The Writer’s Desk features the desks and writing practices of Gemini Ink faculty, visiting authors, teaching artists, volunteers, students, interns, staff, partners and more. Receive new posts in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter at bit.ly/geminiinknewsletter.
Join Ebony Stewart on Saturday, December 16, 10am-1pm CST, via Zoom, for her workshop: Exploring Your Cultural Inheritance through Poetry. In this workshop, we will explore the idea of our own unique heritage as a museum of poetic artifacts, reflect on spoken word pieces, and generate writing.
Hello Ebony, it’s great to chat with you about your writing habits! Has your preferred place to write changed over the years?
Of course. I think where I write changes based on the poem or where I am in life. My living room has been the most frequent place to write, but I think that’s because I’ve been a little lazy in my writing practice.
Could you tell us if you have any secret talent that you possess? And, does it ever reflect in your writing?
I’m actually a really good cook and a really good dancer. I do believe that it shows up in my writing from time to time if the work calls for it. Food is such a huge part of my life, so it definitely shows up. But dancing is a little more intricate to include.
What is the one piece of writing advice that you value most?
Take breaks. Processing and writing is a great muscle to build. But just like any other muscle in your body, breaks are necessary to the growth and recovery time.
What’s a book or movie that you can watch over and over again and not get tired of?
Too easy… COMING TO AMERICA!
Have you been listening to anything interesting lately, like a podcast, album, or playlist?
I’ve gotten into making playlists as of lately. I like the challenge of putting together an hour worth of music that feels nostalgic, but that also creates a mood based on how I feel or how I want to feel.
Who are your heroes in real life? What do you admire most about them?
Honestly, my mom saved my life. She saved my life by having me and keeping me here. Sometimes I’m very clear the only reason why I keep going is because I don’t want to let her down and because she deserves that based on her being my original designer. I admire her resilience and strength the most. But I also appreciate her growth and ability to adapt.
What is your next project?
I just finished a product called WASH (shopping it around if you have any suggestions on where to submit, please let me know) and I’m also currently working on a new project that will likely be released in 2025.
Follow Ebony on Social Media:
Twitter: EbPoetry
IG: GullyPrincess
Webpage: EbPoetry.com
Ebony Stewart is a poet, writer, and performance artist. Her work speaks to the Black experience, with emphasis on gender, sexuality, womanhood, queer-positivity, and race, with the hopes to remove shame, heal minds, encourage dialogue, and inspire folks in marginalized communities. Ebony is a respected coach & mentor, one of the top touring poets in the country, and the 2017 Woman of the World Poetry Slam Champion. She has performed in 48 states, at over 200 colleges and universities across the country, as well as featured internationally in Canada, Australia, and Ghana. She is the author of BloodFresh, Home.Girl.Hood., and Love Letters to Balled Fists. Her work has been featured in Button Poetry, AfroPunk, For Harriet, Teen Vogue, The Texas Observer, plus countless others.
