We were lucky to catch up with Tiffany Grantham recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My most meaningful project was relatively recent. As a Cohort in the Bellevue Field School, we documented Black Life in Bellevue and African American Cultural Landscape along the Chesapeake Bay. Toward the end of the program, I had to present what I learned from my expertise. So, I wrote Belle’s View, a short story about Bellevue and its residents from the perspective of Isabella Adams Ballard– a Black woman Captain who worked as an Oysterman for a seafood packing company in the same Village with her boat.
The story reflects on Belleveue’s past and present; from a vibrant working-class African-American community to the present-day effects of little-to-no resources and the disease of gentrification. The hope of Bellevue’s future was charged and challenged to the Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities and Senator to whom I presented the story. I also created a picture story for a visual aspect. Some photos I used were from residents of Bellevue giving it a personal touch.
Being in the community for a month researching and absorbing information to preserve the history of Bellevue is still overwhelming to me.
Knowing that I created something encapsulating the community, even on a small level like my story, gives me hope more will be done in the future to ensure it’s not completely erased. The journey of preserving Bellevue has just begun and I’m in it for the long haul.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, my name is Tiffany Grantham. I’m originally from Goldsboro, NC and I’ve spent most of my adult life in Charlotte, NC. I have a Master’s in Writing and a Post-Master’s in University and College Teaching online. Since 2020, I’ve hosted a monthly writing session with The Charlotte Writer’s Club as CreaTiff Writing. CreaTiff Writing is a company I founded to spark the creativity of writers by using different mediums as writing prompts, such as music, photos, and art.
There were some days when it was hard for me to show up to present because of life. However, when I did, someone would tell me how much they appreciated the session or how attending helped them with another story they were writing. The compliments were timely and made me grateful for pushing through. It also showed me know how aligned I am with my purpose.
With my brand, I want people to know that my prompts are simply guidelines for your creativity and to trust where your creativity takes you!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The first lesson is believing in yourself first is more important than having others believe in you. Before I was published, claiming Writer as a title seemed pointless. Especially, since the “What have you published?” question wasn’t far behind when I would say I was a writer. What I’ve come to recognize is in those moments, even with no publishings or a blog, I still needed to wear the title proudly because it’s what I did–still do. Do not wait for validation from others; give it to yourself.
Secondly, do not be discouraged when others do not share your excitement. I remember when I told my mother about being a contributing writer and her excitement didn’t match mine. When I expressed what I felt, she said, “This is your accomplishment, Of course, my excitement isn’t going to match yours, but I’m more proud of than I can ever say.” If you expect others to match your excitement over your achievements, you are setting yourself up for sadness and, in extension, robbing yourself of “Your Moment.” Your tribe will always be proud of you!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is helping other writers in their writing process. Being a writer also means being in solitude, so I do my best to help with the creative part when I host my writing sessions. Knowing I played a small part in another writer’s breakthrough with a character, plot, and even a published book is such an honor and I’m completely grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: creatiffwriting.com
- Instagram: creatiffwriting
Image Credits
Image of Samone- Sistories Literary Magazine Photo of book- Black Powerful: Black Voices Reimagine Revolution Curated by Natasha Marin BlackandWhite Shirt: Photograher SignedSPKR