A talk with the talented authors published on Maison H. Oberlin
Haniyeh
Can you present yourself in a few words?
The most relevant word to describe me is dreamer. I consider myself one of those dreamers who never lost the way to the dreamworld and kept dreaming about a better world, no matter what the situation was! People say I’m academically gifted. I’m also fond of history, biology and poetry!
When did you start writing and why?
I started writing when I was a child but never pursued it seriously. For me, writing was some sort of creation as a child and a sort of rescue later in my teenage years. Presently, writing is my delectation and the things I write are my companions.
What are your favorite themes / What inspires you to write?
Nature and mental and spiritual intricacies have always been of special interest to me and in my writings I generally reflect on the thoughts of humanity and the elements of existence as they inspire me.
Who are your favorite authors (professionals or not)?
There are many writers and poets whose works I spend my free time reading. Of course, choosing a few people is a difficult task, because I have left a piece of my soul in various works. I like the Iranian poets Hafez, Saadi and Forough Farrokhzad very much.
Do you have any other creative hobbies?
I’m not sure if amateur photography is considered as a creative hobby, but I really enjoy taking aesthetic pictures to keep every valuable scene alive and to translate the hidden beauty beneath each moment into art.
Gendys
Can you present yourself in a few words?
I’d say that i’m a feeler. An observer. I tend to find beauty in small things for I adhere to the art of noticing.
When did you start writing and why?
I started writing in 2019. I posted my writings on Tumblr before I decided to make an Instagram account almost a year later. If i’m asked why I started, it was all simply because I felt amazed by how powerful words could be. How reading beautiful writing could lift my spirits, make me feel hopeful again. How reading sad writing could make me feel relate to it. And as someone who doesn’t really like to talk about my feelings, I find writing them down always lightens me.
What are your favorite themes / What inspires you to write?
My favorite themes are love, pain, growth, and their connection to each other.
Who are your favorite authors (professionals or not)?
My favorites authors are Nikita Gill, Lang Leav, Seyda Noir. But trust me, I know so many talented, mind-blowing, inspirational writers on Instagram too! Such as @moonlitmusings, @justtryingtobeoriginal, @jvpwrites, @writingsbymegan, and many more!!
Do you have any other creative hobbies?
My other hobbies are singing and playing guitar. I don’t know if they are considered as creative hobbies but I do really enjoy them.
ZZ Jelenic
Can you present yourself in a few words?
This is an interesting question because my poetry is considered micropoetry so « a few words » is really how I present myself. This is also ironic because if you know me off of the page, I never stop with the words. For me, poetry is therapy and a release from too many words and too many thoughts.
When did you start writing and why?
The first poem I wrote was when I was eight years old and all I remember was it was about death. We were reading Emily Dickenson in school and I just loved her small powerful poems. Until then, no one had ever mentioned death to me so it was this interesting taboo topic. I also grew up in Brooklyn and Biggie was always on the radio so I dreamed of becoming a rapper.
What are your favorite themes / What inspires you to write?
I would like to say nature and mundane daily tasks but I think what really inspires me is my own overwhelm and exploring it.
Who are your favorite authors (professionals or not)?
This is a long list! Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni, Mary Oliver, Andrea Cohen, Kate Baer, Maggie Smith and Deepak Chopra. I also have to say that Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) – while technically not « authors » are poets and writers and probably have influenced me the most in my life.
Do you have any other creative hobbies?
Yes! I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which I find to be one of the most creative sports that I have ever experienced. It is 100% defensive and was created for people who are in some way disadvantaged in size, strength or through injury. Both of my daughters also practice. The moves in BJJ are like a game of chess. I wish everyone in the world would try it! I also meditate every morning and most evenings. I am a big Deepak Chopra fan and listen to his « Soul of Healing Affirmations » daily. I think meditating is the most creative act you can perform!
Maison H. OBERLIN 