Yuni D
Yuni D. is an New York-bred-Atlanta-based poetic storyteller, overcomer, and mystic whose lifelong purpose is to inspire, empower, and encourage her readers through the power of words. She is also on a mission to spread positivity and make this world a better place than when she first entered it.
When she isn’t pouring her heart out onto paper, you can find this compassionate soul capturing beauty through a camera lens, listening to uplifting music, meditating, or binge-watching Friends.
To find out more about Yuni D. both personally and poetically, follow her on Instagram: @yuniiversal.
Check out December’s Indie Author Tuesday, Yuni D!
Yuni D. is an New York-bred-Atlanta-based poetic storyteller, overcomer, and mystic whose lifelong purpose is to inspire, empower, and encourage her readers through the power of words. Check out her interview!
Read MorePre-order your copy of Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Doves today!
Read MoreEmbracing all the seasons with peace shimmying under our chest at ALL times.
Read More
Jean-Sebastien Surena
Jean-Sebastien Surena is a poet from Queens, NY. In June 2021, Jean published his debut chapbook Quarantined Thoughts. He co-directed a short film based on one of its pieces, “Unbroken,” winning entry to several film festivals. Jean aims to translate poetry into multiple mediums, and introduce it to a broader audience.
November’s Featured Author: Jean-Sebastien Surena!
Jean-Sebastien Surena is a poet from Queens, NY. In June 2021, Jean published his debut chapbook Quarantined Thoughts. He co-directed a short film based on one of its pieces, “Unbroken,” winning entry to several film festivals. Jean aims to translate poetry into multiple mediums and introduce it to a broader audience.
Read MoreI know it’s been a while. But I’m back :) A few updates, reflections and simply poppin’ in.
Read MoreReview of Bob Mcneil’s poetry collection, Verses of Realness.
Read MoreCheck out my virtual book tour dates! Follow my debut novel and I as we’re highlighted, interviewed and reviewed by various bloggers from January 31st- February 11th.
If you have already read my debut novel, whenever you find the time, please leave a review wherever you purchased it. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Smash words….etc. It would really help with rankings, algorithms and show it to more people so they can snag a copy too.
Thank you all for re-tweeting, re-sharing, taking a pic of yourself with the book, and simply being in my corner to push this book out. I really appreciate it.
Read MoreCheck out the local shops in Red Bank NJ. Featuring Witch Baby Soaps and The Artisan Collective. These last minute holiday snags are unique, tasty and unforgettable (You may have to buy more though). Great for the last minute Mandy’s who like snag gifts online in mid-December. Jasmine Farrell
Read MoreA micro review of the little mermaid at the walnut street theater. The eels were everything!
Read MoreCheck out my top 3 favorite poetry collections of 2021. All indie authors with passionate pens and unforgettable lines. Support them and review their books!
Read MoreYes, the job openings have increased, but the actual hirings are low. The wages are low #af OR, the wages are high with a dash of unhealthy work environment and a sprinkle of unsafe work conditions. Panoramic wages and chill, I guess. Just a lil’ rant from a freelancing lady who temps.
Read MoreThose of us who de-converted from christianity have heard the saying, “You only left because of people. You shouldn’t leave just because of a few apples.”. However, is that always our story? Why is that the assumption?
Read MoreIn 2018, the shame lifted, and I was ready to celebrate and join my community. I slowly came out to my loved ones and planned on attending NYC’s Annual Pride. The initial group of friends I planned on attending with bailed. So, I went with a college friend who had a similar journey to mine. I had a blast. My heart was soaring.
Read MoreThe poetic devices I use often!
Read MoreI had a dream recently that was actually a memory. When I was 26, someone was talking to me about how they usually get what they want. They told me that they don’t take NO for an answer and mentioned ways they would get a YES. Looking back, I realized how I was punished for telling them NO. Or, they would shape shift and use various tactics to manipulatively get that YES from me. Later on that day, I watched a reel on IG that spoke about not taking NO for an answer from potential clients. It made me cringe. What’s the deal with people disrespecting NO? If a potential client says NO, if a loved says NO, some people see that as room to coerce/manipulate/dragoon.
It’s as if the business arena and loved one arena is exempt from consent. It isn’t. It never was.
Dear Mr and Ms Predatory Persistence:
Take NO as an answer and get over it.
There have been songs, movies and well-known business people who utilize this saying to encourage people to follow their dreams.
“Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, never submit to failure. Do not be fobbed off with mere personal success or acceptance. You will make all kinds of mistakes, but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or events. - Winston Churchill
”
I understand the intention. When one door closes, find another one- or maybe the timing wasn’t right so, you wait. When one person tells you NO- don’t give up. There is a YES… FROM SOMEONE ELSE.
However, from my personal experience, people’s stories, and what I keep reading on forums:
NAH.
There are pushy salesman, partners, religious folk, friends and #LLCTwitter that spew this slogan.
A few years ago, someone said to me, “Your partner isn’t always gonna to listen to you when you say No. Get over it.” I distanced myself. I ain’t entertaining nobody who doesn’t comprehend a NO from a grown person. Been there. Done that.
When I was in college, my best friend and I were leaving the mall after watching a movie. We were standing by the exit, waiting for our cab to arrive. Another cab driver was standing by the exit looking for customers. He asked if we wanted a ride. We said NO because we already had a cab coming…
Long story short, he attempted to bully us into snagging a ride. My best friend had to literally shove me into the car (that we already called in prior) because the pushy cab guy was being ridiculous!
I’m sure we all know a few people who won’t take NO for an answer- only to be disappointed with the person who gave them a reluctant YES or worse, punish people who remained grounded in their NO.
People who refuse to respect a person’s No are hoping to transform that No into a Maybe. From there, a Maybe into a YES.
Yay… nothin’ goes better with someone’s coffee than dragooning him/her into some mess.
The thing is, the initial answer was NO. An answer isn’t taken. It’s given. Fuck mild coercion. Respect the NO and get a YES from someone who intuitively and authentically tells you YES.
Why are you seeking and digging for a reluctant YES when there is a solid YES elsewhere?
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a crucial time to shed light on the alarming prevalence of intimate partner violence, affecting nearly 1 in 2 women and over 2 in 5 men. This blog post explores the definition of domestic violence, its emotional and physical impacts, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding this issue. We highlight the history of DVAM, the need for education to prevent violence, and the advocacy required for meaningful policy change. With resources available for survivors and a call to action for community support, we emphasize that no one is alone in this fight. Join us as we raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and promote healing for all.
I am celebrating the birthdays of 3 my poetry collections in September! "Long Live Phoenixes," "Orange September," and "My Quintessence." No matter how old or new, I hope my vulnerable works inspire readers and showcase my evolving poetry journey over the past 6, 1, and 10 years.
As I woke to the scent of burnt plastic, little did I know that an emergency demolition was about to temporarily turn my world upside down. Evacuating our apartment, I had the power of support, the thrill of unexpected change, and a safer space to reside in.
Check out Jessica Fuller, the featured Indie Author Tuesday Author. A North Carolina native, she recently published that motivational and empowering collection, A Different Kind of Rising. Read her e-interview and my thoughts on her collection.
I expanded distribution as an indie author in 2022. Read more about my journey from opting out of KDP Select to embracing platforms like Ingramspark and Smashwords, snagging a wider audience beyond Amazon's realm.
Roll with me as I share activities and stuff about what I do to return to the present. Slow down and read my shit. Mindfulness is key for me in all this chaoticness.
That one time my formatting was shot…Ya’ll 🙄🙄. Fellow writers, don’t be like me. Please format before you hit publish!
Get to know Pat Parker- the Fearless Poet and Activist. From Houston, Texas, Parker's sharp and unforgettable poetry tackled taboo topics. She founded the Black Women’s Revolutionary Council, leaving an indelible mark on activism. Celebrate her life and be inspired to write with your chest out.
Join me as I share my goals for February 2024, including daily journal writing and submitting! Ya’ll got any January goals?
10 years in this thing (slurps my luxurious ramen noodles and sips my bougie instant coffee). Anyway…I wanted to celebrate a decade as an indie author with the release of my eighth poetry collection, Rising From the Shadows. Pre-orders are now available for a December 10th release!