Featured Interview With Coraima M.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the Sunshine State, and I’ve always stayed close to my roots—I love the beach and the warm weather year round. Writing has been a lifelong passion of mine, a constant thread through every phase of my life. Whether I’m crafting poetry, writing songs, freestyling, or diving into short stories and novels, I find joy in using words to create and connect.
In 2015, I was honored to receive first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem. That recognition was a turning point for me—it reminded me that my voice had the power to resonate with others.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing several of my pieces published, and each experience has only deepened my love for storytelling. I’m inspired by the world around me, by everyday moments, and by the people I meet. Whether I’m writing something lyrical or narrative, personal or imaginative, I always aim to spark something meaningful in my readers and listeners.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve had a fascination with books for as long as I can remember. Growing up, some of my fondest memories are of my grandfather taking me to the library. He would sit with me for hours, reading all kinds of stories until I was fluent enough to read on my own. That early love for reading naturally evolved into a lifelong passion for writing.
I’ve always written in some form or another—poetry, short stories, songs, freestyle—but the turning point came in college. I had the opportunity to submit my work to a writing contest, and when I won first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem, it opened my eyes to the possibilities. That moment gave me the confidence to pursue writing more seriously.
Since then, I’ve had several pieces published, and over the past year alone, I’ve written eight books, including two Spanish translations. Whether I’m crafting poetry, building fictional worlds, or experimenting with freestyle, I pour my heart into every word. I draw inspiration from the world around me—everyday experiences, memories, and moments—and I’m always striving to create work that resonates, challenges, and connects.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genre to read has always been fiction. There’s something about getting lost in a well-told story, especially one with juicy details and cliffhanger chapter endings, that keeps me coming back for more. I love books that pull you in and make it impossible to put them down.
Some of my favorite authors include Ellen Hopkins and Nora Roberts. I admire the way Ellen Hopkins writes with raw emotion and depth, often tackling tough topics head-on, while Nora Roberts builds vivid, immersive worlds with unforgettable characters and just the right touch of drama and romance. Both styles have influenced the way I approach storytelling in my own work.
When it comes to inspiration, everyday people and real conversations are what fuel me the most. I’m constantly drawing from the world around me—what I observe, what I experience, and even what I overhear. My own life, including the struggles and the growth, plays a huge role in shaping my creative thinking. I also love exploring topics that people don’t often talk about openly—things that make us uncomfortable or force us to think on a deeper, more metaphysical level. I’m fascinated by anything that challenges our perspective and pushes us to question life beyond the surface.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is titled Little Johnny. It asks a question that many of us avoid but can never truly escape: What if you reached the end of your life… and realized you lived the wrong one?
Little Johnny is a gripping and emotionally-charged novel that dives into themes of purpose, identity, and the haunting weight of unrealized potential. The story follows a man who is beloved by millions but feels completely disconnected from the life he was truly meant to live. As the noise of fame fades and silence takes over, Johnny finds himself in a surreal space beyond time—guided by a mysterious presence that knows him better than he knows himself. Here, he’s forced to confront the legacy he left behind and the purpose he never fully embraced.
What makes this story especially close to my heart is that it was born out of a very personal experience. I was in a place where I realized the life I was building wasn’t aligned with my true purpose. God made that crystal clear by rearranging every single part of my life. Writing Little Johnny became a way for me to process that transformation, and to explore the tension so many of us feel between the lives we live and the callings we’re meant to follow.
It’s a heart-wrenching, honest story that challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and choices. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—for anyone who’s ever questioned if they’re truly living the life they were sent here to live.
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