LatinosUSA

Well today I am proud to bring you Michelle Ayon Navajas! She is a wonderful poet, educator and writer from the Philippines, who is also the editor for Hotel Masticadores! I know you will enjoy this as much as I did talking to her.

MICHELLE IN HER OWN WORDS

LatinosUSA: Who are your major literary/artistic references?

Michelle: I am an old soul. Having said that, I read a lot of classical pieces dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era. I love how oral traditions of telling stories were made back then and how people pass it on from generations to generations. Classical literature has been a significant source of inspiration for many of my poems.

Classical literature has shaped my use and development of the different genres. I draw inspiration from these genres and experiment with my own styles, incorporating elements of classical literature to create something new and innovative.

Classical literature explores timeless themes like love, mortality, power, and identity, which remain relevant today. I borrow these themes and motifs to create fresh stories that resonate with modern audiences.

Classical literature often explores the human condition, delving into the complexities of human nature. I use these works as a starting point to explore similar themes in my own writing, such as the human condition, morality, and ethics.

Classical literature has shaped the cultural heritage of many societies, influencing art, music, film, and other forms of creative expression. I also draw inspiration from this cultural heritage to create works that are deeply rooted in my own culture.

And despite being written centuries ago, classical literature remains relevant today. I draw inspiration from the timeless themes and ideas found in these works to create stories that continue to resonate with my readers.

LatinosUSA: What makes you a writer? What do you like to write about? What is your plan for the next five years?

Michelle: What a great question! The concept of a writer is often debated, and the answer can vary depending on personal opinions, cultural context, and artistic standards. However, I would answer it from a perspective of somebody who studied and taught writing in the Academe.

I am a writer because I consistently produce high-quality work, often sacrificing personal time and energy to hone my craft, I have a genuine passion for writing, which drives me to create meaningful content that resonates with others, I developed a distinct voice and perspective that sets me apart from others, making my writing recognizable and authentic, I have the ability to craft compelling stories that engage readers, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression, I am willing to put in the effort to research and fact-check my work, ensuring accuracy and credibility, I understand the importance of revising and editing my work, making necessary changes to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality, I face rejection, criticism, and self-doubt, but persevere through the challenges to keep writing and growing as an artist, I form a connection with my audience, understanding their needs, desires, and emotions to create content that resonates with readers, and finally I recognize the importance of ongoing education and learning, staying updated on industry trends, techniques, and best practices.

It is also essential to remember that being writer is subjective. Some people might prioritize creative freedom over commercial success or focus on specific genres or styles.

Ultimately, a writer should have impact on their readers, the quality of their work, and the passion they bring to their craft.

I am very passionate about helping in eradicating the culture of abuse and violence among women and children, so most of my pieces of prose and poetry are geared towards creating awareness, empowering and educating women.

I am setting up a start up publishing group that will cater to up and coming as well as budding writers who don’t have the chance to get publishing deals from existing publishers. I wanted to help them jump off on their publication journey.

LatinosUSA: Do you write about your life, your feelings/emotions?

Michelle: I also write about my personal journey, my struggles, my dreams and my ambitions. Writing with my emotions can be a powerful and cathartic experience for me because it allows me to express and process my feelings and emotions in a meaningful way while reaching out to my readers who in one way or the other is also having the same experience.

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I would like to share with you a sample of Michelle’s poetry

Death’s Dance

in the quiet corner of the night,

death dances with me in delicate delight

the shadows stretch and sigh,

as my soul takes flight.

eternal echoes of whispered woe,

as the wind weaves a mournful show.

silent secrets, sorrow’s slow,

in the stillness, death’s undertow.

my desolate dreams dance in the dark,

echoes of eternity, a mournful lark.

in the empty expanse of time,

death touches me like a somber chime.

the cycle of life, a fragile thread,

as i journey towards the unknown ahead.

in the silence of the night

death’s dance has just begun –

darling, it feels like that last night.

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My thanks and sincere appreciation to Michelle for her time and for her candor. I am sure you have enjoyed it and I invite you to…

Follow her online:
https://michnavs.wordpress.com/
IG @michnavspoetry
FB Poetry by Mich
YouTube Poetry by Mich
Amazon Author Central
Goodreads

CHEERS