Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Reyes.
Hi Crystal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began writing in my adolescence, it was until my mid-twenties that I began exploring creative writing. Now, 8 years later, I am a published writer and poet, and am working on my MFA in Nonfiction Writing. As a teen mother and domestic violence (DV) survivor, a whirlwind of challenges has surpassed me, yet I have remained faithful in my niche to creating and writing.
After finishing my Bachelor of Arts degree, during the pandemic, I enrolled in an MFA degree in Creative Writing. I quickly learned I was expecting a bundle of joy; however, I had no joy in the situation. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with antenatal depression, and one failed MFA degree, I took some necessary time to myself. The day I gave birth was the day I started my Master of Arts in Higher Education, two years and give or take a couple of months, and I have finally graduated. Writing has always remained one of my prized possessions, but deep down, it scared me to even begin. During the pandemic, I successfully published 3 pieces: one personal essay, a poem, and an erotica short story. So why was it so hard to begin writing in the first place? It was the deprivation of stories by my people, a lack of support, and the systematic racism that comes with publishing certain content/ideas/stories. Following minor publications, I was introduced to the “Community Literature Initiative” (CLI), a nonprofit organization based in LA that aims to teach BIPOC writers the ins & outs of writing poetry and the publication journey. This program saved my life. I was able to finish my poetry manuscript through the intensive 10-month program and also grow my writing community by working with other amazing creatives. Now, one year later, I am the teaching assistant for this phenomenal program, and I work with writers all around the world. Among my vast occupations as an educator, 2 side hustles, an editor, blog writer, mother, and mentor for the @GirlsWriteNow organization.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
God, no! Co-parenting with three fathers, writing on some traumatic issues, and voicing them along the way has been a challenge. My mental health is always hanging on a balance beam, bustling between strengths and shortcomings. Being a mom and a career-driven individual is also difficult; there’s no breaks in between or enough time for mothers. My job as an educator teaching high school credit-recovery individuals is both an obstacle and a blessing. Every day, I see myself in my students, and I reassure them the power that storytelling and writing holds for each of us. My perception is that we must all go through the bad, the ugly, and the most perplexing moments because it ultimately leads to the planets lining up in your favor.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist that specializes in personal essays, poetry, flash fiction, and erotica. Despite being a writer, I am also a professor and educator who works with high school and college students to lead a successful journey through their studies and future ambitions. Personally, I am most proud of paving the way for other QTPOC folx who may need that reassurance and recognition of what “success” may look like. My published writings are also an achievement that I am immensely proud of, to have readings & writings so raw in nature. What sets me apart from other local creatives is my ‘Boss Ass Bitch-Chingona” attitude, hahaha —no, but really, my mindset is always on creative mode, ready to draft, ready to write, or simply ready to find my next story. Lastly, I have to add my voice is unique as you will see many of my poems interweave & embed Spanish, English, & Spanglish together in various forms.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
You can follow me on Instagram @Crisreyeswrites & my LinkedIn profile is: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-reyes-m-a-950320203/
Please reach out to me if you are interested in collaborating or pitching ideas for any writing projects.
Or if you would like to just share a story or chat with me, I love meeting new folx!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crysreyes09.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisreyeswrites?igsh=MWZvODA2emI5ejQ4dA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crystalpistol09/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-reyes-m-a-950320203/
Image Credits
Hiram Sims
Community Literature Initiative
