MORE ABOUT ALISHA
Hi!I’m a published writer whose poems and fiction explore identity, interconnectedness, mental health, and the friction of navigating the world as an autistic creative (often considered to be an oxymoron).
You can even catch me writing a ghost story about grief or (complicated) love poems from time to time.
One of my poetry teachers, Joy Sullivan, once said, “Don’t be a puppet. Be a goddamn poet,”and gosh did I take that to heart. I was born a poet, but it took me decades to own that title. Poetry as an art form has become my special interest, and the rich language is something that’s always lived inside me trying to wrestle its way out.
Writing has given me language for things I couldn’t understand or express otherwise.
It’s no secret that I desperately love a good story, no matter the genre (but most especially if there’s something spooky involved). I even have a Supernatural Mystery novel in the works.
I’m also a sucker for championing my local Columbus writing community. I can often be spotted haunting local open mics, writing workshops, and poetry events around the city.
Origin story
They say you find yourself in your 30’s, but little did I know I’d dig up a lot more than I’d bargained for. Coming out and being diagnosed with Autism within a two year span could have sent me into a spiral. In some ways it did, I suppose. Thankfully, my love of writing had also reignited in that same decade. Writing saved me, as it always had before. It gave me the ability to process my very unique life experiences while giving me room to pose endless questions about humanity as a whole. Reading has also been one of my oldest companions, and that is still apparent in any space of mine you walk through. As partners, they’ve gotten me through many difficult seasons of life.
I’ve always found pieces of myself scattered amongst characters and stanzas, and it’s my greatest hope that others can experience that for themselves when reading my work.
Editing on my Supernatural Mystery novel-in-progress at one of my favorite Clintonville cafes.
I’ve learned to embrace my ability to slow down, feel big, articulate the details, and translate my unique perspective into imagery-rich stories and poems. My writing encourages others to sit with their own humanity, whether uncomfortable or illuminating, just for a moment.
As an unconventionally trained writer whose full time job is not writing centered, I’ve found power in championing my own education. I’ve sharpened my writing and editing skills through a stacked, personal syllabus I’ve developed over time. I regularly study craft books, participate in professional-level workshops, am an active Sustenance cohort member, attend writing conferences, work closely with mentors, and scour reputable online resources for tips. I prioritize reading and uplifting work by authors from marginalized communities to continue the work toward liberation and equity for all people. I pore over poetry collections and prose-driven fiction, making notes and applying learnings as I go.
Holding the title of “writer” or “poet”, I’ve found, comes from a sense of dedication and ownership, not just a degree or publication credits.
Even as a neurodivergent ambivert, I must admit that writing and editing is infinitely more fun and fulfilling when done in community. I’ve witnessed lifelong connections being made in workshop settings. Fellow writers have become my closest friends, and biggest champions.
Writing can be a lonely thing, and I’m hellbent on changing that.
Hand woven Palestinian flag by my friend and fellow poet, Mandy Shunnarah, that hangs on my wall.
Whether I'm hosting writing workshops or participating in them, gathering poetry enthusiasts in local parks for the Poetry Snack Club, volunteering in LGBTQIA+ youth spaces, bravely sharing at an open mic, or breaking out my typewriter for custom poems, I’m always finding and creating accessible ways for writers of all backgrounds to connect.
I’ve spent the past few years immersed in the Columbus writing scene as a literary facilitator, panelist, creative leader, and open mic cheerleader/enthusiast. I’ve been fortunate to be invited as a featured poet to spaces such as the Bexley Library and The Wexner Center for the Arts. Sharing spaces and conversations with other fiction writers and poets from diverse backgrounds has shaped me in ways I’m not sure I can ever properly express my gratitude for.
Working together sounds pretty rad, let’s do it!
Whether you’re an organizer seeking a neurodiverse poet to feature at your next poetry reading, in search of a speaker or panelist to talk craft or writing process, or you’re a Columbus poet or writer seeking community, let’s chat!