I stand before you to share my story of resilience, determination, and unwavering faith. Born and raised in the tough neighborhoods of Brooklyn, I faced poverty, violence, and limited educational opportunities. But I refused to be defined by these challenges.

At the age of six, my father was incarcerated for 29 years, leaving a void in my heart and my life. As I matured, I faced the additional burden of supporting my mother through her mental illness and substance abuse, often visiting her in hospitals and psychiatric wards. It was a journey filled with uncertainty and hardships. On April 30th, 2020 she passed away due to COVID.

Despite the darkness and eminence pain that tried to consume me I held onto my faith and continued to pursue my dreams. Inspired by Malcolm X and Albert Einstein, I pursued education unwaveringly, earning two college degrees and publishing my debut poetry book, “Cellar Door.” This journey ignited my passion for storytelling. Writing became my solace and now, in 2024, I’m thrilled to announce my first novel, “Inner City Blues,” based on my own life. Coming soon.

Let my story be a beacon of hope. We all face battles, but we have the power to rise above. Embrace faith, education, and creativity to transform adversity into triumph. Believe in yourselves. Together, let’s create a world where dreams have no limits.

“Anything worth having and worth holding is never easily obtained but it is always worth pursuing,”

-Eric Watts

While Eric’s books can be found on Barnes & Noble as well as Amazon, you can also purchase them directly from the author. Get your personalized, signed copy!

“Eric Watts speaks softly with kind eyes, but his poetry tells the true story of a little boy whose life in Bedford-Stuyvesant was anything but kind.”

Read the full article at patch.com

New poet Eric Watts opens ‘Cellar Door’ of his past

NEW BOOK, “Inner City Blues” Coming Soon

“Eric Watts speaks softly with kind eyes, but his poetry tells the true story of a little boy whose life in Bedford-Stuyvesant was anything but kind. He drinks red wine, listens to jazz and calls that happiness.”          

—Monica Rozenfeld, Patch