What is the best thing that I love about my work? The best thing I love about the work I do as a freelance writer is helping a company target its audience and build its brand. I also enjoy assisting clients to achieve their academic goals. I love the freedom to work from home and to be able to travel anytime I want. I enjoy the freedom of being comfortable in my own space. I think I work better in my own space. In addition, I enjoy the content. Writing for a client always provides an opportunity to learn something new. Besides being a freelance writer, I also write poetry. Writing poetry allows me to express my creativity as well as inspire others. Writing enables me to deconstruct words in a creative way, which I find incredibly rewarding.
What is my idea of happiness? Being content with oneself is what makes me happy. In life, I am happiest when I am satisfied with what I have, and I am still hopeful about the future. I am content with everything I’ve accomplished in life. Based on my psychological mindset, I do what makes me happy rather than worry about what others think I should do to make myself happy. This mindset about how I feel about myself and what makes me unique has shaped me into the person I am today. My personality has always tended to be different, to be comfortable with being different, and to not want to follow the crowd. The concept of happiness for me also includes staying away from
negativity. Upon graduating high school, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in writing and poetry. People were negative about my decision and thought I should pursue another career, but I chose to follow my heart and pursue what makes me happy in my career. I am constantly reminded to remain happy by the feeling of being abundantly blessed.
What is my greatest fear? Uncertainty in life is my greatest fear. As a planner, I regularly plan everything, but sometimes, my plans do not go as planned and I am left wondering what to do when the next situation arises. In such a situation, I start to feel uncomfortable, and I begin to worry. My life has been impacted by this from an early age, so I have always lived with it. My fear of uncertainty has the benefit of mostly making me worry for nothing. In the midst of uncertainty, I am blessed with a gift or sign that everything is alright. My feeling of being abundantly blessed is related to this. Although I feel like I’m worrying for nothing, when the situation resurfaces, it is still terrifying. I try to avoid thinking too far into the future, I prepare short-term goals to reduce the fear of uncertainty. In addition, I avoid getting my hopes up with the feeling like I’m hoping for the worst.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? One of the traits I deplore in myself is my lack of interest once I achieve something. It would be fair to say I experience anticipatory pleasure. My experience with things like singing, which I had enjoyed doing for years, are indicative of this. Performing in front of a crowd has never been my forte. As a child, I predicted that someday I would sing in church, and I did when I was 18 years old. Since then, I have not been as motivated to sing as I used to be. My hidden talent was uncovered, and I was no longer compelled to practice singing. Music still holds a special place in my heart. Occasionally, I’ll sing along with the music, but it is rare. My association with music is now based on listening to the lyrics.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
I admire, which include Authors, Writers, Poets, and Journalists
Jamaica Kincaid
Tracy K. Smith
Danez Smith
Alice Walker
Stephen King
Jemele Hill
Gayle King
Angela Yee
Touré
Danyel Smith
What is my greatest extravagance? When it comes to spending money, I am usually cautious, but I believe one of my greatest extravagances is shopping for clothing. Regarding spending, I follow a motto. Basically, “if I cannot afford it, I do not need it”, which is in a way in opposition to my other motto of acquiring what I want, “if I want it, I will get it.” In order to avoid this temptation.
I do not frequently shop on websites and apps as much as I used to. However, I always have items on my wish list, and I sometimes engage in compulsive spending, as though I get excited to have a package delivered to my door, as if I were a child opening presents on Christmas day. My shopping strategy is to set a budget and use a discount whenever possible. Usually, when I do not use a discount, it means I really want the item, so I pay full price. It is a bit of an extravagance for me since I had run out of closet space after cleaning it and donating to Goodwill and giving clothes to family and friends. The extravagance of this lifestyle is reflected in my feeling that I need an outfit for every occasion. It is always important to me to look my best and feel good in my clothing.
On what occasion would I lie? I am a very private individual. If I share something about myself with someone, I usually share it with another person, so it is open to the public, but I do not share much about myself publicly. If I do not trust someone, perhaps they are a gossiper, I will lie in order to conceal my identity. Basically, I will lie to keep someone out of my business. The types of people I will lie to are those who are a meddler, make assumptions, or try to underestimate someone. People are free to think what they want about me. I do not believe that in order to be accepted, I have to inform people about my personal life. In order to protect myself, I lie since I believe that many people pretend to like you and want you to fail. There are many people who are jealous and hateful of others.
It is not my nature to lie, and I dislike lying. It is just my preference that my business is
not spread across social media or the community.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? A disadvantage of being a freelance writer is that it is sometimes difficult to find work. Certainly, there are always jobs available for writers, but it does not mean they are interested in you as a writer. When you are a freelance writer, it can be very overwhelming to constantly fill out applications and do job interviews, knowing that you have great potential but being rejected. Being a freelance writer also presents difficulties, not only in getting work, but also in getting a decent wage. There are many freelance writers who juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, and they are often underpaid, unless they work for a large magazine or newspaper company. Despite me, loving to learn and write as a freelance writer, I dislike how many writing jobs base your writing ability on one task and do not train you how to become a better writer for their company. As a newcomer to this industry, I did not realize how challenging it would be. An English or Communication degree seems almost irrelevant when applying for a job. Although it is required that you have a college degree, and you possess the writing skills, you are not the candidate the employer is seeking. In general, I dislike the lack of training that writer jobs don’t provide, since each writing position has different skills and objectives.
When and Where was I the happiest, in my work? Last year, 2022, was the most rewarding year of my career. My work still consisted of working from home, but now I was being part of a team, and working in education, a subject that I enjoy writing about. As I mentioned previously, I often dislike the pay that freelance writers receive, however, this particular freelance writer position paid exceptionally well. There was enough money to sustain me without having to work multiple jobs at the same time. Normally, I do not get my hopes up because there is always the possibility of rejection, however, I was satisfied because I felt stable financially. The job was something I felt I could do on a long-term basis. As well, I enjoyed the flexibility of the job, which permitted me to work at my own pace and earn a fair wage for the amount of writing that I did. My experience writing for these clients provided me with the opportunity to learn a great deal, which was so enjoyable for me. As a new employee, I was very excited about the opportunity. My position at this company was a blessing to me.
If I could, what would I change about myself? To be taller is one of the things I would change about myself. My ideal height would have been around 5’4”. I like being a short woman, but sometimes people mistake me for a teenager, even though I am an adult. As a shorter woman, it can be difficult to find clothing that fits perfectly on me. My shopping experience at the local malls changed after teenagers began buying all the clothing in my size, so I began shopping more online. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable around other women who are my age because they are taller. Often, I feel like I have to stand out so people can realize I’m an adult instead of an adolescent, whether that means speaking maturely or dressing a certain way. Due to my short stature, people often assume that I need assistance in lifting items or getting them off of shelves. I am a strong woman who is very independent. For me to feel more like an adult woman, I’d have liked to have been taller.
What is my greatest achievement in work? In my career, I have not yet achieved my greatest achievement. Despite writing many great poems, I don’t think I’ve achieved recognition for my works. One of the most significant achievements of my college career was being an honors student. My Bachelor of Arts in Communications and my Bachelor of Arts in English were both awarded to me with honors. In college, I always strived to pass my courses with an A. In all honesty, I believe that I only earned two Bs in my college career. My goal in college was to perform better than I did in high school. My college performance was outstanding, even better than my high school performance. In high school, I did not achieve all A’s. Graduating college with a 3.9 GPA was an incredibly rewarding experience for me.
Where would I most like to live? As a writer and poet, I would definitely want to live in a more city-like area. Having a city- centric lifestyle means more creative jobs are available. I also enjoy culture, so it would be great to live in a community with a range of cultures. I would certainly stay on the East Coast of the United States; however, I would prefer to live outside of the Southeast region. Living somewhere other than Georgia would allow me to experience different foods, parks, cultures, languages, and people. Living in a rural area and having to commute to the city can sometimes be tedious, and thus I feel limited in my career and lifestyle options at times. I can draw inspiration for writing more from living in a city as a poet. The sights of tall buildings, street art, graffiti, historic buildings, and alleyways appeal to me greatly. The ability to walk to the corner store, the park, and the supermarket has always been a dream for me as a person who enjoys sight-seeing. With the fast pace of the city vibes, there is also the laid-back lifestyle of just being who you are and not letting others judge your actions because everyone follows their own path and is unique.
What is my most treasured possession? One of my most treasured possessions is my music collection. My interest in collecting music began when I was around ten years old. My first collection was CDs, and then as I entered my teen years, I collected cassette tapes, and now as I enter my adult years, I collect vinyl records. Most of my music collection consists of R&B and Hip Hop. My collection also includes some pop music, depending on the artist. The love for music I have probably began in the womb, when my father sang to me, so collecting music was natural for me. The R&B group TLC is among the artists of music I collect, I own four albums by them, including, Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip, CrazySexyCool, FanMail, and Now & Forever: The Hits. As a music collector, I usually bought CDs brand new when CD’s were popular, but nowadays I shop online, at flea markets, yard sales, and some record stores for used music. In my collection of albums, I really enjoy the original albums with the original sounds, from the year they were released. I treasure my music collection because music has always provoked me with emotions, taught me things, and helped me cope with life.
What is my most marked characteristic? My height is my most marked characteristic. As an adult woman, I am 4’10 1/2 inches tall. In a crowd, however, I think my small stature makes me stand out even though I blend in with everyone. I believe people identify me as the short woman when they don’t know my name. My short stature has never made me feel insecure, which has been a good thing. My confidence and beauty have always been part of who I am, and I am proud of who I am. As a short woman, I have grown to love all parts of my body, from its petite size to its slim thickness. My short stature does not bother me. Despite my size, I still find clothing that fits me and can wear high heels. I am a strong and independent woman.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? Parks are my favorite places. Parks inspire me because I get to see not only the city but also different types of people. I find parks to be very inspiring because they have the ability to set a mood. In the park, I can relax and relieve some types of stress or anxiety. I like to take the time to really process things and reflect on my life in the park. My favorite thing about parks is that I can listen to music while walking in the park, I can exercise in the park, I can view landscaping and architecture in the park, meet people in the park and also have dates there. The park is one of my favorite places as a writer as I can observe my surroundings and draw inspiration to write poems about things I see that make me smile and sometimes something that may disappoint me. It is a great place for me as a writer to pick up life stories to write about. Seeing people talking, laughing, jogging, hearing car horns, birds chirping, dogs barking, children playing in the park makes me realize how beautiful life can be and I find that so inspiring. I find the park inspiring because it reminds me to take a deep breath and everything will fall into place.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? One of my favorite places to eat and drink in my city is Chili’s Grill & Bar. The food and drinks at Chili’s Grill & Bar never disappoint. My favorite items on Chili’s Grill & Bar’s menu are the Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas, the Southwestern Eggrolls, and the Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers. Since Chili’s Grill & Bar offers so many delicious drinks, it’s often difficult for me to choose. My favorite drink is the Premium Long Island Iced Tea, but I have also tried their Jackberry Margarita, Tropical Sunrise Margarita, and Blueberry and Pineapple Margarita. The drinks were all delicious. The prices at Chili’s Grill & Bar are fairly reasonable and it is a great place for dates, family dinners, a night out alone, and it appeals to both young and old. Chili’s grill & bar is one of my favorite places to eat at any time, not just on special occasions. Chili’s grill & bar always serves up hot and ready to eat food, the staff is friendly, and there is never a dull moment. There are always sports to watch on the television at chili’s while eating, and people seem to enjoy eating there.
What books influenced my life and how? While I am a writer, I am not a big reader. A good book would need to be recommended to me before I would read it. A book I have read that has greatly influenced my life is the bible. As the bible shares the story of life, I feel in touch with myself as I read scriptures. The bible verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 is one of my favorite scriptures and serves as a daily reminder for me. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, it reminds me that no matter what the situation, I must always have faith in God. Through the scripture, I have been encouraged to use prayer to influence my life, to daily repent, to know that God forgives and guides me and leads me in the right direction in life. It gives me a sense of warmth, safety, and security to read the bible and to pray to God. It is an agape love to feel God’s love. I see the bible as a daily guide to life, teaching me right and wrong, and this is why it has influenced me so much.
You only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? I would listen to some gospel music on my last day on earth. As a Christian, I hope to have my heart and mind in harmony with God, to praise and thank God for the years he has given me on this earth, so that my soul may find rest in Him. My Spotify playlist of the best gospel choirs would be playing. I would like to listen to Hallelujah by Rev James Moore, because it is the highest praise. Lily in the Valley by John P Kee would be another song I would like to hear to feel happy and know that God is with me. To walk in God’s direction, I would also like to listen to Order My Steps by GMWA Women of Worship. In addition, I would listen to Blessed Assurance by Dallas Fort Worth Choir which would be a praising song to God for Salvation and a hope for eternal life with him. Also, I’d listen to Your Name by GWMA Youth Mass Choir, which brings tears to my eyes and chills to my soul. Jesus’ power and goodness are represented in this song. In Psalms 146, we are instructed to praise God for as long as we live, so I plan to praise him even on my last day on earth!
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? The fictional character Spiderman is my hero. The heart of Spiderman is something I admire. Spiderman has a great heart, in my opinion. Spiderman has compassion and love for everyone, even the villains. His selflessness is evident, he is always considerate of others, so much so that he becomes guilty if he cannot help someone. The reason Spiderman is my hero is that he represents the type of human we should be. Love and kindness are supposed to be shown to everyone, even those who hate us. I think me and Spiderman both share the characteristic of fear of losing loved ones, so we both try to protect them to the best of our ability. While Peter Parker may have questioned why he should be a superhero, he still contributes to his calling as one. In real life, I believe that is a great example of trusting God and doing his will faithfully if he calls us to do something.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? There aren’t many people I look up to. Since I was a child, I have always followed my own judgment and thought about what I considered right and wrong, as well as how I wanted to represent myself as an individual. The person I consider my hero is my father. Besides praying to God, I always consider what my father would do in the same situation. My father has always had the tendency to think before he does something, and he has always placed his trust in God. I also see my father as a confident and strong individual. No matter what people say or do, he doesn’t let them get to him. His attitude is not influenced by other people. My relationship with my father is strong and I feel comfortable talking to him about anything. My father is my hero because he always stands by me and has raised me to become the woman I am today.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? The Minute You Wake up Dead is a movie I recommend seeing once in a lifetime. In spite of this movie’s lack of popularity, it definitely teaches viewers a lesson about greed and money. In the movie, the phrase “The Minute You Wake Up Dead” is a repeated expression after a small-town businessman faced repercussions after his stock that was supposed to merge between two companies did not work out. In the movie, the waitress hires a hitman to kill her father in order to pay off her father’s gambling debts, while the hitman wants the money to pay off the criminals, and the businessman also wants some of the money to pay back the money he lost in the stock. Everyone wants a portion of the money, and everyone dies except the waitress who is sentenced to prison as a result. As a writer, I really enjoy The Minute You Wake Up Dead idiom. The Minute You Wake Up Dead is an idiom about realizing one’s mistakes the minute it occurs. The characters used the money as a solution but found themselves in a dangerous situation as they used it to cover up more mistakes. After watching this film, viewers may not even remember the movie’s name, but they will certainly remember how it forces them to reflect on how money can manipulate our mindset and make us feel empowered. It is important not to let money control our lives.
What role play stories in my life and work? I learned about my family history from my father when I was a child, and the stories play a crucial role in my work and life. When I was a kid, my father would tell me stories about his upbringing and even his relocation to the Midwest. My father also told me stories about his life growing up in the southeast region of the United States. My father would sometimes tell me a Ghost story about living in a boarding house in Columbus, Ohio and at night a ghostly white man with red eyes would appear at the window scratching and trying to get in. Several years later, when my father had moved back to Georgia, he experienced another ghostly encounter, when he was awakened to find a hand around his neck while sleeping in the back room of the house with his older brother. It has always been my favorite genre to read ghost stories! I’m not the type of writer to write ghost stories, but I do believe that hearing my father tell these stories in such vivid detail has shaped me as a writer. The stories my father told me about his family and life in Georgia in the 1960s and 1970s influenced me to love researching family ancestry today. The history and culture of Black people also intrigues me. The stories my father told me as a child helped me gain a better understanding of myself, and this is also a characteristic of my descriptive writing style.
What do the words, “You are the storyteller of your own life to me”? To me, the words you’re a storyteller of your own life symbolize the power I have to mold myself into who I want to be. Ultimately, I believe that I can improve anything about myself that I want to, and no one can stop me. I believe that nobody can define me because I am aware of my true self. People tend to assume things about others, but they are simply judging a book by its cover. We live every day as if it were a story to tell and to illustrate, and people are watching and listening. The best way for me to present myself is to always present myself appropriately, because people hold you accountable for what you say and do. My story is constantly evolving as I learn more about myself and mature, as I meet new people and find myself in new situations, and how I present myself and respond to those situations. Although I believe that God has already written our life, He has given us the free will to change our lives for the better, and in the end, we may even surprise ourselves with our accomplishments. Every day, we have the power to craft our own narratives and share our unique experiences with the world. We can only get to know someone’s story to truly understand who they are.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? It is my boyfriend who is my greatest fan, sponsor, and partner in crime! As a matter of fact, he told me he was my biggest fan! Since he is also a poet, I often share my creative work with him, such as poems and spoken word poetry. His encouragement is always sincere, and he tells me I have outdone myself, regardless of whether he likes the poem or not. Often, we discussed writing poems together as well. Our love of words and creativity is mutual, and even when I am suffering from writer’s block, he still encourages me to write.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
The Poetry Society of America
Black Lawrence Press
The New York Times
Tracy K. Smith
Sekou Andrews
Amanda S. C. Gorman
The Poetry Foundation
Harvard Review
AGNI
Broadside Lotus Press
What projects am I looking forward to work on? In the near future, I hope to do more recordings of my poems, spoken word poems.
Where can you see me or my work? My LinkedIn profile can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/BrenaeLay
You can find my poetry blog website here: https://awaywithwords.poetry.blog
Here are the links to some poems I wrote, that are also on my poetry blog I created while in college.
What do the words, “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? Passion never retires means to me that if you’re passionate about something, you’ll never get tired of it. You will always love what you do, whether it’s a hobby or career. The passion remains constant throughout our journey, keeping us inspired always. I always use the example that athletes or singers must love what they do, or else they will become tired of it and it will reflect in their performance.
How can you contact me?
I can be contacted through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/BrenaeLay
I can also be reached via email: Brenae.lay95@gmail.com
The Heroine's Journey 