Deep Breaths

by Leo Shelton

Deep Breaths explores love and living in a way that begs us to also breathe deeply. Indeed, as we breathe in sync with those things that touch Leo Shelton's life, they inevitably touch ours as well. "I write with a deep fascination of life and my own life beats," comments Shelton. "I love and live in a way that begs me to also breathe deeply."

140 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2009

About the author

A writer, author, poet, educator, scholar, and a self-proclaimed life long learner and student of life, he credits his mom (Carolyn – “Tug”) as the most influential connection and influence on his creative foundation. Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, he began to journal, write short stories and poetry at the very early age of 10 years old. It was there, surrounding his emotional development, through the exposure to such substantive and creative arts of Fisk University, his mother and god-mother’s alma mater, and Tennessee State University, his father’s alma mater, that his first interests in the arts took anchor, through such influences as the Jubilee Singers and local playwrights and visual arts. He entered a couple of local and national poetry writing contests, and actually won a couple of awards. This solidified the quest to one day write and publish.

Often labeled as a renaissance, he cautiously credits influences of such legends as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes and Marlon Riggs as having a major impact on his desire and creative expression, because “as powerful as those influences are, music, politics, love, life and so much of my culture, development and exposure, I think, also influences from where the words flow.” He additionally credits such influences as Robert Hayden, Richard Wright, Walt Whitman, and Paul Laurence Dunbar as big ones as well. Asked what or who he is reading or following these days, he comments, “Common, and Mos Def and Floetry are all doing their thing in a way that is bringing poetry to the forefronts, through music and song that is so impressive.” He’s also a huge fan of Terrance Hayes and his work. “And one of my personal favorites is the unbelievably talented, Tim’m West – he and his work are incredibly intoxicating.” With such a respect for the legends and a connection to the new – it’s no wonder this up and coming artists is already being labeled a renaissance force.

He is an adjunct faculty member at a number of universities, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in business, finance, organizational behavior, management, and economics, and creative writing, and a freelance consultant and course developer. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management (Magna Cum Laude), an MBA in International Management, an MPA in Government Programs Management (Cum Laude) and an MBA in Financial Management, and he recently completed a Master’s of Arts in Organizational Management (MAOM). He’s completed two years of law school and is currently taking a break from pursuing a PhD program. He resides right outside of the Washington, DC area and is the proud owner of Tugson Press.

He’s the author of RHYTHMS – Poetry and Muse, Soul-Full – Poetry, and MBG – Men Who are Black and Happen to be Gay. His work has appeared in Essence Magazine, on DivineCaroline.com, and on GBMNews.com, and he was the first place, Gold Medalist winner of the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) in poetry for RHYTHMS. In addition to this award, RHYTHMS – Poetry and Muse, and MBG, were also finalists in the 2008 Next Generation Indie Books Awards.

Reviews

[ccqdesigns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived for the last 17 years with a former Marine whose main expression of emotion is a wan smile and a quick nod of the head, I was shaken awake by the raw, demanding, cheek reddening words thrown at me by Leo Shelton from his new book of poetry. I was not expecting a male of our species to show such surprising depth of feeling. He took me on a roller coaster ride in my imagination from smooth New Orleans jazz to the hot streets of Amsterdam and everything in between; and all of this couched in love and honor and understanding.

I know what I am getting grandma for Christmas this year, a copy of this book. She needs a little shaking up! And all us women need to know that men like Leo do exist and we all want one like him for Christmas. Or maybe we have men like him; they just don’t have any idea how to express themselves as eloquently as Leo Shelton does. So, I am giving a copy to my husband too, maybe he will get the hint and at least give me a big smile!

[Jennifer Osterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually gravitate towards poetry that is very visual, so I was surprised to discover how much I liked Mr. Shelton's lyrical, musical way with words. I found his potry to be filled with emotion and strong rhythms that brought to mind actual melodies. His writing is very powerful, and he covers a wide variety of topics in this book. I do recommend it, highly.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of poetry is great when you need to relax, calm down, or unwind. Maybe that's why they titled it "Deep Breaths"! The poetry is easy to relate to, so reading a few at a time is soothing. My favorite section is the Deep Breaths section.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that the poetry covered real topics and was easy to understand (I am lost usually in a lot of poetry). It has a very rhythmic quality that I enjoyed.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This as an intresting book of poetry. It could pertain to anyone. I can see how it could fit the averge persons life.

[Janae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not able to connect with the poetry but I do feel that it would have translated better for me if I saw it performed by the author who is obviously talented. I wish Mr. Shelton continued success.

[deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

not quite my style--but that's part of poetry you either fly with it or not--just didn't personally connect with the language or subject