When did you know you wanted to become an author?
I knew that I wanted to become an author, at the age of 19. Interestingly enough, I found my ability to write poetry at the age of 18, and I wasn’t intentionally trying to do so. As a freshman in college, we were given a Homework assignment, which I knew nothing of, until class that morning. I got to class that morning and zoned out. During my writing, I released my feelings onto paper. When I finished writing I felt replenished, and I knew that it was something that I was called to do. Interesting enough, the homework assignment was a poetry competition, in which I had no idea it was a competition. My poem ended up winning first place, and poetry become something more than a quick homework assignment. I continued to write poetry, and I knew that someway, somehow my poetry needed to be heard, so when I was 19 I decided that I would turn my poetry into a novel.
How many books have you written?
Since I began writing , I have written two poetry novels. Each of them with different meanings, lessons, and purposes that I reflected through my books.
Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?
As much as I enjoy writing, writing is currently not my full time career. However, I would very much like it to be, and that is my goal as an author.
Are you on social media and can your readers interact with you?
I am currently on social media, mostly Instagram, and my readers are actively able to interact with me.
What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?
In my opinion, the most important element of good writing, is being honest and trusting yourself in the words that you write. It is about creating a vision, beyond words, it is building a connection and exploring deep feelings to relate to the conflicts and light of humanity. A good writer, is one that is connected with who they are, to be authentic and you’re own type of creative, regardless of who understands.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
In my writing, I intentionally write to be original. I write what I feel, what I know, and what I’ve learned. My writing is to comfort, and inform others, in the essence of including relatable topics in my writings.
What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
The most difficult part about writing for me is not forcing myself to write, when I don’t fully feel the true feelings of what I should be writing about it. I’m not always patient with myself, so sometimes I’ll realize that one or two poems didn’t have enough substance, and I’ll rewrite them when I truly feel it.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
My work schedule when I am writing, consists of me typically writing at night. I tend to write for about an hour or two. I prefer writing at night simply because I feel it is one of the times, when the mind is the most vulnerable and creative.
How do you do research for your books?
I typically tend to do my research by interacting and interviewing people who will help support the details of the content of my book. My goal is to always be authentic, and I feel that the best way to be a good author, is interacting and understand the audience you’re aiming to attract.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker, is a dancer, singer, actress, and civil rights activists. What I most admire about her is her creative expression of rebellion. She was beautiful, but she had a mind of her own, she was a leader. She broke social barriers, and didn’t conform to the way society told her, she should be. Josephine Baker, allowed her words and talented presence to be her reputation in society. She was someone honest and self aware of who she was. Josephine Baker, had a voice that she never let be silenced, and this is why she truly inspires me.
How many books have you written so far?
As of now, I have written two books. My first book is titled “Moods of The Soul” . My second book is titled “Lucid thoughts of the Soul “
What is the inspiration behind your book titles?
I was inspired to title my books, “moods of the soul” and “lucid thoughts of the soul” because my poetry is the voice of my soul. Being that my poetry is my soul speaking, I knew that I wanted the word “Soul” associated with my titles. I asked my mother for advice, as to what would be a good fit for the title of my books that would include the word “soul”. Interesting enough, My mother helped me to come up with both titles of my book.
What does been a black female author in the united state mean to you??
Being a Black Female author in the United States, to me means being a leader of creativeness and a role model in society. As a black female author, I always aim to be authentic. I make it my mission to be knowledgeable and to create myself as someone, that both people younger or older, can be influenced by. As a black female author, I view myself as a leader of not only creativity, but a leader of a generation that could benefit from another story of Black Excellence. I want to inspire others, to view life as an experience , that will not always be perfectly beautiful. I want my readers, and anyone else that I can influence to know that this life is necessary for the growth of your soul, and to live it wisely, with patience and acceptance.
