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 realizedthat 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 address?
Give yourself flowers, what is something you feel proud of when you think about your creative gift?
My writing has enabled me to forge connections with others in ways I never imagined. When I sell my books in person, it’s incredible to witness people drawn to the cover (which I designed myself) or hear them murmur in agreement as they read a poem that strikes a chord with them. Despite being strangers, I feel deeply connected to them in those moments.
ABOUT TAYLER SIMONE
Tayler Simon is the owner of Liberation is Lit. Liberation is Lit is a bookseller that aims to spark collective action for liberation and community building among readers and book lovers by promoting stories from intersectional experiences.
Tayler started Liberation is Lit as a well-established book blog and community focused on social justice topics and leverages her Master of Social Work background in community development, education, and outreach. Through Liberation is Lit, she also provides self-publishing book coaching to BIPOC and queer writers and has self-published her own poetry collection, Phases: Poems.
Tayler has previously worked in the interpersonal violence prevention field for eight years. Her experience includes working in child sexual abuse prevention and providing advocacy and prevention education to students and community members for both campus and community organizations. Tayler is passionate about promoting social liberation and bringing an anti-oppression lens to all industries, institutions, and fields.
You can also follow –
Our lead poetry and culture collaborator, Dhayana on Instagram
Our Guest – Tayler Simone here on Instagram
Stay tuned for more interviews!