Conversations with Richard Carranza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Carranza.

Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I was a kid. I only knew struggle, hard times and instability growing up. My childhood was filled with much of that but also love and learning to adapt with a survival mindset. We all have some obstacles in our lifetime along with roadblocks and setbacks. Perception is key to everything and when there is a will there is a way. My will was to never give up or quit. If I knew there was a way, I’d dig deep within myself to find the will. Having done many things and experiences as an adolescent is my reason to share my story. I share for the ones who can relate. I share for the ones who think they are a lost case. I share my story for inspiration to others like me or with a similar story of their own. Sometimes we don’t need to fit in because we don’t belong with the crowd. We shine in our own way all by ourselves. I got here today by choosing not to surrender and by one step at a time. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are moving, as long as you are.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve had many losses. I’ve had to deal with heartbreaks and being homeless. Right before my journey began I was going through a breakup which left me homeless, sleeping in my car and from time to time I would sleep in my friend’s back yard in a toolshed. As I found an apartment to live in, my Grandmother got sick and later passing away from cancer, just as I got accepted into the Creative Literature Initiative program at University of Southern California. Upon completing the course, my father was getting sick as well slowing declining. I was in and out of the hospital with him making sure he was getting the care he needed, but to also make sure he wasn’t alone. All the while constructing my manuscript for my first book, I had no computer. I wrote most of that publication on my phone or at the local library when I needed to. Shortly after, my father did pass away as well. That was the toughest part I had to go through in my life. I did lose myself for a bit, I spiraled out of control not caring for life and the people around me. However though, I kept going, I kept pushing on, I learned from my mistakes and here I am. Still I rise, still I write.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I write to spark a thought that wasn’t considered. I write with rhyme and reason to share a piece of my mind. I share my story through the art of poetry. I write to bring a purpose of awareness. If I’ve ignited something that wasn’t before, then I have fulfilled my purpose.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I worked for one company for about almost ten years of my life. When the time came I knew I was done devoting myself to this one job, this career I believed it to be, so I left. I didn’t just quit, I walked away. When I realized this job was draining my soul, spirit and the fulfillment of my purpose, I knew it was time for me to leave. I had nothing lined up, I had no next job waiting. I took a leap of faith and trusted it would all work out. I did the Postmates and the Uber eats just to maintain. Life is a risk and if you really want to live it, you got to take them. When I wanted to take the next step further with my writing, I took another risk to put myself out there. I began doing open mics. I took that risk to see where it would get me. I am grateful enough it landed me into the Creative literature initiative program at University of Southern California. This is where I learned many things of great poets and the process of publishing my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: c_r.i.c.h
• Youtube: Richard Carranza @c_r.i.c.h