We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shundilyn Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shundilyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In September of 2023 I published my 5th book titled “HER”. I would say that this was one of my most meaningful projects, since I dedicated it to my late grandmother. My grandmother was a Superhero, and nobody could tell me any different. In 2022 when we received her diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma in the Lungs, Liver and Bones I was crushed. I decided to document her strength and struggles while supporting her at her bedside. I documented interactions, memories and special moments between us two. As I watched my grandmother get weaker, and more family make their way into her hospital room, I asked myself “how can I help her legacy live on”? The only thing I knew to do was write. I went through every emotion publishing her book, but it was all worth it. And, while my grandmother will forever live in my heart, I wanted to give other people a chance to take a peek into her life and view my grandmother through my rose-colored lenses. She was an artist, a singer, a feisty woman, very quick witted, silly and the best grandmother anyone could have asked for. I was definitely blessed to be graced with her presence in my lifetime. If my love for her could have helped her triumph her battle with cancer, she would still be alive today… but God had other plans. They always say that I was the love of my grandmother’s life, but she was really the love of my life. So, if you’re reading this go purchase HER and get a dose of the love we shared, the struggles we overcame as one and how much my grandmother meant to me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Shundilyn Smith is an only child, from a single-parent household, coming out of Oakland, CA. She also considers herself a successful black woman. Once the Author discovered her power and stepped into it, she began to thrive. The author was able to obtain 3 AA’s, a B.A in Deaf Studies with a minor in Education as well as her M.S in Rehabilitation Counseling. While Shundilyn completed her studies she began self-publishing her poetry pieces and is now a self-published author of 5 books: A Peace of Me, Things Left Unsaid, Their White Lies, My Black Truth, Letters to You & HER. Shundilyn is currently on her journey to get licensed as an LPCC Counselor.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I definitely wish I knew how to go about applying for small business grants/loans and credit cards earlier. Not only is it a tax write off for your business but it’s also a leg up when wanting to peruse a new idea or business venture. You can solely focus on building the business because the finances are already in place!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think the biggest goal I have for my creative career is to reach and teach the people. It used to be to be New York’s best seller, but now I rather do more grassroots work. My books talk about passion, pain, resilience, triumph etc. I know these are feelings that everyone can relate to, because they are human just like me. I eventually want to start poetry nights to create a space for those in the community to come and feel comfortable and vulnerable to tap into their emotions and create masterpieces for generations to come. Being honest with yourself and accepting your emotions is the only way humanity will thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.poeticallyalive.com
• Instagram: dilynthapoet
• Facebook: A Peace of Me