ELISSA GABRIELLE: Using Her Words To Take The World By Storm

by Cyrus Webb

At a time when it seems as though many are allowing the world to change them, poet/author/publisher Elissa Gabrielle is creating her own moves and inspiring others along the way.

It's hard to believe that its been six years since I last profiled the woman who has not only thrilled readers herself but given us some of the greatest books through the authors she publishes. When she was featured in Conversations Magazine back in 2006 we were able to talk about her personal journey to get to a place where she was not just identifying a dream but living it. Fast forward to 2012, and the only thing that has changed is that her dream has gotten bigger and her territory has expanded in ways no one could have predicted.

How has she been able to not only stay relevant but build a brand that is not just respected but gets better with each release? Elissa agreed to talk about this and so much more in our conversation for the anniversary issue of Conversations Magazine.

ELISSA GABRIELLE ON THE JOURNEY:
"Everything that we do in life is already written by God to do. I am charged to do what I do. I believe this is a calling. My job is to bring forth wonderful talent and to touch people's lives this way. It's a part of my life's journey. Sometimes its a labor of labor, but there is an honor in doing it because it's bigger than myself."

ELISSA ON PEACE IN THE STORM PUBLISHING:
"The song is based on a song by my dad Joe Thomas written when I was nine years old. The music and melody just touched me. I went on to write a poem called Peace In The Storm. [Through it] I want to be able to produce words can help you through the storms in life."

Elissa, do you see the name of the business as a daily reminder of what is possible?
"Absolutely. Your perspective of life does depend on the lens that you're looking through. If you have the correct perspective that under no certain terms you will not be defeated then there is a peace in any storm that you go through in life."

ELISSA ON THE AUTHORS SHE HAS HELPED TO PUBLISH:
"I hear the gratitude, and It's very humbling. We can't do this alone. We need each other to do this the right way. I work with some really talented people. I have authors that are just so good that they don't even know how good they are. They take the craft very seriously. It's an honor to work with them. "

Elissa, in 2006 when you were first profiled in Conversations Magazine, I asked you about regret and if you could do anything differently. Your answer to me then was this: "One of my life's goals is to not have any regrets but that is not an easy feat. I'm not sure that I'd do anything differently because it may have taken me away from where I am now. Of course, we want things to move faster or go as we want them to, but God has it all mapped out for us. I think I'm fine with things as they are."

What would you say to that question today?
I wouldn't change a thing, because it's part of my life's journey. In reality I'm quite ok with where things are now. To build a legacy, it takes time. I'm willing to put in the time, the effort and the hard work. It's really quite challenging to do it right. I'm not interested in being hot for the moment. What I'm trying to do is build a legacy so that when I look back I can be proud of what I've done. There are no regrets. As long as I have the opportunity to get better then I'm okay with that. We all want things differently in our lives but I accept what they are, because I know what they could be.

ELISSA ON STAYING GROUNDED:
"You have to be able to separate truth from fiction in your own life. You can't conform to what someone else says about your own life. I mean when you even say it out loud it sounds ridiculous. You have to be who you are regardless if others approve or not. You didn't get their approval to start your life, so you won't have to get their approval to end it. Along the journey you have to be true to yourself. If you can look in the mirror and say 'Well done' then that is all you need. It's a journey. It's a process of looking in the mirror daily and being ok with the reflection you see. If we take on that mentality we will be better off as individuals. Who are you living for? You've been blessed to have this life. You have to live it not for any one else. You have to do this for yourself. At the end of the day you are blessed for the life you have been given. Live it."

What would you say to your fans?
"I want to say that I consider them family. Without the readers I would have a hard time spreading my message. I thank you for from the bottom of my heart, for myself and my authors."

And your advice for aspiring authors?
"First of all you have to start somewhere. You have to make that first step. Take the step. Do the research. You can't give up no matter what. You have to keep going. Finally, be open to anything and everything."

It is that openness and that fearlessness that has allowed Elissa Gabrielle to go beyond just poetry to being at the hub of a business that is respected around the United States. What a great example for all of us as we are looking to make our own imprint in the world today.

To stay abreast of everything with Elissa Gabrielle and her authors visit www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com. You can also find Elissa and her growing business on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/peaceinthestormpublishing and www.twitter.com/pits_publishing.