Q.Gibson (born in cleveland, ohio) is a writer of poetry, prose, and short stories that blend womanhood, the female experience, and various topics into narrative. She believes in the importance of cultivating healthy views and conversations surrounding modern and universal circumstances while tackling tough experiences through creativity. Her works serves to both heal and split open the wounds that are often commonplace.
Who is Q Gibson?
Quanisha Gibson is a writer, self-published author, a mother and an all around creative. My full name is Quanishia Gibson and I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio.
Did you always want to become a writer?
Absolutely not. I always enjoyed the craft of writing and I still enjoy learning it. In my work life, I currently work in marketing, so writing has been a real balancing task for me. I’m an artist at heart that’s ultimately all I have ever wanted to do is create things. Writing gives me the ability to do that. To create stories, to create avenues for connection and healing, to tell my narrative. I am still and always becoming a writer and now I am not afraid to claim my space as such.
What inspired the decision to empower, inspire, and uplift women through your work?
This is kind of tough because for me it seems so natural and most of the time I don’t know what inspires me to continue to do so much of my work for women besides God. I believe every experience and challenge we face in life has purpose. I was raised in a home with five other women (four sisters and my mother) and a step-dad. My mom endured a lot of pain and my sisters and I experienced a lot growing up. I believe all of the things I have gone through or watched women around me go through has really shaped me to be an advocate for women’s empowerment. I am utterly inspired by my past, and endlessly inspired by the women I come in contact with on the day to day or have known all my life. I do wholeheartedly believe it is my duty and calling in life to empower women mostly and people through whatever work I am doing. It literally fuels me.
What are you passionate about and why?
I am passionate about so many things. Most importantly family and the work I do creatively. I believe I was given every gift I have to do creative work that is far from empty. My writing, books and all other work I have had the opportunity to partake in is my way of impacting others. It’s my way of helping to shape the world through my God-given talents. There is so much impact in arts and culture and the ways in which we can transform lives I am always in awe of the possibilities of it. Nonetheless, my family and friends have always been the driving force behind my passions. They’ve supported and believed in me in everything I’ve set out to do.
There are a lot of young women out there who love the idea of being a writer but do not know how or where to start. What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?
Wow there’s so much I can say but to keep it a bit short I am simply going to say, stay true to your work and do the work. It’s easy to obsess over someone else’s work, style of writing or success with their writing career. But I find that staying true to your stories and voice allows opportunities for growth as well as pulling in readers who enjoy reading your specific work. Don’t rush things, some people will love your work and others will have a different taste but that doesn’t mean abandon who you are as a creative writer. Keep doing the work, your time will come. Study the craft. If you don’t have formal training or desire to pay for a formal training in writing do what I do. I enjoy picking up tons of free MFA books on overdrive, going to the thrift store for books on writing, taking free online classes on sites like skillshare and even Yale University. Do the work, write, write, write. Don’t be afraid of the critics. Don’t be afraid of the world. Do the work and your time will come.
How do you overcome a “Writer’s Block” when you encounter it?
I simply take a break. I don’t necessarily believe in writer’s block I just believe our bodies and minds tell us “it’s time for a break” or “get from behind the pen and get out, get little inspiration”. I overcome these things by exercising, playing with my son, not writing for a few days, tucking the book away and simply living life. I enjoy writing to music it allows my creativity to flow. I also don’t give in to the myth that you must write every single day. I am all for self-care and when my mind and body just needs to relax I make sure I tend to it.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
The most important lesson life has taught me is that you never know how you coming out of a situation or surviving a situation will impact others or even impact you. I talked a bit earlier about growing up in the home with my sisters, mother, and step-dad. If you had the opportunity to read The Flowering Woman, you may get a very small and raw glimpse of what my mother and her children have endured over the years in our home. I hated the situation, was unsure why I was in a home with a verbally, mentally and physically abusive man. But look at what’s come of it. I am not saying this is necessary for growth or “Ok” in any way. But a lot of the things that I have seen and experienced, I didn’t understand until now that I live to write, talk, and share about it. To uplift others through the stories. I also am a young woman from the inner-city and like many women from the inner-city I have seen a lot. My next book is really focused on sharing that narrative in a way that inspires and speaks truth. Life goes on, life is tough sometimes, but surviving the things that could’ve very well killed you is always inspiration and confirmation that you have purpose.
Which is your take on “women supporting women“?
Detrimental. Transformative. Life altering. I talk a lot about how important it is for us as women to support other women. This not only applies to career and creative life but life in general. Especially with the rise of social media and the increase of technology , it is very easy for some to feel sort of elitist in whom they connect with, all due to a number of followers or such. Growing up I was involved in a lot of women-led teams, organizations, and groups. I also have a lot of female friends and I can say that the mere presence of other women is an energy that constantly shapes me and molds me into who I am destined to be. Being able to support other women through life, career or whatever facet of life truly has more of an impact on me than anything. I have connected with so many new women in person and over the net, some of whom I now see as close friends. These women have helped to support my work, I have helped to support them and the reciprocity there is just astonishing the impact is ever-present. I can only begin to imagine how much of an impact we can make if we keep this up, tear down the walls and continue to support and talk to one another.
What is your favorite Quote?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Time travel or teleportation?
Time travel for sure. I am an old woman at heart. I have always wanted to see myself in a vintage light. I wonder how I would’ve dressed in the twenties. Who I would’ve fallen in love with. The past is so interesting to me seeing how they dealt with so much adversity. There is a certain grace, strength, and beauty that lives within people from the past and I enjoy looking at old photos and wondering how things were.
If you could have two female authors (Living or dead) to dinner, who would they be?
Toni Morrison. Can’t get enough of her and her work. She’s so graceful and she knows her craft so well. Most days I find myself re-reading her work over and over, watching her videos on Youtube, reading up on her life. Her path as a writer and her literary life leaves me in awe. I’d also go with Shonda Rhimes. She’s an author, writer, and television producer. I just want to know how her brain works! I can’t say I religiously watch any of her tv shows but I hear a lot about them. She heads so many amazing and complex shows and it’s just like, how do you do it all? Amazing.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being a woman of substance. I want to be remembered for being more than just a writer, more than just a decent looking woman, more than just a mother. I want to be remembered for treating others with dignity, shaping lives through my work and staying true to that and myself. I want to leave a legacy for my son and future family that is one of honor and one that reminds them that life is to be lived passionately pursuing what you love.
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