We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Navajas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Reflecting on my creative journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. Yes, I ventured into the world of writing later than most might expect—priorities and life’s twists and turns led me on a different path initially. But I’ve never regretted that delay. I truly believe that there’s a perfect time for everything, even if it means waiting a bit longer for the right moment.
At 41, I published my debut book, a milestone that some might consider unconventional in terms of timing. Yet, looking back, I see that it was precisely the right moment for me. Over the past seven years, I’ve poured my heart into my writing, resulting in ten published books, five of which have soared to Amazon’s #1 Bestsellers list.
This journey has been a testament to perseverance and passion. Each book has been a chapter of its own, shaped by my unique experiences and enriched by the wisdom gained over the years. I’m thrilled with how my career has unfolded and am grateful for every twist and turn that led me here.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Michelle Ayon Navajas, a Filipino poet, writer, and educator born on June 23, 1976. I’m thrilled to be known as an international Best-Selling poet, with several of my books achieving the coveted #1 spot on Amazon shortly after their release.
My journey as a writer took a significant turn with the release of my 8th poetry book, I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark. It quickly climbed to the top of both the best-sellers list and new releases on Amazon, a testament to the support from my incredible readers. My 7th book, It Ain’t Winning If Without You, also made waves by reaching the best-sellers list in less than 24 hours through pre-orders alone. On its official release day, it became the #1 Poetry Book on Amazon India and soon afterward, it joined the best-sellers list in all Amazon markets worldwide.
I’m proud to hold the title of having five consecutive books on Amazon’s Best-Sellers List: I Will Love You Forever, Too, After Rain Skies, 2nd Edition, It Ain’t Winning If Without You, I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark, and Locker. Additionally, four of my books have been featured on Amazon’s #1 Hot New Releases/New Releases list.
My poetry has been featured in several international literary magazines and anthologies, including Spillwords NYC, MasticadoresUSA, and MasticadoresIndia. Notably, my poems “Holding Hands” and “Love Happens” were honored as Spillwords Publication of the Month in November 2021 and December 2022, respectively. I’m also an Honorary Awardee of Spillwords Press New York for 2022 and 2023, and I was named Spillwords Press “Author of the Month” in March 2023.
In 2023, my 10th book, Locker, won the Best-Seller of the Year award at the Indian Star Awards. Locker is a collection of poetic flash fiction that achieved #1 Best-Seller status in the USA, India, and Japan within a day of its pre-order announcement. Its success led to a special release of Locker, 2nd Edition at the Manila International Book Fair in September 2023 and at the National Book Store’s Sulit Reads Book Fair in November 2023, where it was sold out at both events.
Currently, I’m diving into writing my first novel and am actively involved in the literary community as the Editor of Hotel Masticadores, and Masticadores Philippines.
I hold a Master of Education in English from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City, Philippines, and a degree in Mass Communications with a major in Journalism from Centro Escolar University in Manila. I’ve taught literature, speech, oral communication, creative writing, drama, and theatre arts at various colleges and high schools before transitioning fully into writing and publishing.
My poetry often draws inspiration from the people around me—whether it’s a snippet of conversation overheard in a café or the stories of those closest to me. As a mother, my children are a profound source of inspiration, and many of my works reflect the love and experiences that shape our lives.
I also blog at michnavs.wordpress.com, where I share prose and poetry on themes of love, life, motherhood, and advocacy against abuse and violence.
My first book, After-Rain Skies, was published in 2019 and aimed to raise awareness about abuse and violence. It was followed by What If Snowflakes Don’t Fall In Winter? and other collections that explore love, resilience, and human connection, particularly during the pandemic.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. You can follow my work and updates on:
Amazon Author Page
Blog: michnavs – poetry by Mich
Instagram: @poetrybymich
Facebook: Poetry by Mich
Twitter: @poetrybymich
Threads: @poetrybymich
Goodreads: Michelle Ayon Navajas
YouTube: Poetry by Mich
I’m grateful for your support and excited for what’s next!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Art and creativity are the heartbeat of our culture. They capture our deepest emotions, reflect our shared experiences, and inspire us to envision new possibilities. Yet, the path for artists and creatives is often fraught with challenges. As a society, we hold the power to change this narrative and create a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish. I believe that to truly support artists and cultivate a thriving creative ecosystem, we must address several key areas.
Investing in Arts Education
The journey of creativity often begins in our classrooms. Investing in arts education is crucial. Schools should not only include arts programs but also ensure they are adequately funded. This allows students to explore their creative potential from a young age, planting the seeds for future artistic endeavors. Furthermore, providing scholarships and grants for students pursuing arts degrees can make a world of difference, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to individuals from all walks of life.
Promoting Fair Compensation
One of the greatest challenges artists face is fair compensation for their work. Advocating for fair pay and transparent payment structures is essential. Artists pour their hearts into their creations, and they deserve to be fairly compensated. By ensuring that contracts and payment terms are clear and equitable, we can help protect them from exploitation and provide the financial stability they need to continue their work.
Facilitating Access to Resources
Access to resources plays a significant role in the success of artists. Affordable workspace, such as studios and galleries, can make a huge difference, particularly for emerging talents. Additionally, offering grants and funding opportunities can support various projects and exhibitions, helping artists bring their visions to life. These resources can be the difference between a promising idea and a groundbreaking artistic contribution.
Building Stronger Communities
Creativity thrives in vibrant communities. By creating networking opportunities and support platforms, we can foster collaboration and mentorship among artists. Local art organizations, workshops, and online communities can provide the connections and support that artists need to grow. Public art initiatives also play a vital role, beautifying our surroundings and showcasing local talent.
Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity
A thriving creative ecosystem is one that embraces diversity. We must actively seek out and promote work from artists of various backgrounds and experiences. Supporting underrepresented voices ensures a rich and varied cultural landscape. Additionally, creating accessible platforms for artists from marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups helps democratize the arts and enriches our collective experience.
Encouraging Cultural Appreciation
Our society needs to celebrate and value art in all its forms. Publicizing and celebrating local artists not only raises their profiles but also fosters a greater appreciation for their work. Educational campaigns that highlight the importance of the arts can help build a culture that values creativity and recognizes its profound impact on our lives.
Enhancing Digital Presence
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for artists. Supporting the development of robust digital platforms where artists can showcase their work, connect with audiences, and sell their creations is essential. Additionally, providing training and resources to help artists navigate these digital tools can empower them to reach broader audiences and thrive in the online space.
Supporting Artistic Freedom
Artistic freedom is the cornerstone of a vibrant creative community. It’s vital to protect free speech and ensure that artists can express themselves without fear of censorship or retaliation. Creating safe spaces where artists can explore controversial or challenging themes fosters a more dynamic and innovative creative environment.
Encouraging Collaboration Between Sectors
The synergy between different sectors can greatly benefit the arts. Public sector, private industry, and non-profit partnerships can provide vital support and funding for creative projects. Corporate sponsorships can also integrate arts support into their social responsibility agendas, further strengthening the creative ecosystem.
Valuing Long-Term Impact
Finally, sustainable support for the arts is key to long-term success. Instead of sporadic funding, we should focus on strategies that provide ongoing support and stability. Regularly assessing the impact of these initiatives ensures that they effectively meet the needs of artists and contribute to a thriving creative community.
Supporting artists and nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem requires a collective effort. By investing in arts education, promoting fair compensation, facilitating access to resources, and celebrating diversity, we can create an environment where creativity flourishes. This, in turn, enriches our cultural landscape and inspires us all to dream bigger and think deeper. It’s up to us to ensure that the arts continue to be a vibrant and integral part of our society.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound connection that my work can create with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about expressing my thoughts, emotions, and experiences through art and then seeing how those expressions resonate with people in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
When someone tells me that a piece I created moved them, helped them through a difficult time, or inspired them to see the world differently, it feels like the truest validation of my efforts. It’s as if my work has bridged a gap between us, fostering a shared understanding or experience that transcends individual boundaries.
Moreover, the process of creation itself is deeply rewarding. There’s a unique joy in bringing an idea to life, watching it evolve from a mere thought into something tangible that others can experience. The journey of transforming inspiration into a finished piece—whether it’s a painting, a poem, or a story—offers a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that is hard to match.
Ultimately, it’s the ability to touch lives and connect with people on a deeper level that makes the artistic journey so profoundly satisfying. The act of creating becomes more than just a personal endeavor; it becomes a way to contribute to a larger conversation and make a meaningful impact on the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michnavs.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: @poetrybymich
- Facebook: Poetry by Mich
- Twitter: @poetrybymich
- Youtube: Poetry by Mich