SQ Reflections: Author Insights with Alicia Lawrence
At Scribbles and Quills, we love to spotlight talented authors who are making waves in the literary world. Today, we’re thrilled to feature local author Alicia Lawrence, whose poetry collection Poetic Juices captures the rhythms of life, culture, and personal reflections. Alicia’s passion for poetry shines through in her writing, offering readers an authentic connection to her Trinidadian roots and her love for spoken word. In this interview, Alicia opens up about her book, her writing journey, and what she hopes readers take away from her work.
1. Can you tell us about your book and its main themes?
My book is entitled Poetic Juices, and it’s a collection of poetry and spoken word pieces. The themes within the book range widely—from spiritual pieces to odes and tributes. It’s a celebration of various emotions and experiences, all expressed through the art of poetry.
2. What inspired you to write this particular story?
Poetic Juices was inspired by my lifelong love for poetry. Growing up, recitation was encouraged in school, and I always admired the way poets used words to create rhythm and meaning. That admiration led me to create my own poetry, and eventually, to compile it into a book.
3. How does your Trinidadian background influence your writing?
Many of the pieces in Poetic Juices were inspired by my everyday experiences in Trinidad. Whether it’s a new story I hear, a trending social media post, or a personal experience, my writing is influenced by the life I live here. Additionally, some of my pieces incorporate our Trini dialect, reflecting the language and culture that shape who I am.
4. What was your writing process like for this book?
I’ve been writing for many years, but it was only recently that I decided to put my work into a book format. Initially, I didn’t set out to write a book—I simply wrote because I loved poetry. The process itself wasn’t difficult for me; it’s something I enjoy, and the words seem to come to me naturally.
5. Did you face any challenges while writing, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I face is finding the right words to rhyme while staying true to the message I want to convey. Since most of my work is written in traditional rhyme and meter, it can sometimes be tricky to complete a thought with a word that fits both contextually and stylistically. But, I work through it, as it’s part of the craft.
6. Are there any specific authors or books that have inspired your work?
I’m a huge fan of Maya Angelou, particularly her poem Still I Rise. Her work resonates with me deeply. Additionally, I’ve been inspired by several anonymous writers from the West Indian Readers series, especially Irene Rutherford McLeod’s poem Lone Dog. These authors have played a significant role in nurturing my love for poetry.
7. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
I want readers to understand that poetry is beautiful, rejuvenating, and carries powerful messages. Each piece offers a unique perspective, and I hope my work encourages people to reflect on their own experiences.
8. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your writing journey?
A memorable moment was having one of my pieces featured in a play. I had the chance to perform the poem Anger, while portraying the character of an angry, drunk man. The experience was surreal and gave me a deeper appreciation for the intersection of poetry and performance.
9. How do you approach character development in your stories?
Though my book is a collection of poetry rather than traditional stories, each piece has its own genesis. My poetry allows me to explore different aspects of identity and expression, even though it’s not centered around specific characters.
10. What role does research play in your writing process?
For the most part, my work is inspired by personal experiences and emotions, so research isn’t always necessary. However, for historical pieces like Cuba’s Struggle for Sovereignty, I do ensure the facts are accurate. Similarly, if I’m writing something for academic purposes, research helps inform the piece.
11. What has been the most rewarding part of being a published author?
The most rewarding part has been connecting with other authors and showcasing my work. It’s been such a fulfilling experience to be part of the literary community and to share my love of poetry with others.
12. How do you handle feedback or criticism of your work?
I take feedback in stride, and I’m always open to constructive criticism. If something isn’t clear or doesn’t resonate with a reader, I’m happy to explain where I’m coming from. Sometimes, this dialogue changes the feedback entirely, and I see things in a new light.
13. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or books you’re working on?
I’m excited to share that I’m working on Volume 2 of Poetic Juices. I hope to launch it early in 2025. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and offering more of my work to readers.
14. What advice would you give to aspiring writers in Trinidad?
Write! Just write. Take the plunge, and don’t be afraid to share your work. Surround yourself with positive influences, gather practical information from reputable sources, and go for it!
15. How do you promote your work and connect with your readers?
I promote my work through a variety of channels, including social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. I also participate in live readings and performances, attend pop-up markets, and collaborate with other authors. Additionally, my book is available in local bookstores and on Amazon. Word of mouth through family and friends also plays a significant role in connecting with my audience.
16. What is your favourite aspect of being part of the Trinidadian literary community?
I love the diversity of genres and the creative ways in which our unique culture is showcased in literature. Meeting other writers and exchanging ideas is also a highlight for me. It’s truly inspiring to be a part of this community.
17. Are there any local events or initiatives you participate in to support other writers?
I’m actively involved in the Poetry and Prose group that meets every other Sunday. I also participate in events like the Caribbean Author Village hosted by Daniel Francis and One Momentum Publishing, as well as the First Citizen’s Bank Poetry Slam. Supporting other writers is something I’m passionate about.
18. How do you see the future of Trinidadian literature evolving?
I hope to see Trinidadian literature grow and gain recognition on a larger scale. One of my dreams is for our works to be featured on the big screen, especially local plays and films based on our literature. I also envision our books becoming “must-reads” for schoolchildren, helping to preserve and promote our cultural heritage.
19. What role do you think storytelling plays in preserving culture?
Storytelling is crucial in preserving our culture. My own memories of Trinidadian culture come from the stories my mother told me. Whether through poetry, spoken word, or other forms of storytelling, we have the power to keep our culture alive and vibrant for future generations.
20. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or writing journey?
Poetry, for me, is like journaling for many others. It’s my outlet for sharing thoughts and bringing my words to life. The writing journey has been wonderful, and I’ve received amazing moral support along the way. However, I do hope to see more financial support for writers in our community. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story.
About Alicia Lawrence
Alicia Lawrence is a Trinidadian poet and spoken word artist, whose debut collection Poetic Juices is a celebration of life, culture, and personal expression. With a deep passion for poetry and performance, Alicia’s work reflects her experiences and the unique rhythms of Trinidadian life. When she’s not writing, you can find her performing at live readings and engaging with her community of fellow writers.
Connect with Alicia:
- Facebook: @supplediamond7
- Instagram: @supple_diamond
- LinkedIn: Alicia Lawrence on LinkedIn
- Threads: @supple_diamond
Email: [email protected]
It has been a pleasure to hear about Alicia Lawrence’s journey as a poet and her creative process behind Poetic Juices. Through her words, she reminds us of the beauty and power of poetry in capturing the essence of our personal and cultural stories. We look forward to seeing more of Alicia’s work in the future and wish her continued success in her writing endeavours. Stay tuned for the release of Volume 2 of Poetic Juices, coming soon! Of course, you can find Poetic Juices on our shelves at Scribbles and Quills.
This interview forms part of our Author Insights series here on our blog. You can look out for new interviews with our authors as we post them.
Happy reading!