Today we’d like to introduce you to Diondra Ross.
Hi Diondra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I believe being an author and a poet has always been a seed planted within me. I unintentionally began to water each one at a super young age. I was the child who was drawn to writing songs, short stories, skits and poetry. Writing and creating was my happy place, and it was always put in my path. When I was in the 6th grade, that’s when I knew writing and poetry wasn’t just a phase for me. I enjoyed reciting well-known poets such as Langston Hughes, Phillis Wheatley and Maya Angelou poetry, seeing how far I can go with my imagination and simply being creative with words. As I matured in age, I would tag along with my older siblings to attend poetry events. Watching them, other amazing poets stir up their gifts was dope to me and inspired me to dive more into what I love. I would challenge myself by submitting my work into multiple contests and placed 1st.
When I was in high school, the thought of being an author would randomly come to me all the time and I could not shake the feeling. I had no clue what I wanted to write about I just wanted to write. Entering myself into writing competitions and getting on stage to do spoken word when I was younger was prepping me for something greater as an adult. After taking some time off due to obtaining my Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism at Langston University the year of 2016. I returned to the poetry world in 2017. I went from shaking on the stage, reading off paper/my phone to commanding the room’s attention, people coming up to me telling me they love my poetry and asking if I had a book. The idea of being an author revisited me a couple of years ago and it became clear I wanted to write a book that speaks life, talks about purpose, spiritual growth, and inviting readers inside my heart. I was able to put the two together and on May 25, 2021, I became a self-published author. I released my poetry collection “Revealing New Skin,” that is available on Amazon.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The journey has its bumps in the road for sure. Not all the time I want to write, get on the stage or prepare myself for an event but I always remember my why. I’m constantly checking myself and that doesn’t always feel good. I check myself knowing what I do is bigger than me and I get back in the groove of things.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work? What are you known for? What are you most proud of and what sets you apart from others?
I am known as a spoken word poet and author. What I am most proud of is not shying away from my gift and the growth in my writing I have witnessed over the years. Reflecting on how I started vs my now always blows me away, especially when I compare old and new pieces. I have those “GIRL, YOU REALLY WROTE THIS!!” moments all the time. I be fangirling knowing I’m really living in my purpose and doing my thing while remaining in my lane.
What sets me apart is sticking to the assignment God has chosen for me, knowing my journey is mine alone and being a poet is not on me but in me.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being intentional. With great intentions discipline will follow. When I get into writing mode, it’s important for me to step back, shut the world out for a bit (No social media, less phone time and limited on hanging out.) and allow my vision to dictate how I spend my time so I can produce something I can be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Email: d.rossjournal@gmail.com
- Instagram: d.ross_poetry_journal
- Facebook: d.ross poetry journal
Image Credits
Rice Photography: Photo and Book cover Visual Life Photography
