc jockey in clubs and a couple radio stations. after a bad breakup, i decided to move to Los Angeles. i’d never been that far away from home in my life. I didn’t know anyone who lived there. but i believed that i could make it there as a songwriter. i asked my mother if we had any family in Los Angeles. She contacted a cousin (whom I’d never met before) and asked if I could stay with them for a while until i got on my feet. I didn’t know what to expect. but i hopped on the Greyhound bus with $300 to my name and a bag of Columbian Gold. i bounced from one cousin’s house to another to my great uncle’s studio apartment off Central Avenue and 42nd Place. it took 14 months before i was on my own in Los Angeles and I’ve never looked back. I released a Christian rap record in 1985 which didn’t go over well. But this was only the beginning of an incredible journey that could’ve only been possible because I moved to Los Angeles. My whole life has been predicated upon taking risks on myself. That makes me the safest bet i know.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

this is kind of difficult. knowing where to begin this story. everything we do in this life is linear. i believe that I’ve been on this LIFE journey as a creative. When I was young growing up in Shreveport, La., I didn’t think about IT in those terms; that I was on some kind of journey or making some contribution to this world. I couldn’t see the journey or myself on that journey for most of my early years; although I was already being intentional about the direction I wanted to take. Everything I did in life placed me before others as the person who would ask or say what others were unwilling or afraid to do. I’ve been writing as far back as I have memories. My parents had eleven children and we slept two or three to a bed. But I’d be up late writing my thoughts, questioning my existence, and expressions I thought could never exist anywhere else in the universe. I’ve grown a lot since those early years in a place where I never felt at home; to now living in Los Angeles since 1981 and becoming a contributor to it’s literary community. I met Michael Datcher at an open reading in Pasadena and he invited me to The World Stage in Leimert Park. The rebirth that took place upon becoming a member of the Anansi Writers Workshop changed the trajectory of my life. I had been a Pentecostal preacher for many years prior to attending the workshop. I’ve published three books of poetry, “Leaves of Spilled Spirit from an Untamed Poet”, “Blues Red Soul Falsetto”, and “The Distance of Observation”. I released two critically acclaimed cds of my poetry accompanied by music; “River&Moan” and “Unsettled Waters.”
In 2014, Hiram Sims and I cofounded World Stage Press (WSP); which continues to make strides as a relevant small press in Southern California. The Los Angeles Library purchased several copies of WSP catalog for circulation.
I’m proud of the risks that I’ve taken because I’ve seen my greatest growth and peace whenever I do so. I will always strive to be the most authentic version of myself no matter where this journey takes me. I would be most disappointed if I didn’t take the risk to become the man I am. never a spectator in this lifetime.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

the mission of my creative journey is to be the most authentic representation of who I’m supposed to be. this manifests personally in the way i continually question my intentions. i never want to be an artist with a facade. an alter ego. there’s much debate about this because as artists, there are many impediments to actually becoming sustainable in whatever it is that you do; there’s a limited amount of resources available and everyone won’t become a megastar. so should i be an artist who chases money & celebrity or integrity and most likely a life of struggle; financial and otherwise. some wonder whether it’s a choice or not; as though talent alone determines how these things play out. as for me, I’ve never been an artist motivated by anything that would require me to compromise my integrity for thirty pieces of silver. I’ve turned down opportunities that I couldn’t do in good conscience. I want to continually find ways to be my authentic self while contributing in effectual ways to my community and family.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of what I do, is seeing the positive influence/effect upon others. there are many times i have questioned choices and decisions. to receive that type of encouragement from others, that they appreciate what you’re creating and giving. this is of immense value in my life. I’m a self motivated person, disciplined, and at the same time, I’ve experienced such joy and validation from many who have read my books, heard me read in person, or saw a video of me performing. Although I don’t seek it out, I believe it’s a mechanism the universe uses to replenish itself; this type of encouragement and support that we can potentially give to one another as we traverse this world. It’s such a special thing to help others realize a dream and the gratitude they express.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dredconney
• Facebook: conney williams; conney; blues red soul falsetto
• Linkedin: conney williams
• Twitter: dredcon
• Youtube: conney williams; conney d. williams

Image Credits
first photo: alexis rhone fancher