I love the open road. I love putting my foot to the pedal and seeing what's around me. I love going to new places. Spring begins this month, and I want to encourage you all to take some time this year to get out. What does that look like? Well, for me, that could be a writing getaway or reading retreat in a cabin. I'll also try to plan a trip for hiking or some type of cascades. But for you, it could be taking a walk outside, going to a new city. Even going to a friend's hous

Honestly, this book started very slow. A part of me wanted to put it down,  but I pushed through. (Especially since I wanted to see who the guy ended up with.) It gets better in the second part, and I love how the main character learns so much about living life from the very person he is supposed to be saving.  “The Runaway Wife” teaches us that life is not always about the daily grind, the 9 - 5 and over time or making a lot of money. There is beauty in getting away from rou

Do you know the reason why I wrote The Girl on the Swings: Transparency ? Well, I used to bottle things up. I didn't tell anyone when something bothered me. I kept my mouth shut when I was hurt. I would hide away and cry when things got tough because of others. Basically, I hated expressing certain feelings. However, swallowing all of those negative emotions led to a backup in my mental state. It got to the point where I could not go a single day without thinking about who or

Afaa Michael Weaver was one of my mentors during my MFA program. He encouraged me to study and pursue performance poetry and loved one of G Yamazawa's poem, just as I do. He got to travel to China on a Fulbright scholarship, and he's one of my inspirations for traveling and studying abroad.  Anyway, on to the book.  “City of Eternal Spring” is a book based on his time in Taipei. He writes of his experiences being an African American in an Asian country and how at home he feel

I have been reminded twice about expectations, so far. Once from a former classmate/musician and another at a fencing tournament. Because of this, I believe 2026 is all about the bar you set for yourself. I used to have very high expectations for myself, and I worked hard to meet them. However, when I faced failure with these, paired with my anxiety, I would beat myself up... a lot. I could not enjoy the process of meeting my goals because I put too much pressure on myself to

So, last year, I competed in a slam, and I was so close to the final round (my goal for the night). However, I got knocked out by a...

So, I caught a case of "The Slams" this year and participated in a few exhibition slams in the community. Now, I know most of the rules...

Let me tell you something. If you look hard enough, you'll find some gold right where you stand. (I know. That sounds very cliché, but...

So, a few months ago, I submitted some poetry here and there for more exposure. (And, of course, terrifying rejection.) One of the events...

I've been lucky enough to get out and go to more open mics again. Working a full time job and crafting your brand can be hard, but God is...

Yesterday, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a feature for Verses and Vibes' Paint and Sip Night alongside Kween Yakini and Obelia...

On November 12th, 2021, I had the honor of being a part of a wonderful event. At the Jazz Legacy Foundation's Annual Festival, Verses and...

Want more stuff like this? Then, check out my new instagram, specifically for my poetry, @terraleighw! Can't wait to see what God does...

I've just been informed that the Exhale Virtual Book Festival will be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. Don't worry. I'll keep...

Thank you, Venue on 35th, for hosting this virtual tour this year! I call it a tour because we went through so many different voices and...

I did it! I hosted my first writing workshop a few days ago, April 14th! It was great! My best friend let me use her Zoom room. It was a...

Though 2021 didn't start on a good note, I'm cautiously optimistic that it will be better than 2020. This is your reminder to do...

This past Monday, I had the awesome opportunity to teach poetry to some 8th grade English classes. (After we finally figured out public...

Hey everybody! I hope you're doing well. This is short notice, even for me, but I'll be reading at Smoothie Queen Cafe (Smoothies) this...

I hope you all are doing well. I've got good news! I'll be reading for the Verses and Vibes Showcase coming up on September 26th. I'll...