The path toward sustaining my relationship with writing — There are a few pieces of advice we writers hear ad nauseam. We must read an entire library’s worth of books annually. We must have a clear, unique-without-trying-too-hard voice. And yes, when we’re not actively writing, we should either be taking copious notes or outlining for future projects. Remove the…

The essential question that every creative should ask themselves — In 2009 Lin-Manuel Miranda received a request to perform at the first-ever White House Poetry Jam. “Do you have anything about America, and can you perform it at this podium?” Miranda was asked. In true kismet fashion, the composer happened to be working on his next Broadway musical. Yet, when…

You’re not Keanu Reeves — there is no escaping the matrix — I’ve always envied how men can remain eligible bachelors for as long as they’re single. It’s not just that men get to remain desirable well into their sixties. Women can do that too. I think anyone breathing can agree that 52-year-old J.Lo can still “get it.” My envy for these…

The Sex and the City reboot is good, but Kim Cattrall would’ve made it better [spoilers] — As a 20-something, Sex and the City showed me an alternative path in life. One that allowed women to be feminine, flawed, and deeply connected to their friends — regardless of their marital status. I didn’t know it at the time, but the show would go on to serve me…

The 10 Commandments and Mean Girls had us judging jealousy for too long — Years ago, I would pen poetic musings—quick tidbits of wisdom that I called Simoneisms (creative, I know). Occasionally, I’d share those musings on social media, but for the most part, I was afraid to disclose those pieces of my heart consistently. Afraid of being judged. Afraid of being cast as…

The pandemic made me a child again, but it’s time to grow up — “I’M NOT A CHILD!” I shouted. The irony now laughable. I pushed back my chair and leaped out of my seat at the kitchen table to retreat to my bedroom. Once there, I put a cherry on top of my drama by slamming the door shut. “That’ll show him,” I…

A scaredy-cat demystifies courage — I’m a scaredy-cat. I imagine worst-case scenarios like it’s my job. I’m liable to jump or yelp by the mere unannounced light touch of a friend. I get nervous when introducing myself (don’t ask me why my own name trips me up). And to this day, I check under my…

Perhaps wanting a smile from a Sista is no different than expecting a head nod from another Black man. — “Smile, girl.” When the words fell out of the mouth of whatever random man I passed on the street, I would feel as though a match was lit in my chest. I would look up to this stranger, only then becoming conscious of my face. A face that, up until…

These words from Emmy Award winner Michaela Coel changed my perspective on creativity — Michaela Coel came for my entire soul in her Emmy speech. Unlike the usual hats off to God and thank yous to mom, the I May Destroy You star had a message specifically for writers: Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that isn’t comfortable. I…