1. SWA: Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
ANSWER:
I actually did think about it at first because I don’t really care for attention much. I’m shy but I think it’s important for anyone reading my work to get to know me on some type of level. I promote heavily on social media and also sell my books at shows. I also think it’s pretty dope that if in the future my son Googles me my poems and books come up.
2. SWA: Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
ANSWER
I try my best to be original as far as the way I write or recite my poetry. As far as content majority of what I’ve written comes from personal feelings or experiences. Sometimes I may get writers block and ask for suggestions just to get the creativity flowing. I write about a range of different topics but most of my audience is female so I often get right back to writing about relationships and things of that nature.
3. SWA: Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
ANSWER
Writing isn’t just about emotion but also about imagination. You don’t always have to write what’s on your heart. You can take something that’s been on your mind like a dream or a vision and turn it into something amazing. I think your passion is what makes you a writer. Emotions are just a bonus.
4. SWA: Where do you get your ideas?
ANSWER
Literally from ANYWHERE! Personal experiences, other people’s experiences, social media, dreams, tv, legit anywhere. I pull inspiration to write from so many different things.
5. SWA: What is your writing process like?
ANSWER
Most times it’s extremely random. I wrote a poem some months ago called “They Look Like Me” which pertains to black people being murdered by police. I believe it was right after George Floyd’s murder. I went to bed with it on my mind and woke up and wrote the poem in 10 minutes. It weighed on my heart that heavily. Things like that scare me sometimes but being able to turn pain into creativity is very therapeutic to me.
6. SWA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
ANSWER
I was 11. Probably younger than that but that’s as far back as I can remember. Like I mentioned previously I was really shy so I would often turn to books and eventually I started writing my own stories. By the time I was in middle school I was writing poetry, songs and raps. I would recite them for friends, family and even people at church. I still remember that it was Elder Cheryl who would always call me her “little Maya Angelou”.
7. SWA: How long does it take you to write a book?
ANSWER
It took me about 6 months to complete my book. The last month was the hardest because anxiety kicked in badly and I kept thinking of all the ways I could possibly change it but it was a very organic process. Nothing was forced. Everything came straight from the heart. The only hard part was proofreading. Once I look at something long enough it looks correct and the whole time I have hella errors lol
8. SWA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
9. SWA: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
10. SWA: How do books get published?
ANSWER
I self publish through a site called Lulu. I did major research to find the best options as far as distribution and things like that. I’ve used this site twice and so far I have no complaints.
11. SWA: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
12. SWA: When did you write your first book and how old were you?
ANSWER
I wrote and published my first poetry book in 2018. I was 28 years old. I went back and forth about it a lot because there are some experiences in there that I hadn’t discussed with those close to me but I felt like it was important to get it out in order to gain some closure.
13. SWA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
ANSWER
When I’m not writing I’m spending a lot of time with my son and family. Also I’ve been trying to get more sleep. My sleeping pattern is horrible so I usually just try to get rest and catch up on some of my favorite shows and books.
14. SWA: What does your family think of your writing?
ANSWER
My family is very proud of me. Writing was part of my life for a really long time before I began sharing. Once I finally started putting myself out there they were happy.
15. SWA: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
16. SWA: How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
ANSWER
I have only written one so far. The book is entitled S.H.E. (Suffer.Heal.Evolve.) it’s a mixture of poetry, quotes and short stories. I’m currently working on my second book which will be released in 2021.
17. SWA: Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
ANSWER
When you’re writing or better yet creating it shouldn’t feel like homework. Never be afraid to do things that haven’t been done. Some people like to ride a certain wave but what works for others may not work for you and vice versa. Whatever idea you have go with it. If that doesn’t work find another one. It’s nothing wrong with giving people what they want but it’s all about what feels genuine and right to you.
18. SWA: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
ANSWER
A lot of my readers are happy that I’m so transparent. Especially people who knew me for a long time but didn’t really know me they were surprised. I’ve even had people reach out to me for advice which was kinda dope. It’s overwhelming at times because I can’t believe that people actually wanna hear from me. I appreciate all feedback. I’m grateful that it’s been mostly positive.
19. SWA: Do you like to create books for adults?
20. SWA: What do you think makes a good story?
21. SWA: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
ANSWER
Growing up I didn’t have a specific occupation I just knew that I was going to be a creative. I like to help people as well. I went to school and now have several certifications in the health care field but being able to help people with my craft and gain income has been amazing.
22. SWA: Is there anything you'd like to tell us about upcoming projects that excite you?
ANSWER
Yes! I have a journal more like a workbook that’s dropping November 1st. It is specifically for the black community. Therapy is becoming more prevalent but hasn’t always been an option in our culture. Lots of black men and women feel as if they don’t have a safe space to unload their thoughts and feelings and that’s what the workbook is for. It’s entitled Black Women Feel, Black Men Cry. Besides just recording your feelings daily there are also some activities to complete and quotes that can possibly help along the way.
23. SWA: What are the links your book or work can be reached?
ANSWER
The link for my books and merch is https://aliyahmichelle.bigcartel.com and my YouTube page where most of my poetry can be heard is
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTz64ZgLH1FnIEqbrTLWvGA
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