Monica Prince

I started writing choreopoems in college after reading Ntozake Shange's FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE / WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF. That choreopoem transported me to a world of poetry, dance, song, and healing. I wanted to write like that. I wanted to perform like that.

Now, that's all I do. Write poems, dance, sing, and try to heal. I teach at Susquehanna University where I do this every day with students healing from a destructive world. Teaching gives me a platform to elevate young writers and space to draw inspiration from them. When I'm not in the classroom, I'm on a stage directing or performing, which is where I feel the safest.

My favorite books range in genre. I love THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES by Deesha Philyaw, FIELD STUDY by Chet'la Sebree, and MEATY by Samantha Irby. I can't recommend enough THE DOZEN by Casey Rocheteau and BLACK POWERFUL by Natasha Marin.

When not teaching or performing, hang out with me on Twitter or Instagram (@poetic_moni).