Kalani Olatunji
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
UROP Fellowship: CCSFP, Henry Ford College
Research Mentor(s): John Buckley, MFA, MA
Research Mentor Institution/Department: College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Department of English Language & Literature
Presentation Date: Wednesday, August 4th
Session: Session 3 (5pm-6:20pm EDT)
Breakout Room: Room 2
Presenter: 2
Abstract
Writing is a personal, growing, and revealing experience that represents freedom and relief. Through the process of understanding other writers’ works by reviewing literary journals, magazines, and online literary journals (websites), a writer comes to interpret a style of writing of one’s own design and interpret the ideas of other writers to produce work that can be seen as an adventure. Using Duotrope, which is a tool that can be used by writers and poets to search through literary journals to review other writers works and to submit works of one’s own design, can lead to a discovery that no matter the genre of writing (nonfiction, fiction, or poetry), it should be based on creativity, honesty, and liberation. This discovery has led to an understanding that writing is an ongoing journey that will have its ups and downs. There will always be room for more and even less; however, it’s about how the writing influences readers and what it can evoke. It’s about understanding what one has written and what it means as it relates to oneself. The writing I’ve done that is to be submitted to journals will be authentically me and true to me as a writer. What is written and produced should have no limits when expressing self and thoughts that have meaning; just be mindful that the works created will always invite criticism, but that doesn’t mean that the meaning is any less important. All journeys have a rocky hill or bumpy road; that doesn’t mean it isn’t the path.
Authors: Kalani Olatunji
Research Method: Creative Arts
