Author Interview - Bethany James
Let's give a warm welcome to Bethany!
Tell us a little about yourself and what you like to write.
Bethany Camille James, also known as the Cassonade Poetess, is an American poet, author, and digital creator whose work blends themes of spirituality, love, and identity. Born in Clearwater, Florida, and raised in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, she grew up in a family of six. Her early experiences of feeling different and standing out like the Rocky Mountains inspired her to find connection through poetry, church choir, and community activities.
Writing since childhood, James views poetry as her purpose and a means to express her faith and values. She is influenced by literary figures such as Maya Angelou and Harper Lee. Her debut collection, The Big Game: Volume 1 – Spirituality and Love, showcases a unique blend of poetic forms, including free verse, haikus, and lyrical recipes, exploring topics from romance to spirituality.
Professionally, James has experience in creative writing, digital marketing, and social media management. She operates a writing and poetry ministry called My Master’s Ministry and is dedicated to community service, particularly in supporting low-income communities.
Bethany Camille James continues to inspire readers with her heartfelt poetry and commitment to uplifting others through her creative endeavors.
Genres of poetry:
Any, but I am a love and expressionalism poet! Specifically, I write about love and spirituality!
We're seeing quite a bit about your poetry collection, The Big Game Volume 1: Spirituality and Love! We even see that you've recently remastered it! What does your poetry collection focus on?
Bethany Camille James is a poet recognized for her distinctive and original poetry style. Here are some key aspects of her work: Themes 1. Spirituality 2. Nature 3. Social issues 4. Love 5. Sexuality 6. Cooking Style 1. Unique voice 2. Exploratory language 3. Emotional depth Works 1. "The Big Game: Volume 1: Spirituality and Love (Remastered Edition)" Key Features 1. Original and eclectic style 2. Thought-provoking themes 3. Emotional resonances.
My poetry collection is raw and no AI!
It is a nuance of my human condition, and focused on showing the world what I could do as a writer…
“The human condition in pliable words.” ~CP
What drives you to write poetry?
I write poetry to share my viewpoints. Poetry is the escapism I have! It is words and self-expression. I have been doing prose and word play since I was a small child. Poetry helps me bare my soul and give to the world small pieces of what I receive as a human soul.
Your readers appear to adore the various forms of poetry you showcase in your collection, and the variety of emotions you elicit through them. Is there a specific range of emotions you aim to elicit through your poetry?
Yes, it shows a range of emotions. For example, there are romantic desires and subtle sensuality through Wedding Night (Your Song Maker and me), and it advocates marriage and abstinence. Additionally, spiritual reflection, empowerment, and faith-based self-esteem. It is whimsical and joyous. It is a “mixed bag” of resiliency and hope
Overall, The Big Game offers a diverse emotional journey, inviting readers to explore the complexities of love, faith, and personal empowerment through James’s figurative and varied poetic expressions.
Do you have a favorite poem from your book? If so, what makes that one your favorite?
In “Abstinence: Still I Wait,” James articulates themes of personal choice and empowerment, emphasizing self-worth and the strength found in waiting.
We see you're also running a group, Mental Wealthiness Collective. Can you tell us more about it?
The Mental Wealthiness Collective is a dynamic online initiative launched in May to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month by reinterpreting mental health through creativity and resilience. Instead of concentrating on stigma, the collective celebrates the strength that comes from self-expression, inviting poets, writers, and artists from all backgrounds to share their stories, support one another, and connect through healing.
At the heart of this movement is The Tragic Advocate, a symbolic figure representing the hopeful yet struggling artist who transforms adversity into art. Through this archetype and the collective’s open, peer-driven format, participants are encouraged to find empowerment in their vulnerability and creativity.
The event’s core goals—fostering dialogue, building community, and emphasizing recovery—create a safe space while celebrating the power inherent in every story.
What challenges do you face when writing?
Good question! I would say this year in particular,I have wondered about AI and how much research one can put in before its not your original thoughts. You can't put a price on originality. However, AI is trainable and you have to formulate a prompt and edit for it to be factual. The dilemma is some people use it to write whole research papers. You have to still as a writer have writing integrity and a part of the joy is writing your own thoughts!
Do you have future books or poetry collections in the works?
Yes! In fact Volume 2 is a video recitation
I am a expressionalist writer and I love making different adaptations of my work and collaborations. I love working with others on projects and plan to make more songwriting!
What inspired the creation of your poetry collection?
This poetry came from a raw place within my heart. I have always been different. The Big Game – Bethany James : Spirituality and Love is a rare look into my views on romance. It is crafted to be a dialogue on many different aspects of romance. Additionally, I am trying to make it in the entertainment business as a Plus Size Model and writing this book is helping me show all the talent I possess. I made this book to help address many controversial topics, pleasure attributes of life, and break down barriers. For example, the barriers of censorship or a model that is not size zero. By writing a unfiltered book about romance I am able to take a step in the direction of advocacy and present ideas on spirituality and love in a new way. Finally, I am trying to start a series or volumes of my own poetic words.
Anything else you wish to share with us or the world?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and support each other. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Let’s take this month to check in on ourselves and others, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. How I tackle stigma is by making storyboards and sharing prayers from research!
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