When many people think of ekphrastic poetry, they think of the poet writing what he sees in a painting or other art form. Quilted Poems: An Ekphrastic Collaboration of Poets and Quilters is a twist on that. Instead of the poets writing feelings or what they saw in the art, quilters created art based on READ MORE
Author: Obelia Akanke
My Thoughts on “The Big Smoke”
Almost a month later, I am still sorting through notes I took during the MVICW conference (see fellowship post). One of the instructors, Adrian Matejka, taught on persona poems and discussed the years of research that he did (and is still doing) on Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion. Even though I READ MORE
I Was Awarded a Poetry Fellowship
I’ve been awarded my first writing fellowship – in poetry! About two months ago, I received an email stating that I was one of the applicants who had been chosen to receive a Voices of Color Fellowship to the Martha’s Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing. Even though I didn’t win first or second place, I READ MORE
An Unexpected Hero – Behind the Names
Many times, when I write my books, I give the main character a name to reflect something I want to highlight. It’s usually to point out a personality trait or message within the book. Four of the characters from An Unexpected Hero were given names that have special meanings. Lynnette – pretty or beautifulMarcel – READ MORE
Reign: Video Tribute
Some of you may remember the cover model search I had a couple of months ago. While searching for a cover for An Unexpected Hero, I saw many beautiful women in the vitiligo community with great photos. I asked Crystal, the cover model, if she’d be interested in being in a “grown & sexy” video. READ MORE
“Message from a Male Victim”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every year, I share this piece at least once publicly during this time. It’s the hardest piece I’ve ever written. It is based on an actual conversation I had with a friend who is now deceased, so it is emotionally draining to perform because I can remember faces (and READ MORE
Virtual Book Fair
Mark your calendars and register to attend the Summer of Black Love Virtual Book Fair 2020! Over 40 authors are currently listed with 180+ books available. Love stories from multiple genres will be showcased. Stack up on reads that will keep you busy for the rest of the year and help you hit your Goodreads READ MORE
Romance Happy Hour Discussion and Book Giveaway
Hey, Folks! Tonight, I participated in an online discussion and interview with Author Lisa B. Kamps. We were featured on Romance Happy Hour hosted by Dylann Crush and Dawn Luedecke. I didn’t get this post up in time for the live event (although I posted on FB and IG), but you can see the replay READ MORE
My Process to Bring You a Poem
I go through a different process to get a poem completed than I do to write a novel. I tried to explain it to someone once, but I decided a picture would make the best explanation. At least, this is what I notice for some of my more intense poems. First – I have a READ MORE
Have You Ever Tried to Hold Light?
What started as a status turned into this poem three minutes later. Short, sweet, and to the point. . . .