Growing up, I carried a lot of anger and bitterness

People who hate reading are missing out, study shows that reading reduces stress by lowering your heart rate, easing muscle tension, and providing a mental escape from worries. Beautiful Christine Mwende Njagi is an author and Poetess from Kenya. A 20 year old is currently a third year literature student.

“I am humbled and blessed to get this type of opportunity. I came across RAN last year, 2024 on my Facebook feed. I was drawn by an amazing feature called “Poetry Corner” and glued to it since then. My writing journey started in 2023 back in high school. I had a deep love for poetry more especially the works of William Shakespeare and Maya Angelou. I began writing because I needed an outlet. Growing up, I carried a lot of anger and bitterness so writing became my way of expressing feelings in a poetic language”, she said.

Ava Herar, as popularly known, emphasises that many people love Poems but still struggle to interpret poetic language. “I would not say Poets are underrated, but one thing I learned is the importance of finding your niche. Once you do, the right audience will find you, support you and help you to grow”, added Avar.

Talented Poetess’s work gained recognition after contributing in South African poetry anthology titled “The Rise of the Unknown African Child” and still believe in growth. Her last message to aspiring writers out there is to start where they are and do not wait to be ready. They must just write, share their work, face criticism and be willing to learn something new everyday.

“I receive positive feedback about how my poetry touches and inspires people and that keeps me going. I want to write more, I want to heal more and reach more souls. I am deeply grateful for all the support, I am evolving – not as a Poetess but as a person”, she concluded.