One of our newest contributors, Deanahi has written several features for many of our recent issues, interviewing a wide range celebrities, entertainment execs, and athletes—all while attending high school.
What are some of the subjects that are most endearing to you when it comes to writing?
As a kid I have always enjoyed writing in my diary; the sense of relief after writing something down has always stuck with me. Writing became my therapy, if I were to have a bad day I would write my thoughts about it. After I started reading r.h sin’s poetry books I fell in love with the craft. The way that you can articulate pain in such a beautiful way is what intrigued me to express my feelings. The most endearing subject to me that I write about is probably the pain that I’ve been through. As a writer I noticed people relate more to the truth and that comes with the pain. I was told you needed to bleed a little in the pages. It sounds simple, but it isn’t. Pain is the alchemy of growth, most of the time people can relate to it.
Do you have a certain routine you follow when preparing to write?
Before writing, I usually like to meditate to put myself at ease. Since I love the outdoors, I choose to write outside or on the roof. I feel as if the breeze gives me ideas and everything just flows.
Great writing is often said to require a degree of vulnerability, do you ever feel uncomfortable sharing your personal experiences?
Sometimes I feel uncomfortable, but at the same time, I have to remember my pain can provide lessons to others. Most of the time people have gone through the same lessons whether it’s heartbreak or daily problems. My mother is my biggest inspiration as a family we have gone through trials and tribulations but she proudly shares her pain and how she persevered through it. And having her as my role model allows me to freely spread my word, without filling condemned to my thoughts.
You have interviewed several celebrities very early in your career. Tell us some of your favorite features.
Some of my favorite features have to be with Renya Love and Esmeralda Baez; as a young Afro-Latina, I felt growing up and had no one to look up to that looked like me representation matters. They also said very powerful things that resonated with me. I remember asking Reyna what’s her message to young Afro-Latinas. At the time, I was taking in everything she said word for word. Esmeralda is a writer and shared her insight on mental illness and anxiety. As someone who struggles with those things, it was beautiful to see how she combats it and how she wants to build a community to better the issues that a lot of young people in my generation go through.
Who are some of the people that you would love to interview?
I would love to interview Nicki Minaj. She’s a very powerful artist and she has been my favorite rapper since I was four. I remember me and my sister playing her music on our computer and knowing every song word for word. It would be a dream come true because she is my biggest inspiration.
Which do you prefer the most, journalism or creative writing?
I truly enjoy both, if I had to pick, I wouldn’t know which one to choose. Journalism has always intrigued me even as a kid I would write essays as if I was a journalist and I remember one of my teachers coming to me and saying “Wow, Dea you truly have a knack for writing.”
Creative writing has been something that I’ve always done both of my parents really helped me express myself through writing. My Grandfather T.W Moody was a writer who wrote “True Facts Surrounding Wynnton Stocking Strangler” He gathered the information and interviewed a lot of people. Unfortunately, when he passed, people attempted to discredit him.
Is it difficult writing for a publication owned by a family member?
It truly isn’t, Be’n helps me when it comes to interviews and my poetry. If I had just finished writing, I’ll call him and ask for his feedback. It’s nice to have a family member guide you in your career and goals. I’m proud to say I write for a magazine that is owned by my cousin. I feel it is important to uplift those in your community and family.
