Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sade’ the Writer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Sade’ the Writer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I am a native New Yorker, born and bred. Escaped for 4 years to Virginia for college, but ended up right back in my comfort zone of Long Island. The biggest risk I’ve taken recently is moving to Florida. I knew about 4 people here prior to moving and had only visited Tampa once before–but it was extremely brief. The urge for this risk came about during quarantine. The time alone in my own thoughts, I was forced to really sit with myself and analyze my purpose in life. I was always a gifted Writer, and just recently published my debut collection of poetry, “Side Pieces.” I was performing on Instagram lives, and two months prior to quarantine I launched my workshops, “The Writers Block Cure.” I was evading spaces in Long Island with other creatives and started to make a name for myself. I was creating an audience right in my home town. However, I kept feeling this draw into the unknown. I was playing it way too safe. When one of my close friends decided to move and suggested I join, I surprisingly jumped at the opportunity–I am the least spontaneous person you will ever meet. I made the move in July of 2021, and immediately began networking. I made a promise to myself that I would put myself out there in unfamiliar spaces, host workshops and share my poetry on stages. One connection, lead to another connection and within three months I was performing on stages, headlining art events, and teaching creative writing. Moving to Florida was a huge risk but my advice to anyone looking to actually make a difference and step out on faith, move out of your comfort zone. It may not mean moving to a different state or town, it could mean, applying to job you feel under qualified for, or asking that crush out on a date, enrolling in college, or walking into that church. Only you know what that means for you, but trust me, the reward is worth it!

Sade’ the Writer, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born a Creative, I just was not sure which lane I wanted to pursue, until a 5th grade writing assignment sparked the creative writing bug in me. From there, I filled notebooks for stories inspired by song titles and 90’s- early 2000’s music videos. I have written poetry for Harness Magazine, Shades Of Long Island, 21ninety, and won and judged an international writing competition. I debuted my poetry collection, “Side Pieces”, which is available on BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon, and if you catch me at a show. In addition to written work, I wrote a film, directed and produced by a college friend, TJ Davidson Films, which has four official film festival selections. My passion is helping other Writers discover and nurture their voice so they can share their testimonies with the world. I live out this passion through my workshops, “The Writers Block Cure Workshop” and one on one mentoring.
Writers that approach me are unsure where to begin in the writing process and I alleviate their fears and uncertainty by providing clear goals, editing services and assistance with navigating the self-publishing world.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Branding is so important! I learned this working in the customer facing industry of fashion and sales. Your brand is everything! I know the word, “brand/branding” is over use in the age of social media, but it is truly what sets you apart from your competitors. A brand is bigger that the product that you sell. The brand is YOU. You need to make sure that you are leaving a lasting positive impression on the people that you meet. Anyone is a potential client. When thinking about your personal brand, some things to think about are: 1- How would my close friends describe me?
2- How would my coworkers/boss (previous or current)
3- How would I describe me?

Gather all of that information and create your personal brand.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an Artist is knowing that my words are making an impact. After I leave the stage and viewers come up to me and say, “Your poetry is so powerful.” ” I felt every word.”
“I almost did not come out tonight but I am so happy I did. Your poetry spoke to my exact situation. Thank you.”

Statements like this fuel me. It ignites my creativity. Even if only one person in the audience connects to my words, I have done my job as a Poet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thechocolatemuse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sade_thewriter/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sade-norwood-82b8a063/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0PPXcEOKRY

Image Credits
Eternally Faithful Productions LLC Jorge Jaime Montoya