GOD DID IT
Q&A WITH ENA ALESE
About Your Brand and Mission
How would you describe your personal brand as a creative—balancing poetry, authorship, publishing, and motherhood?
Rebel Myndz Publications is my brand. As Erotic Romance writer, I found it difficult to find platforms that accept explicit content to promote. My original intention was to create a space for Erotica writers and creatives in general, where they didn't have to water down, or dim their content for it to be seen or accepted. A space for you to be your own unique self. I chose the name Rebel Myndz because I feel as a Rebel is an individual who lives life on their own terms, not afraid of judgement and doesn't need validation or approval to be themselves. Publications were appropriate due to me intentionally wanting to establish a publishing company, but I didn't pursue it in full and chose to publish my own books. I balance motherhood in my brand by wanting my children to always walk in their own identity, no matter what they choose to be in life.
In what ways has becoming a mother changed or deepened your sense of purpose as a writer and creator? I can't say becoming a mother changed my purpose in writing. I've loved writing before I was a mother. I will say though, I've given thought to creating a few children coloring books for my love of children and art.
What inspired you to step into so many roles: author, publisher, blogger, and now legacy-builder? My passion for writing. I wanted to see what I was capable of bringing to life. When I decided not to pursue my publishing company, I decided to create my blog A Writer's Playground. Essentially, I wanted to try my hand at journalism in some way. I wanted to incorporate my love for music with writing and began reaching out to independent music artists to be featured on my platform. When I didn't receive submissions from those artists, I turned my attention to Authors Writers and Poets and had much more success with my blog. Since I was a child, I always wanted to pursue something that would leave my imprint in the World. Coming from the projects, brokeness and periods of struggle, I was determined to not let that stop me from achieving greater or being different.
What core messages or themes run through your writing, and why are they important to you?Erotic Romance is my primary genre because I've always been aware of my inner freak. My passion for intimacy, love, romance, fantasy and understanding of sexuality. I love horror and writing in the dark genre embraces my inner darkness. Although I write in a variety of genres because again I love writing and all I need is a theme or word to create whatever else needs to be written.
How do you hope your creative work will inspire or uplift others—especially other women and mothers?I hope women learn to be comfortable with their own identity. I want both women and mothers to know, fulfilling your passion, goals or dreams may be hard but it is not impossible. Your outcome is your effort, and failure is certainly apart of the journey. Find what aligns and stay true to who you are.
On Creativity, Legacy, and Impact
As a poet and author, what story or poem are you most proud of and why?I am proud of all my work honestly. Each is an expression of who I am, an experience someone may be able to relate to or just something intriguing to read.My favorite poem I've written is "Intimate Intellect" I am a sapiosexual. I believe true intimacy begins in the mind and I am a lover of knowledge.
How do you balance your many creative pursuits with the demands and joys of motherhood?I make time to write. I've had to hold them many times in the process but I get it done. Depending on the level of concentration needed, some tasks are completed while they're sleeping or sitting down for a kid movie.
What does “leaving a legacy” mean to you, and how do you hope your books and projects reflect that?Leaving a legacy means I've accomplished what I set out to do and much more. I've made multiple achievements already and I'm not done yet. I hope my books are a one in a million read, and give readers something to remember!
Can you tell us about a specific project that feels especially meaningful in your journey so far?Awkward Silence was the poetry book I wrote in the midst of deciding whether or not to keep pursuing my passion and a very trying period of my life. I must say meeting Queen Angela has been rather meaningful as well. From being featured in Aspiring Authors Magazine to now appearing on Times Square billboard. Writing for Sistah Magazine and becoming a Freelance Journalist with GangTales Publications are also meaningful in this journey.
Through publishing and blogging, how have you built community and connection with readers?I am still building a readers base. I haven't received any bad feedback on my books as of yet, but I don't write to please anyone. I write what feels good to my soul or lives in my mind.
The Experience of Growth and Transformation
How has stepping into entrepreneurship as a publisher pushed you to grow both personally and professionally?I went to college for Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, so honestly Entrepreneurship was always the plan, I just incorporated my love for writing in the mix.
Can you share a challenge you've faced on your creative journey—and how you overcame it?My biggest challenge is effective marketing in the book industry. You can overspend to promote and get no results. Creating an effective marketing strategy is the biggest challenge.
Who or what motivates you to keep creating during the hard or busy seasons?My passion for writing. Writing gives me a different type of joy.
What role has community—family, friends, or mentors—played in your evolution as an author and entrepreneur?I've gained inspiration from a variety individuals whether it was not to turn out like them or be just as motivated as those who are excelling at their craft. Attending DCCC community college one of the most inspirational and motivating experiences in my life. I was determined to graduate, outside being of on the Dean's list, SGA Secretary and being inducted into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. Prior to attending, I had failed at pursuing my goals in becoming a certified Cosmetologist and was tired of working jobs I had no future of pursuing further. I've met many mentors a long way, one being Dr. Timogi, she was a huge inspiration for me to pursue my goals even further.
Wisdom for Others & Looking Ahead
How do you want your child/children to remember your creative work and the lessons you modeled for them?I want them to live in their own unique identity. To never be afraid of being different, there's no need to shrink who you are to fit in. I want them to remember I went for what I wanted in life no matter what I had to go through.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to aspiring writer-moms who are afraid they can’t do it all?Life is challenging whether you do it or don't. Give yourself a chance and believe you can. Write when you can, even if it's one sentence a day or every few hours, just get your thoughts on the page. You won't always be motivated so choose to be dedicated.
Are there new creative projects, collaborations, or dreams you hope to pursue in the coming years?Yes, I have many but one is to turn one of my short stories into a TV series.
In what ways do you integrate your faith, values, or personal story into your literary and publishing work?I believe in the laws of the universe and a higher power. I believe God is within self.
If you could see one kind of impact from your legacy, what would matter most to you?I provided a platform for other creatives to share their story. I've written for independent companies who also want to see others exceed. I've helped and contributed to others visions coming to pass
How do you maintain your creative energy and inspiration with so much on your plate?Like Nike, I just do it. Music, being in nature and sometimes other viral content creators. I didn't come this far just to come this far.
What’s the message or hope you want every reader (and your own child) to take away from your life’s work?Go after your passion in life!
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