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Welcome to TRB’s Author Interview Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author Jasmine Farrell.
I’m presently reading her latest poetry collection Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Doves and I must say that it is a beautiful book!

About the author:

Jasmine is a freelance writer and blogger. From Brooklyn, NY, she has a Bachelor’s in Communications and she loves red velvet cake. Writing in her Grandmother’s memo pads is included into her repertoire of writings. Creative writing is her niche. She loves reading, randomly dancing and creating off-key ballads.

Hello, Jasmine, thank you for being here today.

Can you please tell my readers about your ambitions for your writing career?

My ambitions are to be internationally known as a poet with five novels under my belt and to have my words entice people to search the inner most parts of themselves.

Which writers inspire you?

Zora Neale Hurston, Nikki Giovanni and Claudia Rankine.

Tell us about your book?

Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Doves is a book of poetry that inspires readers to challenge the status quo as they step out on new journeys and move forward from the comfort of tradition. It was inspired by major life transitions in the last two years, which had me questioning “truths” which shuttered my true self from the world. After a tumultuous and an enlightening journey, I learned to look at the world with new eyes. By sharing my experiences, I chose to open my heart and inspire those on similar paths. Faced with the unknown of a new world my poetry has never felt more alive and honest.How long did it take you to write it?

How long did it take you to write it?

Well, being that the poems were created sporadically from 2014-2016, I guess I can say two years.

Are you working on any other project(s) right now? If yes, what are they

Yes, I am working on a fantasy novel. However, I will not disclose the details of the story as of yet. It is titled, Malum Street.

Why have you chosen this genre?

Poetry is my niche. I didn’t necessarily sit down and decide what genre I would venture into. It just happened that way. I guess because it was initially a form of writing that helped me to express my feelings the best.When did you decide to become a writer?

When did you decide to become a writer?

I decided to become a writer during my third year in high school. I couldn’t see myself (still can’t) do anything else.

Why do you write?

I write to encourage, release, express, challenge and enlighten others. The best way for someone to understand my heart is to read my poetry.

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from the situations I deal with or the crazy circumstances that I have observed. My ideas come from my mind and the late stories my grandmother told me.

How do you prefer to write? On computer/laptop, typewriter, dictation or longhand with a pen?

I prefer longhand with a pen or pencil. I even write my articles for Ayo Magazine by hand initially and then type it up.

What are your 5 favorite books and 5 favorite authors?

My favorite books are:

• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
• Sula by Toni Morrison
• The Skin I’m In by Sharon Flake
• Native Son by Richard Wright
• Citizen by Claudia Rankine

My favorite authors are Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Nikkie Giovanni, Elisa Romeo and Eric Jerome Dickey.

How do you deal with Writer’s Block?

I don’t know how to deal with writer’s block. I always free write. However, during the moments where nothing comes to mind, I allow the silence to just be.

What advice would you give to new aspiring authors?

Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken and someone needs your weird ass in his/her life!

Thank you, Jasmine!

About the book:

Phoenixes Groomed as Genesis Doves is a collection of poetry that draws the reader into the world of personal identity, inner growth and the complexity of human relationships. Ordinary and common images, especially ones found in nature, are used to craft poems that appeal to the uncommon, the suppressed and the others. Filled with incredible grace and accessible wisdom, the poems explore a wide range of complex emotional themes. With unexpected metaphors and sparkling similes, the pieces vary in rhythm and theme making each one like a foil-wrapped candy: something to savor, enjoying each new bright color on the tongue.

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