WATTPAD BLOCK PARTY AUTHOR: 5ifthproject AKA Thomas.

So Thomas, tell us about yourself, and about your contribution to the Block Party!

For an answer for this question, well for the "about me" section I would like to invite you to check out my "Tagged – I'm it" and "10 things that make me happy."

For the second half of this question: I helped with a bit of promotion for both The Block Party and a few others who were lucky enough to be invited to such a great party.

How did growing up in Jamaica effect your imagination? I mean, those are two extremes- the heat of tropical Jamaica & the cold of the north!

Island life is different, more relaxed, laid-back. I wanted to go see beyond that, see beyond the large river that surrounded me. I wanted to step away from the beautiful beaches and reach for the stars. I soon found out that NASA would have been a better place to build that dream. I posted a poem in my "ALONE" book. Titled "HOME." HOME speaks of this very well, please check it out.

We definitely will. Meantime, I'd be remiss if I didn't ask: What took you to Canada in the first place? Interestingly, you are the 3rd Jamaican/Canadian I've ever met. What's up with that??

A common answer you'll receive from immigrants world over: To build a better life for self and family, and this in a nutshell covers it all. Opportunities are certainly more available in North America but this quest for a piece of the pie is sometimes very costly for some of us. For example: Parents and other very important relationships often suffer a slow death.

Who is your favorite poet of all time, and if you could meet them, what would you say?

This will come across as a strange answer, but I have no favorite poet, book or song. I truly see each of these creations as work of art. Each composed from a different perspective and I try to place more emphasis on where the author is coming from than trying to grade their work.

So many excellent creative authors out there, on Wattpad. I would like to meet a whole roomful, and say...Great work, you all deserve a mug!

The following quote is fitting: "Don't forget, no one else sees the world you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell." – Charles de Lint

How did you discover Wattpad?

I do a lot of my reading online for both work and pleasure. I believe it was during one of my searches for an article or something to read as I sat in an arena half-watching my daughter doing her skating routine.

What exactly IS your 5th Project, @5ifthProject?

A part of the story behind 5iftroject: I worked on a few projects over the last few years including, an educational family board game, my web site (still working on that), a research about bullying in the workplace, another project that I prefer not to get into at this time and then my work on Wattpad...the 5iftroject. In regards to Wattpad, I wanted something memorable, catchy and cool. Hence 5ifthproject. I took everything mentioned in consideration to land here, and I'm ok with the result.

You're quite savvy with social media. Is that as a hobby, or a necessity as a writer?

Well, it's the way of the world, one of the best ways to promote your work and connect with likeminded people. Yes, if you do what we do here and want to be relevant it's a necessary skill to acquire.

I recently asked your fellow Canadian, Rob Shapiro, this question, and I'd like your opinion too: Do you think it's easier to be published in Canada, than the US? How about becoming a Best Selling author there vs. here. Can you explain your answer?

Short answer, no. You have a larger market in the U.S. and more doors to knock on in regards to finding agents or resources to move your project forward. I believe the copyright laws are different here in Canada. Your work is copyright once you publish.

Tell us something most people don't know about you?

Short stories are really what I want to focus on here in the very near future, not poems. Poems are somewhat easy to write, quick to read, a great way to get your name out there, gain readership and more experience from some great, great friends I met here on Wattpad over the past year. I don't necessarily want to be known as a poet.

What's next for you after the party is over?

I'll be going back the reading, posting new pieces and commenting on my amazing supporters work with more frequency. I have been gone for too long.

I'm also putting together another project that I'm hoping to make totally public by august 05 of this year. 5Qi – Coming soon - (I'm presently promoting this project on twitter) - Look out for it!

Well, you are clearly fantastic at your fifth project! I know I am among many who have you to thank for your support, wisdom, and amazing work. Thank you Thomas.

Thanks you so much for all your time on this Kris.  Have a wonderful day!