On a sunny afternoon, Her Campus Inter SG sat down with its president and editor. A talented and vibrant young woman, who is also a writer. Nashalí Niomi attends Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, San German campus. Her major is focused on English and she has a passion for writing. She made her debut not long ago. Just last month on January 30, she released, “La Esencia de un Sentir”, a collection of poems that dive into the themes of love, life, passion, feelings and inspirations.
Just a couple months ago she started the process of getting her first book together. This was a dream for Nashalí and even a bigger dream for her biggest inspiration, her mother. From the 28 poems on her book, the most special one – and my personal favorite – is a poem titled, Lizbeth, which is also the name of the woman who introduced her into reading, her mother. This beautiful poem describes her mother in the most loving and passionate way possible.
While enjoying some snacks at the university’s Tiger Cafe, Nashalí tells us how she became a writer, her motivations and what led her to “La esencia de un senitr”.
1. When did you start writing?
NN: Since I learn my first letters, words and their meaning. I loved writing down my thoughts ever since I was little. That’s how it all started.
2. Is poetry the only thing you write?
NN: Not at all, I write a little bit of everything. But it is mostly poetry.
3. What inspired you to write?
NN: A mix of everything, my inspirations come out of nowhere. But it is mostly feelings and thoughts that just needed to be poured
4. How did the process of starting your first book felt like?
NN: Oh my, sacred and anxious. It was a mix of “I didn’t want to release it, but want to release it at the same time.”
5. How did your family and friends react?
NN: My mother cried, she cried happy tears, she was shocked and supportive at the same time. Everyone else was supportive. I am surrounded by a lot of loyal friends and family who I appreciate. Even though I still need to wait a while until I can show my book to my siblings, because they are too young to read it.
6. Are you working on a new book?
NN: Yes, maybe, it’s a secret.
7. I have a personal favorite, which I have already told you about. I’ll insert part of it
“Sol de mis días
Ceiba de nuestra casa
Con todas tus inmensas raíces
Pura hembra Aguyebana
Floreciendo como el flamboyán.
Siempre digna de admirar
Con los años que se te aproximan
Fuente de eterna sabiduría”
8. It’s the one named after your mom, what does this poem mean to you?
NN: It means everything, she is my everything and I wanted to dedicate something special to her.
9. Which poem is your favorite?
NN: It’s “Tu”, a very personal one that I adore.
“Y es que estoy maravillada
De lo que te has vuelto
De ser tu amparo
Y de cuanto te amo”
10. Any special message for your readers?
NN: Yes, never stop reading, it is magical. Always follow your dreams, don’t be scared to take risks and don’t let what others say affect your decisions.
There’s no doubt that Nashali Niomi is full of passion for books, poetry, writing and reading. Just by that huge smile on her face when answering my questions, you can tell she was made for this. I look forward to her next project. More than a great writer, she’s my great friend and I will always support her.♥
You can order her collections of poem here.