She is an up and coming artist, poet, and writer and is based in Los Angeles, California. She recently shared with me that she came out with a book called, "Bruises Heal & Again We Feel." It's poetry book that brings together her personal writing as well as personal experiences of finding self-love and acceptance. I had the opportunity to interview her and get to know more about her book and how she got started. Read about it below!
Fatima Alliyani: I see that you came out with your new book called, 'Bruises Heal & Again We Feel.' Congratulations! How do you feel?
Raven L Cole: "I feel accomplished. It's been a long time coming; it's something I always wanted to do and I did it ALL on my own; so I feel amazing."
FA: Can you tell me a little bit about it?
RLC: "The book is about bruising, healing, and again feeling. What that means [is that] we all go through times of hurt, whether this hurt is brought on by a break-up or even by self-infliction (negative thoughts, pessimistic thought, depression, feelings of being alone). The book goes into the healing process: healing oneself, healing another, learning to let go and giving yourself time to heal.
When we are going through moments, sometimes we wish we couldn't feel. So the last part is about trusting yourself enough to feel again-whether in love, in taking risks, in learning to love yourself again."
FA: Who or what inspired you to create your own book? Do you have any favorite artists, writers, etc.?
RLC: "I've been writing since middle school. It's always been a dream of mine to publish a book of my poetry. I enjoy artists who empower others with their words---I love Warsan Shire, Sarah Kay, Reyna Biddy, Lang Leav, Noor Shirazie, and Tyler Knott Gregson."
FA: Is there a certain poem/passage that is your favorite?
RLC: "I Love Myself Because...", "Abyss of You", and "Live to Exist."
FA: How long was the process like? Did you have any difficulty while putting it together?
RLC: "I began the process in the summer. I had planned to release it before Christmas, but getting the right measurements for the cover was difficult, had to re-do it multiple times."
FA: Is this book for everyone?
RLC: "I would say I think the book is for anyone who has been hurt, but learned to heal. And also, for anyone who has experienced the euphoria feelings of love."
FA: Are you currently working on any projects? Where can readers find your book and follow you to see other poetry pieces?
RLC: "Right now, I am getting back into calligraphy and focusing on my street photography. I will be posting new poems on my art page. You can follow me on my social media at: @aspire2nspire on Instagram and my book can be purchased on Amazon. Link is also in bio on my Instagram page."
Just as mentioned above, if you're interested in seeing what other projects or poems Raven is working on, don't forget to follow her on Instagram and don't forget to purchase your own copy of her book. Many thanks to Raven for the photo and for answering the interview questions!
Until next time,
Fati <3
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