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INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA   Welcome, Noire Family, In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the talented and amazing writer, CarolLaine M. Garcia., as she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more.   Please join me in welcoming CarolLaine M. Garcia. to Afrique Noire Magazine!   Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?   I’m a first-generation Dominican-American immigrant woman who came to America on my mother’s back to chase the American dream. Much of my family had already emigrated, and my brother, mom, and I arrived on travel visas. Years later, after an encounter with immigration authorities on a summer visit, I was forcibly sent back to the DR for a year while my case cooled off. Upon my reunion with my family in the States, my mom was on a mission to acquire citizenship for us and halted our travels so no one would risk deportation. All of those changes between countries and school were incredibly challenging, as I adjusted to leaving my island and father behind and adjusted to the American life. It was writing letters to my father that first awakened this gift within me. Through the ups and downs of my life, writing has always kept me connected to myself and the happiness I’ve so desperately sought to find.   How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work?   After completing my PhD, I stepped away from writing for quite some time. The rigor of my doctoral studies eventually wore me down, dampening my passion for reading and writing. As I drifted from writing, I lost touch with myself and my ability to connect with my truth and experiences.Despite always harboring a desire to be a writer, I found myself in a “successful” consulting career, viewing it as a significant milestone in my American success story. However, it was during the pandemic, with the help of modern technology, that I stumbled upon authors who finally resembled me. This discovery sparked a realization that I too possessed a voice and a remarkable story to share.   In my writing, I delve into my intersectional identities, the distinctiveness of my upbringing, and my journey through the American experience. Through my words, I strive to break free from the societal labels that confine me, embracing a more expansive version of myself—the divine queen within.   In my poetry, I contemplate the experience of belonging to no group but oneself, reveling in appreciating the diversity of nature, whether in human company or not. In essence, my writing allows me to embody my true, multifaceted self.     How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?   Crafted over the years, my approach to writing has evolved into a practice of romancing my words. For me, writing is no just a creative outlet; it’s a spiritual and ancestral connection. Through my writing, I honor my ancestor father and other ancestors, recognizing the hurdles they overcame so that I could freely express myself. In my writing space, I adorn the walls with old family photos, including ones of myself as a baby, alongside inspiring art. Each piece holds significance: a print of a wild mane in a field symbolizes my “untamed” years on the island, while a sunsetty picture of the Brooklyn Bridge represents my entry into the American experience through New York. Another piece depicts just the hips of a thick woman, adorned with a massive butterfly—an allusion to the freedom of expression I cherish.To enhance my writing experience, I light candles and immerse myself in the soothing sounds of lo-fi or reggaeton. Recently, I’ve come to see my writing as an integral part of my being, a necessary and fulfilling practice that enriches my life.     Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work?   Since I was a young girl in America, I’ve been an indiscriminate reader. My obsessions lie in genres that depict women overcoming their fears, poetry that explores the gamut of human emotions and experiences, and non-fiction books chronicling authors’ triumphs over their lives and the limiting narratives they faced. I’m also drawn to memoirs that offer diverse perspectives, broadening my understanding of humanity. Through these writings, I’ve been able to cultivate a more liberated and bold version of myself, almost as a rehearsal for the embodiment that typically follows.   What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them?   The initial challenge was accepting myself as a writer. I had to overcome the notion that pursuing writing, something I hadn’t studied and divergent from the typical American pursuit of maximizing income, was a valid path for me. It required extensive therapy and coaching to believe in my ability to blossom late in my writing journey. Today, I find myself exploring my creative blocks around writing as much as I do my daily experiences and musings.     Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you?   During my first writer’s retreat, I penned a piece prompted by the task of creating a character embodying our essence rather than a literal self-introduction. This exercise symbolizes to me the essence of freedom as the quest for happiness. Through the struggles of my immigrant journey to the US, a passion ignited within me to explore and understand myself, culminating in the realization of the woman I was destined to become: free. The Mountain Climber Her name was Mountain Climber. She just loved the feeling of crowning a

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA Welcome, Noire Family, In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the most pleasant mental health advocate and writer, Diana Resendiz,  from Phoenix, Arizon, as she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more. Please join me in welcoming Diana Resendiz to Afrique Noire Magazine! Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry? As the child of Mexican immigrants, I spent much of my childhood alone as my parents worked long hours, and being an only child, reading became one of my primary pastimes. I began collecting Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books during this time, a collection that grew significantly over the years. Poetry, in particular, resonated with me, as it allowed me to forge connections through the written word. Despite my early aspirations to become a writer, I believed it to be an unattainable dream. My family encouraged me to pursue a career they deemed ‘safe’ and lucrative. Consequently, I spent most of my twenties working in inventory financing. However, about three years ago, I made a life-changing decision to pivot towards my creative passions. At the age of 33, I self-published my first poetry book, marking a significant milestone in my journey. How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work? I find joy in chronicling my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American, delving into the complexities of navigating between two cultures. The children of immigrants often bear the weight of high expectations, a burden that can lead to the unlearning of harmful cultural norms. My teenage years were marked by a battle with clinical depression and a harrowing suicide attempt. These experiences have fueled my passion for dismantling mental health stigmas within my community. I believe in the healing power of writing, reading, and therapy, and strive to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of healing and self-discovery. How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset? Slow mornings, coffee shops, people-watching at plazas, and layovers at the airport tend to inspire me. I often jot down random thoughts in my notes app and flesh them out later. While I make time for writing, I also appreciate the spontaneous nature of creativity. Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work? I find inspiration in the works of Elisabet Velasquez. Her commitment to authenticity and self-truth resonates deeply with me. Velasquez’s writing has provided me with a sense of safety as I navigate writing about my upbringing, culture, and the use of Spanglish in my work. Similarly, Toni Morrison’s fearless approach to storytelling, unconstrained by the “white gaze,” has been a profound influence on me. I am actively learning to emulate her fearlessness in my own writing journey. What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them? I still grapple with imposter syndrome, often feeling like I’m not a legitimate writer because I lack an MFA. Many of my peers have extensive experience in the writing industry, while I am relatively new to the arts and writing space. Being a full-time writer also means embracing the entrepreneurial side, which involves self-promotion and staying creative while ensuring financial stability. However, the more I share my journey and consistently show up as a writer, the more I am able to alleviate those fears. My advice is to not let fear hinder your creativity or your ability to promote your work. Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you? I self-published my debut poetry and essay collection last year, and one of its most cherished elements for me is the preface. In it, I aimed to convey the significance of publishing this book and the personal journey that led me to this point. I wanted to articulate why it took me longer than some to believe in my ability to make this dream a reality. The preface, in essence, serves as an introduction to who I am, offering readers a glimpse into my life before delving into my poetry: “As I got older, I longed for validation in the immigrant community I grew up in and desired acceptance from my peers outside that community. Eventually, my Spanglish began to feel like a burden; it was proof that I wasn’t American nor Mexican enough. In my head, that also translated to not good enough in a more general sense. I struggled to balance my parent’s expectations, society’s expectations, cultural expectations, and my own aspirations. I spent years wanting to be the perfect version of what everyone else wanted me to be. I did everything I could to avoid feeling like a burden. Comparing myself to individuals I thought I should be like without understanding myself as an individual diminished my confidence to zero. I craved feeling seen. Because I didn’t know how to express that, negative thoughts and a lack of confidence hindered my creativity and authenticity for years. Looking back on my childhood and adolescence, I wish I had been kinder to myself. I wish I had cared less about others’ opinions of me and had understood that finding and following my own path has always been and will always be an inside job. My self-expression, authenticity, and vulnerability are key factors in how I show up for myself and others. These factors apply to all things I love, writing being one of those things. My writing was never meant for the old, white, male authors I have nothing in common with but was forced to read in high school.

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA   Welcome, Noire Family, In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with the talented and amazing writer, Rosario Bird, as she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more.     Please join me in welcoming Rosario Bird to Afrique Noire Magazine!   Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?   My inspiration to pursue writing and poetry stems from my love for music. Growing up in a musically inclined environment exposed me to various artists and genres, which in turn fueled my creative storytelling. Additionally, my own personal emotions and thoughts, as well as a fascination with fantasy and escapism, played a significant role in inspiring my work. I draw inspiration from poets and writers such as Warsan Shire, Divya Adu, Nayirrah Waheed, Nikki Giovanni, Edwidge Danticat, James Baldwin, Ntozake Shange, Ursula Rucker and other captivating storytellers who longed for a listening ear and a seeing eye.     How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work?   While I may be young, there is still much for me to discover about myself, including my heritage and ancestral lineage. Thus far, my cultural background and identity haven’t played a significant role in my writing, but it’s an aspect I am actively exploring and integrating into my work,   How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?   My creative process doesn’t require much. Inspiration comes naturally at times, while other times it’s elusive. I find that listening to music, watching movies and interviews, and reading or listening to spoken word poetry help set the mood. I also enjoy taking solitary walks, during which I often stumble upon new ideas or notice words and images that spark my imagination. I jot down these ideas in my notes app to revisit later.   Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work?   Some of my poetic influences include Warsan Shire, Edwidge Danticat, Nayyirah Waheed, and Ntozake Shange. Their ability to convey emotions so beautifully and eloquently is deeply inspiring to me. I admire how they pull readers in with vivid imagery, which has greatly influenced my own work.   What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them?   One of the most challenging things I face as a writer is definitely writer’s block. It can feel like a killer at times. To overcome it, I often watch a movie, listen to music, or use writing prompts to help me out of that rut.   Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you?   This piece I’m sharing is titled “Koyaanisqatsi,” meaning “Life Out of Balance” in Hopi Indian. It holds significant meaning for me as it’s part of an upcoming book I’ve been working on for the past two years, written back in 2022. The name and poem were inspired by Godfrey Reggio’s 1982 apocalyptic film of the same name and Madonna’s “Ray Of Light” music video.   “KOYAANSIQATSI”   How much time do we have between man and the sun, between blue skies and the earthly brown? We’re moving and moving, and stopping and collapsing backwards into stolen stars and airbrushed window sills. Rushing for the same light at the end of an overt chaos in cities where buildings may fall, and in facilities where we may recover or die. Humans deal with strange things and dark days catch us by our tired feet, pulling us to a ceaseless fire. We take civilized wars of our spirits and our skin and of our lives into locked boxes filled with cemented dreams and decorated pillows down to open cavities of the earth. Some of us wake up in fear, some of us time travel, some run into the deep seas of our minds to feel safe as that safety saves us from dwelling in violent reality.   What advice would you offer to aspiring writers or poets aiming to leave their imprint on the literary world?   The advice I have for any aspiring writer/poet is to use the resources that are at your disposal to get your work out there! Post on social media and stay consistent, network with others who share your passions, and most importantly, STAY WEIRD!   Can you share details about your ongoing writing projects? What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?   I am currently working on two books simultaneously, or at least attempting to. However, the primary focus is on a book that delves into themes of femininity and womanhood.   How do you perceive the role of writers and poets in today’s society?   I believe that the role of writers and poets in today’s society is to document and record the present moment. This is particularly important in the face of ongoing global crises, including multiple genocides. Through our writing, we create a tangible record of events, leaving behind evidence that serves as a testament to the truth. In a world where circumstances can change rapidly, our words provide a lasting anchor of reality.   Give yourself flowers, what is something you feel proud of when you think about your creative gift?   I take pride in my creative gift, particularly in my ability to evoke emotion and imagery through my writing. It brings me joy to know that readers appreciate my work and are moved to leave kind words of feedback.   ABOUT ROSARIO BIRD   Rosario Bird is a Haitian/American poet, writer, and blooming flower, born and raised

INTERVIEWED BY DHAYANA ALEJANDRINA   Welcome, Noire Family, In this interview, I had the pleasure to sit down with Tayler Simon – the founder of Liberation is Lit, a well-established book blog and community focused on social justice, she offers a captivating glimpse into her inspirational journey, delving into her roots, the reasons driving her creative endeavors, exciting future projects, and more. Please join me in welcoming Tayler Simon to Afrique Noire Magazine!     Can you share a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue writing/poetry?   I have always been a writer, but I made the decision to self-publish my first book of poetry when I launched my bookstore, Liberation is Lit. Among the programs offered through my bookstore is self-publishing book coaching, aimed at empowering writers to utilize their stories as catalysts for initiating social movements.   How does your identity, including cultural background, influence your writing and the themes you explore? In what ways do you navigate the intersection of your personal identity and the broader cultural context in your work?   Being a Black woman is central to the ideas I explore in my writing. In my poetry book, I delve into the experience of Black women, addressing how we are conditioned to perceive our emotions as burdens that must be concealed to protect others. I am committed to unlearning this narrative and striving to live authentically. Additionally, my other writings revolve around themes of social justice, including antiracism, anticapitalism, and liberation for all oppressed groups. I am dedicated to amplifying these voices and perspectives, both in my own work and through the selection of literature available at my bookstore.     How would you describe your creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?   As a self-employed individual, I prioritize setting aside dedicated days for writing. To maintain focus during these sessions, I often utilize 20-minute writing sprints, as I tend to get easily distracted. Afterwards, in a gesture reminiscent of childhood, I reward myself for my writing accomplishments by placing a star sticker on my calendar.     Who are your literary or poetic influences, and how have they shaped your work?   I have a multitude of literary influences! I deeply admire Toni Morrison’s utilization of magical realism, portraying Black characters simply existing within their own narratives. Additionally, I am captivated by Zelda Lockhart’s exploration of the complexities within Black families. Both of these authors have significantly inspired the novel I am currently developing.     What challenges do you face as a writer/poet, and how do you overcome them? Despite self-publishing two books, I continue to grapple with imposter syndrome when labeling myself as a writer. This feeling is especially pronounced during periods of creative stagnation, such as the one I am currently experiencing. While I have been writing, I have not been actively working on any of my works in progress (WIPs). This lack of progress exacerbates my self-doubt and insecurities. Furthermore, the demands of running my startup bookstore, which is my full-time job, have intensified recently. Struggling to make ends meet has placed me in survival mode, leaving little time or mental energy for writing. This added pressure further compounds the challenge of finding inspiration and motivation to write.     Could you share one of your favorite pieces or an excerpt from a project that holds personal significance? What does it mean to you?   One day I realized that God was in my self and when I started believing in me I began having true faith in Her This stirring poem, titled “Loved Her Fiercely” in homage to Ntozake Shange, finds its place in my debut book, “Phases.” It holds deep significance for me as it mirrors the ongoing journey I’ve embarked upon as a self-published author and entrepreneur. Amidst inquiries from my family about my decision to leave my job and uncertainties regarding financial stability, my unwavering belief in myself and my mission remains resolute. Despite the challenges, I persist, ensuring that I fulfill my financial commitments even at the expense of personal pay. Through moments of doubt and uncertainty, I’ve unearthed a profound connection between self-belief and faith in a higher power. To me, authentic faith isn’t solely about blind conviction but about confronting the unknown with resilience and trust in one’s capabilities. This poignant revelation permeates my book, serving as a testament to the strength of self-belief and perseverance amidst life’s trials.     What advice would you offer to aspiring writers or poets aiming to leave their imprint on the literary world?   Believe in yourself and your story. If you don’t, no one else will. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Cultivating a supportive writing community is crucial for staying encouraged and inspired along the way.     Can you share details about your ongoing writing projects? What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?   I am currently juggling three projects. Firstly, I’m compiling a short story collection based on the pieces I crafted during one of my writing groups. These stories are particularly enjoyable because they allowed me to stretch my imagination and inhabit diverse experiences. Secondly, I’m immersed in writing a novel centered around a generational curse afflicting a family of Black women. This narrative delves into the fear of embracing one’s own voice and power. Lastly, I’m developing a follow-up book to my guide on self-publishing, titled “Writing Our Truths: A Guide to Self-Publishing for BIPOC Writers.” This resource aims to assist writers in utilizing storytelling for community organizing and movement-building endeavors.     How do you perceive the role of writers and poets in today’s society?   The role of the writer/poet is to serve as a mirror held up to society. Do we like what we see? What parts do we love and celebrate (or are learning to love and celebrate)? What parts do we need to