Creative Queens

WHEN A POET SPEAKS TO YOUR HEART :: MEET NAVI JOHNSON

One of the most important inventions of my life, the internet, has brought many things my way: boyfriends, Amazon, Groupon, navigation, a discreet way to buy personal items … But one of the most important things that I have found on the world wide web is a community of writers, authors, poets and other creatives willing to share their gift with the world. One such poet, a young woman named Navi Johnson, and I connected via Facebook after I’d fallen in love with her poetry. I am a member of a writing group on Facebook where many of the other members feel like friends and family.

If you have not realized this, one of the most vulnerable things a person can do is construct a poem, essay, novel, etc. In it, you are giving your readers your imagination and your emotions. Because writing is such a personal artform, connecting with other writers forms a familial type bond. So, it should come as no surprise when I saw Navi’s first poem cross my path that I fell in love. I was enthralled with her voice, I considered her someone I needed to know. And because I am so infatuated with her literary presence in my life, I must share her gift with you all.

Continue reading below for an exclusive interview with Navi! And, check back each day this week as we highlight the poetry of Navi on MMR!

Tell us about yourself! How long have you been writing? Are you published?
I’m 22 years old and I’ve been writing since I was 5 years old. I started by stealing pictures from photo albums and taping this to loose leaf paper, create dialogue and stapled it together and called it a book lol. But at age 12, I graduated to writing novels. I started my first book at 12 years old. I called it “Life is What I Make It”. I am published. I published my first book at 14 years old and my second installment to the trilogy “In the Making” at the age of 16. These books are fiction works, but I’ve always written poetry for as long as I can remember. I do both very well. Along with my poetry, I plan to release my first book in 6 years titled “Quinci”.
What is/are your inspiration(s) behind your writing?
My inspiration for writing comes from love, relationships, everyday issues, worldly issues, it really depends on the energy around me. Sometimes it’s hard to write when I’m not feeling it or when I’m angry but I write anyway. I get myself out of the habit of saying no to my craft.
What is your creative process?
My creative process is simple. I just need space and silence. Sometimes a little music but I try not to distract my brain. Lol I enjoy the solitude and being able to hear the small voice in my head. Then I ask myself how I feel, what’s on my mind right now, and I write from there.
 Are there other writers/artists that you look up to/inspire you and your work?
I’d have to say one of my biggest inspirations right now is a dope spoken wordsmith, Kondwani Fidel from Baltimore, Maryland. He was a classmate of mine at Virginia State University and I really feel like I watched him grow as an artist and performer. He makes me proud. But he’s my inspiration not only because of his words but how he uses them to make a difference in his community. And his persistence and consistency is impeccable.
Leave one piece of advice for other creatives.
My advice to the creative community is to keep pushing without searching for validation. Love your work and be your own pusher. The audience will come.
How can our subscribers find you on social media?

My website is currently under construction but my Instagram is ms._navi. People can also find all of my work by getting on IG and searching #soundslikenavi. You may also find my short story series “To Be An Eve” a black post-apocalyptic story about a young woman determined to repopulate the planet, on WordPress by searching soundslikenavi as well.

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