Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Dawson.
Hi Will, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I fell in love with words when I was three years old.
My mom would have us read bible stories when we were young and the word “Babylon” made me laugh. I had no idea what it meant but my mom was so proud that I could pronounce it. Her being proud made me want to know more words. All words. Over the years I won spelling bees, won prizes in limerick contests, and at ten years old won first place in a short story competition. My seventh-grade teacher, Mr. Morris, told me I had a gift for writing. His confidence in my words placed me on the path to where I am now, writing words for a living.
I’m a writer and editor. I’ve written for the same publications as literary icons Langston Hughes and Dr. Maya Angelou. I’ve written cover stories for major magazines. My gift has placed me in so many rooms, writing speeches for presidents, CEOs and politicians. I wrote for The Recording Academy for five years, and amplified brands like Lexus and McDonald’s. Artists I grew up admiring have spoken words I’ve written.
All because of that one time my mom was proud of the way I spelled a word from the bible. Thinking about it makes it feel surreal. Knowing how much I’ve accomplished makes me feel proud of my journey. Makes me love words even more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing about my journey has been smooth. I was born in Harlem to a birth mother that was addicted to drugs, immediately placed in foster care and wasn’t adopted until I was six. Because of her addiction, I was born with vision issues that forced me to have multiple surgeries before I even made it to kindergarten. My birth father was supposed to come get me on my 6th birthday but didn’t show up. I’ve suffered with abandonment issues since that day. It’s affected almost all of my relationships.
My adopted family was amazing, raising me as one of their own. I’ll always be grateful for them for that. But I never felt like I belonged. Never looked like them. Never felt like I was really part of their family. I think that’s what made me fall in love with words, knowing they couldn’t hurt me. Knowing they would never leave me. That they would “show up” when I needed them to, and gave me a true voice when I didn’t feel I was good enough to speak.
Thankfully my birth father reached out to me a few years ago on social media, and introduced me to my family. It changed my life, meeting my siblings (I have ten of them), seeing people that looked like me, that were proud to claim me. My tribe.
Do I still have issues that I’m working on with a therapist? I sure do. But I also have this new chapter to explore, thanks to my father, and for that I will forever be grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a journalist by trade. I love telling stories that most people wouldn’t be willing or able to tell. One of my writing mentors, who was also my boss at the nonprofit I used to work for, was an amazing writer. I sat in awe reading his words. What he helped me with most is developing a rhythm to my writing. To mine stories for accuracy while also getting the best out of my subjects. He always made sure to remind me to tell the truth. Their truth.
The magazine I wrote for took me all over the country, writing about teenagers who developed their own branding or that excelled in science. I spoke to nonprofit leaders that changed their communities. It was a great training ground.
It prepared me for the moment that finally made me feel like I was official. That I was really doing this for real: interviewing the legendary Harry Belafonte. I remember it like was yesterday. It was a snowstorm in New York, and I was scheduled to meet him at a restaurant and interview him about how he won his battle with prostate cancer. I was prepared. Had all my questions ready.
But because of the storm I didn’t think he would show. Well, he did. And what was supposed to be a quick Q&A turned into a three-hour breakfast. I was so nervous, recorder in hand, notebook on the table. I remember he looked at me, saw my writing tools, and told me to put them down and pull up a plate. Said he would talk to me after WE had breakfast. I had to sit close to absorb every word he spoke with his gravelly voice. I’m sure I pinched myself more than once to let myself know it was real. I got my interview that morning, but I also got a really dope history lesson over oatmeal and croissants.
I also had my rhythm. My writing rhythm. It’s my greatest professional memory to this day, because it’s the day I knew I was a journalist for real.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ve worked in Hollywood for over a decade now. Moved to Los Angeles when I was 40 years old. Wanted a change. Wanted to write for television and film. I’ve been able to do that almost consistently, which makes me feel fulfilled. I started my own apparel line, the write. collection. It’s tees and hoodies and coffee mugs and yoga mats that will hopefully inspire folks to do what the logo says: write. Which is also a tattoo I got for my birthday one year.
I’ve ghostwritten books for CEOs. I’ve served as editor for different books, making sure the author told their best stories. I’ve interviewed some of the hottest celebrities this town has seen. I was even on a reality show once, interviewing gospel royalty. That was fun.
I have a food podcast titled Dawson Eats America. I’m always looking to place a spotlight on Black chefs and creatives. That’s definitely something I’d love to collaborate on.
There’s still things I want to do in LA: be in a writers room for a television production, shadow a filmmaker and learn from them as they go about making their magic happen.
I also want to write books. I wrote one at the beginning of the pandemic titled “The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a Global Pandemic.” It was supposed to be a series, and it still might be, but I have other books I need to complete.
One is a coffee table book about Black fathers and their sons, and the relationships that run the gamut from good, bad and missing. I’m always looking for Black men who want to tell their stories, whether it’s about their relationship with their dad or their sons. I can see it. I just need to finish it.
I’ve also been attempting to tell my own story, from being adopted when I was 6 to meeting my birth family at a later age. It feels like there are always chapters being added to that book.
There’s a million things I haven’t done, but the things I’ve been able to accomplish, the things I’ve been privileged to be part of, could fill a book. My story is pretty dope. Now I have to sit down, concentrate, and tell it. In my own words.
Pricing:
- An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a Global Pandemic: https://www.amazon.com/Introverts-Guide-Surviving-Global-Pandemic-ebook/dp/B0876G6CKW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Y7FRYBE3PDJ2&keywords=an+introvert%27s+guide+to+surviving+a+global+pandemic&qid=1656647106&sprefix=an+introvert%27s+guide+to+surviving+a+global+pandemic%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-1
- The write. collection: https://dawsons-ink-designs.creator-spring.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dawsoninkonline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawsonink/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZVdHG-GUJ7WkHpVM1JCTJg
