KWEE Liberian Literary Magazine Jan. Iss. Vol. 0115 May Issue Vol. 0515 | Page 18

Liberian Literary Magazine Our Spotlight author of this issue is poet, a soft spoken woman who loves writing. She is a volunteer and social workerAKEN V. WARIEBI Author Interview Liberian Literary Mag conducted an interview with AKEN V. WARIEBI LLR: First, we would like to thank you for granting this interview. Tell us a little about you- Well, My name is Aken Vivian Wariebi. I am from Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. I ama Trained Social Worker and I am also a Poet. As a Poet, I write from life’s experiences and find solace in my writings and hope it uplifts the spirit of others as it has done for me. I currently live in the United States of America. March Issue 0315 paths, with whatever they may be going through, but it can and will get better. Instilling hope is my mission. Building a bridge on the inside of ourselves between what we think we can and cannot do and daring ourselves when the possibilities present themselves, in order to accomplish what we thought was impossible to achieve is my purpose. Planting seeds that create positive change through inspiration, in the form of Poetry and writing in general, that can ultimately improve the lives of my fellow man, in every aspect, is what I want to do to the best of my ability as long as I live. What books have most influenced your life/career most? All of Dr. Maya Angelo’s books, Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, Robert Frost, Shakespeare, just to name a few. Some of the Why writing? My passion is to inspire and make a difference, big or small. My desire, passion and goal as simple as it sounds is to see the smile on someone’s face. The reassurance that my writings provide to their heart and soul that not only are they not alone in their 18 other writers that I admired and I read their books included but were not limited to: Sidney Sheldon, Barbara Cartland, Harold Robbins. I also read magazines such as New York Times, National Geographic, Ebony, Jet, Reader’s Digest, True Confessions and so many more. In the magazines, the styles of contributing writers always made me fantasize about being a writer, at some point and utilizing my pen someday to impact lives. How do you approach your work? From life, it teaches me with every one that walks within my path. Situations, circumstances, and the space in which I occupy in my life at any given time gives me the reason to share the message of hope, courage and love. Nature allows me to think and express those thoughts in the written word, or ponder on thoughts for later use in a positive way. This is usually to draw strength from deep within and let is rub onto others as well. Time and spiritually allows me to give thanks, show gratitude and exhibit peace. Life gives us and we give back at some point. My writings, I use to give back and life shows me how to do that harshly,