In the same way that our bodies need oxygen and other sustenance, such as food, so does our creativity, passions, etc.
When I saw a call out for an ‘Authors & Writers Open Mic Night’ (hosted by Janice Taylor & Oliviyah ( @fatblackfeminist ), at Afrori Books, Brighton, I was like, ‘sign me up!’
In truth, they had me at the mention of Afrori Books. I mean, come on, share some poetry at the bookstore that is the UK’s biggest supplier of books by Black authors, why would I pass up that opportunity!?
Creative Connections
I turned the day into an ‘artist’s date’. A practice Julia Cameron (in her book, ‘The Artist’s Way’) encourages creatives to make a regular part of their rhythm. I enjoyed blissful hours of reading, with a sea view, and then met up with fellow (Sussex-based) creative Sophia (IG: @nalo_solo_ ). We were later joined by Kent-based photographer & writer, Morlene Fisher and then headed to Afrori Books.
The evening was a beautiful combination of short story, poetry, free verse and an offering that was a combination of them all. It was a rich evening, which was good for my soul and creativity. I gave and received.
Saying My Piece
‘Portrayal’ was the 2nd of two poems I shared (starts 27 secs. in). It has usually been shared as a spoken word piece—the last sharing of it being in June 2023 at Voices in Power, London. I hadn’t originally intended to share ‘Portrayal’; ‘Permission Granted’ was the original choice for my 2nd poem. Before I say my piece, I share why I turned to ‘Portrayal’ instead – here’s a link to the Instagram post I mentioned.
Find Your Flow
As good as artist’s dates can be, they are just part of what fuels your creativity. Humans are created for connection and community; we are social creatures. Part of how we find our flow is finding others to create and share our creativity with.
These author and writer nights are happening monthly (contact Janice Taylor or Oliviyah for more info), and I recommend trying to get to one. If you’re in London and thinking, ‘go all the way to Brighton’, travel-wise, you can get there quicker by train than it sometimes takes to get across London. One writer came from Bedfordshire.
Gratitude to Writing Our Legacy CIC, who posted about the event in their monthly ‘hot list’. If you are a Global Majority creative and not yet signed up for their newsletter and/or membership, you should consider it.
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‘Portrayal’, and other poems (inc. ‘Permission Granted’) are in my 1st poetry book, ‘In Conversation’, (Available as a paperback, ebook and audiobook).