Welcome to another edition of my bi-weekly interview series. I’m excited to share with you a talented and beautiful poet, writer, and interviewee — my friend of many years on WordPress — blogger Ameena K.G. The way her poems flow and the lessons they teach, often amaze me. You can visit Ameena’s blog here: Randoms by a Random.
1.Please Tell Us About Yourself Ameena:
My name is Ameena and I am from Nigeria, although for the past five-years, Sudan has been my home. I am currently studying there.
I am a medical student in my fifth-year. When I’m not busy studying, I love to write poetry and stories. I enjoy watching videos of poetry read out-loud on YouTube and watching documentaries on YouTube as well. Comedy is one of my favourite genres to watch. Anything which makes me laugh is welcome. My day begins with prayer, then I drink a cup of black coffee to help me make it through the day.
2. When Did You Begin Writing and Blogging?
I began writing when I was in high school, mostly poetry and short stories, but I didn’t write on a regular basis. My poems are and were, a reflection of how I feel.
Eventually I started a blog here on WordPress, it lasted only a bit before I deleted it. Let’s just say, my state of mind when I wrote on my first blog and on my blog now, are polar opposites. One great thing to come out of my initial short blogging stint was making friends in the WordPress community who motivated me to keep on writing.
My current blog is my second go at blogging. I had no intention of making my second blog a poetry blog (I thought I was done with poetry) but I guess, just because one leaves poetry, doesn’t mean poetry leaves you. On my second try at blogging I found myself writing again and loving it.
“I had no intention of making my second blog a poetry blog . . . but I guess, just because one leaves poetry, doesn’t mean poetry leaves you. On my second try at blogging I found myself writing again and loving it.” – Ameena
3. What Does Writing and Poetry Mean to you? Where Do You Find Your Inspiration For Writing?
Poetry for me is a way of introspection and it’s also the way I deal with life’s curve balls. I feel, I hurt, I write…
My inspiration comes from human beings. We are emotional creatures and I love to channel those feelings into words. Failure, successes, dreams, love, sadness, pain, heartbreak, all of these experiences are part of being human; writing helps me deal with these emotions. Almost all of my poems are inspired by life experiences and those don’t necessarily have to be my experiences.
4. Do You Find There Is a Time of Day You Prefer to Write?
I am a morning person. I love to wake up at dawn, pray, watch the sun rise with a cup of coffee at hand, and write. A lot of people don’t understand how I can wake-up in the morning with a huge smile in my face, but really, my best days are days when I wake up early.
” My inspiration comes from human beings. We are emotional creatures and I love to channel those feelings into words. Failure, successes, dreams, love, sadness, pain, heartbreak, all of these experiences are part of being human; writing helps me deal with these emotions.” – Ameena K.G.
5. Do You Have Any Current or Future Writing Projects?
Right now, unfortunately, blogging has taken a back seat in my life. It wouldn’t be fair to say I am busy; it’s solely a matter of priority. I love blogging and writing but my education comes first for me, and my life over recent months has been stressful.
Still, I’m hoping to revive my Mental Health Friday series on my blog, which even though I’ve shelved it for months now, receives visits and views; I’d like to continue the series. Additionally, I recently ventured into Flash Fiction writing. I enjoy it, and would like to write more Flash Fiction and improve my fiction writing.
6. Have You Published Any Poetry or Writing or Would You Like To?
I only found out a week ago that a poem I submitted was chosen to appear in a poetry anthology. The poem is called, “Imperfect Paths” which will be published on the 30th of September. I would love to publish more poetry and writing someday. Right now my goal is to write as much as I’m able and to improve my writing with every piece.
“I only found out a week ago that a poem I submitted was chosen to appear in a poetry anthology. The poem is called, “Imperfect Paths” which will be published on the 30th of September.” – Ameena K.G.
7. Do You Have A Publishing Process When You Write? What Is Your Writing Process Like?
Currently, I don’t have a process. I have only started submitting some of my works to online magazines. It’s pretty easy to do actually. But I have no experience in the publishing world.
There’s nothing to my writing process. I sit and write even on the days when I don’t feel like it — I still write. When I’m in need of inspiration, I read other poems or Google search images or photographs to help provide me with something to focus on for writing, a kind of writing prompt.
8. Do You Prefer to Read Certain Writing Genres? Any Helpful Advice for Other Writers?
As a reader, I love a bit of mystery. I am a huge crime fiction fan and I also love stories which make me laugh out loud. When it comes to reading poetry, I’m not big on metaphors. I enjoy emotions and description in simple words.
As for advice for other writers: Write no matter what –rainy days, sunny days, even days when your writing muse is AWOL. The best way to get better at writing is to simply do it –write.
Always remember — you’re a writer, so embrace it, hug it, love it. If it is your passion, then nobody has the right to tell you to tame it.
“Write no matter what –rainy days, sunny days, even days when your writing muse is AWOL. The best way to get better at writing is to simply do it –write. Always remember — you’re a writer, so embrace it, hug it, love it. If it is your passion, then nobody has the right to tell you to tame it.” – Ameena K.G.
9. Is There Anything Else You Would Like to Share Which You Believe is Pertinent to Your Writing or Yourself?
When it comes to my writing, I’d say this: Don’t try to interpret what I wrote from my perspective. I believe to different people poetry has different meanings. I remember writing a poem about a father who never stood up for his daughter. The poem was inspired by someone who I’d say broke my trust.
Things aren’t always black and white in poetry and writing. All that matters is that the reader can understand and relate to what you write; it doesn’t matter if the poem is true for the writer, as long as it rings true for the reader.
10. Please Share With Us Some of Your Writing and/or Poetry:
“A Conversation With Depression”
By Ameena K.G.
—
—
Depression knocked on my door,
—
And I told it,
Have a seat,
It wasn’t even dawn,
At least let me have a cup of coffee,
In peace, at least-
I said to my depression.
—
Depression knocked on my door,
—
And I welcomed it
With open arms,
We’ve been together
For so long now,
We might as well be friends,
Right?
Depression knocked and I welcomed it.
Depression knocked on my door,
—
And we had a one sided-
Conversation,
While the sky turned golden behind us,
I said-
You’ve had your stay
And I have entertained you,
Now- it’s time to take your leave,
I said to my depression.
—
Depression knocked on my door,
—
Like an unwanted guest,
Which tends to overstay it’s welcome.
But the birds sung a melodious,
Tune In the background,
And I turned the door knob
To a lock,
With a passion I didn’t think,
Existed within me,
I said to my depression-
We are done!
Check-Out Some Links to Some of Ameena’s Other Writing and Poetry Here:
Thank you so much to Ameena for agreeing to be interviewed and sharing with other bloggers and readers your point of view on writing and poetry. Your perspective is inspiring, candid, and honest, that’s a vital aspect to have in writing and in life in general.
Here is the link to Ameena’s blog again: http://www.randomsbyarandom.wordpress.com
If you enjoyed this interview and would like to share with other writers and bloggers your perspective, process on writing, and something unique about yourself and your writing, please reach-out to me on my Contact Page here.
Thanks again for reading, see you in two-weeks 🙂
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