How are you doing?

Taking life one day at a time. There’s been a mixture of joy, growth, and grief. I’m learning to honor the slower seasons and rest when needed, giving myself grace. That has been healing. So, I am doing well and pray that you are too. 

I know that you have a deep love and passion for words, for writing. How has that passion and love evolved over the years, and how does it continue to feed your soul in order to drive the consistency to produce more words?

The passion is steady and sacred. In the beginning as a way to say things I was too afraid to speak. Over time it’s deepened. Now, poetry is where I seek clarity, where I ask questions, reflect, and even confront myself. 

I no longer write for approval. I write out of curiosity and connection. What keeps me going isn’t productivity; it’s the way the language helps me process life and still hold space for beauty. 

Since we last spoke, I know that you have created a Substack, “Creatively Versed.” Love that for you!! For those who may be unaware, can you dive into what Substack is and what yours entails?

Thank you!!! It began as Creatively Versed and has evolved into Soft Rebel Verses; a name that feels more like home. 

For those unfamiliar with Substack, it is a platform that lets writers send essays, poems, and reflections directly to their readers. No algorithms, just real connection. 

Soft Rebel Verses is where I share my poetry, gentle reflections, and vulnerable thoughts about being a sensitive soul in a fast-moving world. It’s built on the idea that quiet voices can still speak loudly. It is a space where I don’t have to conform to social media constructs. And where the readers can slow down with me. 


Since publishing your initial collection of poetry books, what more can we expect from you in the future? Are you working on any new projects?

Yes! I’m in the early stages of my next poetry collection. It’s still taking shape right now but will likely explore themes of resilience and feminine transformation. More layered, more spiritual.

I continue to write through Soft Rebel Verses, and work on graphic design offerings through the business I partner in with my husband, Fitz Innovation LLC. There I design everything from book covers to logos and graphics that also tell stories in their own visual language. 

More than anything, I’m allowing myself to create without pressure. Letting projects unfold when they’re ready, not just when the world expects them.

Where can we purchase your books and connect with you on Substack?

All of my poetry books are available on Amazon, in paperback and Kindle editions.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kiana-Donae/author/B00LW5OALC

To connect with me directly and read my latest poems and reflections, visit my Substack: https://softrebelverses.substack.com/

Or head to my main website: www.kianadonae.com for everything in one place—books, design work, and all the creative things I’m up to.

When you’re not busy writing, how do you practice self-care?

Self-care for me looks different each season. Sometimes it’s restand quiet. Other times it’s creativity, unplugging, or being outside with nature. Self-care is also not overextending myself just to feel “productive.” Rest is part of my creative rhythm now.

Thank you so much, Kiana Donae!