I am DeKeshia S. Horne, a Black nonbinary writer from the west side of Chicago. I am currently the Assistant Manager at Barbara’s Bookstore and have self-published five collections of poetry. My poetry has been featured in the Austin Weekly Newspaper and Chicago Tribune.
It’s Not a Phase, Ma is a collection of poems that I’ve written over years while coping with the grief stages that I experienced after the death of my mother.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I always loved writing because I love reading. The Collected Poems by Nikki Giovanni greatly influenced me as well as other Black authors.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
It’s Not a Phase, Ma is a collection of poems that I’ve written over years while coping with the grief stages that I experienced after the death of my mother.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
It’s Not a Phase, Ma comes from when I was growing up and when I tried to express myself creatively through my clothing, makeup, and hair, it was just seen as a phase. However, I still hold self-expression in high regard. Also, another term for grief stages are phases that coincide with the content.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
If my book had a soundtrack, some songs would be “Dissociation” by Outcome, “Grieving” by Kehlani, “Down and Out” by Kid Cudi, and “Anxiety” by Meg Thee Stallion.
Describe your dream book cover.
My dream cover would look like a journal or diary. Very angsty 90s vibes.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I am a bookseller. Something my readers wouldn’t know is that I took business classes because I really believe in my business plan.
What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?
I mostly revisited my own work because I had to research myself but I really enjoyed Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
I hope that my readers take away that they are still valuable even while broken. Everyone has had to grieve someone and hopefully this helps people feel seen. I envision my perfect reader who is still finding themselves and always willing to learn.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.