Exciting News! I Wrote A Book Called ‘The Depths of Anima’
I wrote a book! Wow, that feels so amazing to proclaim. 😀 I feel like Hippolyta happily declaring her name in HBO’s Lovecraft Country. Over the past few months, I’ve dropped hints and even shared selections of my poems over virtual open mic nights with MoAD Lit. Now, I can finally share all the good news: my first book is called The Depths of Anima and I started a business! Aka I’m the co-founder of Anima’s home: Bee Infinite Publishing!
Why Did I Write A Poetry Volume?
When I write from the heart, I create poetry. Whether I’m jotting down notes or sitting down to write stanzas, the writer in me expresses herself through poetic verses. 2019 into 2020 has been a pivotal transition in my life. I’m sure you’ve felt similar as we still deal with the pandemic and all the adverse effects associated with it. These moments of stress, witnessing Black and Brown people being laid to rest too soon juxtaposed with moments of elation urged me to write. The need to do something pushed me to collect and complete all the unfinished thoughts and poems I had written in notebooks over the years, and piece them together into something I can share with you.
I never thought of myself as a poet until I realized I had too many thoughts that turned into poems. Working on Anima challenged me to make something meaningful for people who are figuring out their place in the world. I’m proud to say that my collection includes over 30 original poems and unique illustrations.Â
The Depths of Anima is an introspective look at the transition into womanhood, Black womanhood to be specific. Universally, it looks at our outer world and the one inside too, urging us to protect both environments. As advanced praise for Anima would put it:
The Depths of Anima invites you to take a closer look at the often unexamined, walking you through the interior life of a young Black woman navigating a world not intended for her joy, but committed to the journey of claiming it.
― Asha Grant, Founder of The Salt Eaters Bookshop
Additionally, Anima challenges Carl Jung’s school of analytical psychology that conceptualizes Anima as a form of the male psyche. I introduce an interpretation of Anima as the feminine-spirit living in all of us and I try to draw aspects of her throughout the collection. I believe Anima is the soul in us, speaking our truest nature, and urging for us to see it in ourselves when we might lose sight of it.
Bee Infinite: The Home of ‘Anima’
During these months of lockdown due to the pandemic, I’ve been using this time to co-create a women-owned publishing platform called Bee Infinite Publishing. We’re an independent publisher, highlighting the work of BlPOC creators. We’re currently crafting our first books, including my first poetry volume! Bee Infinite seeks to showcase the incredible minds and artistry right in our collective community through poetry, children’s books, graphic novels, and more.
Following, liking, and sharing our initial posts is a simple yet impactful way to support Bee Infinite Publishing as we seek to grow and carve out a space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color creators.Â
You can pre-order a copy (or two lol) of The Depths of Anima at beeinfinite.org.
More great things are coming from Bee Infinite, like visual poetry etc., so subscribe to our newsletter to find out about our official launch and our first book release!
Be sure to hang out with me over at YouTube, you can also view my latest open mic night with MoAD Lit, I revealed the cover–see it here! Visual goodies for Anima will drop there very soon!
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Best,
Kai 
