She is young, creative and smart, using her innovative mind for good in the community. Twenty-three-year-old Tierra TraNiece Thompson is a writer, spoken word artist, and motivational speaker. Thompson has built a brand based on positive vibes, intellectual thinking, and a supportive surrounding. She has written books based on her life and environment to inspire and motivate others. Because of this, she gained the confidence to start an initiative called “Slam for Literacy” that will benefit many in the community through reading and live entertainment.
What made you start the “Slam for Literacy” event? What is its purpose?
I started Slam for Literacy last October. The idea came about during my time at a summer camp where I was working with youth of my community in Opa-Locka, Florida. The majority were reading below their grade level and it made me very angry. I felt like it was my duty to make kids love reading again, so I found a way to make poetry and literacy awareness coexist with one another.
Then Slam for Literacy was born. The sole purpose is to raise awareness in the community about illiteracy and also [to collect] books to give back to the youth in our communities. In addition, I felt that poetry was something new and fun for my community, something positive. We needed that light.
What was the hardest part of completing this project?
The hardest part was understanding that things will fall in place. I contemplated many things, but I never lost my faith. I am a perfectionist when it comes to my brand, it is my baby, so everything has to always be right. Every single time.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Continued learning is important because we are continuously growing. We never stop growing unless we choose to. So we should never stop feeding our brains along as the resources are available. We have ancestors who fought for the right to read and the new generation are slaves to technology and won’t pick up books to save their lives, we have to change this.
Why is reading a gift?
Reading is a gift because it lightens your present, enhances your presence and dictates your future! Reading is everything, if you cannot read the world, you allow the world to read you.
Talk about the books you wrote. How did they come about?
My first book was titled The Furthest Thing from Perfect I was 21, I felt like I had a story to tell so I gained the confidence to tell it. I felt like every woman coming of age needed to see the mistakes I make and understand that they are just that. mistakes. I allowed my wrongs to help me help others to do right.
My second book, titled 30 was written in one day while I was working at a call center. I wrote something that I needed to read. I hated my job, I needed positivity. 30 is still available on amazon.com as well as barnesandnoble.com The Furthest Thing from Perfect will re-release soon.
What are five of your favorite books and why?
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (one of the first chapter books I ever read. The reason my imagination is so strong), Girl Code, Dear Woman, The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success, and HOLES. I love all of these books for many different reasons, but they all encouraged me to either fall in love with the idea of being an author or the idea of being an avid reader
Talk about the challenges you have encountered during your journey.
Recently my grandmother suffered a brain aneurysm. At the time I was working two jobs one day and one overnight while also going to school. I was the only one home when she passed out from it, I found her unresponsive. I am super close to my grandmother and we all know death is guaranteed to everyone; I wasn’t ready to lose her. That is a traumatic experience I’ll never forget but because of that I’ll always remember. We all have purpose; she’s still living cause her purpose has not been fulfilled. In that moment I grew up, I look at life from a different perspective. Subliminally God was telling to get myself together because time is on no one’s side!
What books have most impacted your life or life as an author?
The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success, Girl Code and Dear Woman. These three books have helped me understand not only myself but others. It has taught me to be selfish with myself but also selfless. Be receptive to advice but always be cognizant of the adviser. These books have taught me how the universe works and how kick a– it is to be a woman in it.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
I wouldn’t change anything. I would want to relive the moment again, but if I had to do it again, I would want to do it the exact same way.
Talk about what inspired you to take your path.
Life: who I used to be, how people have treated me, how I’ve treated others. I allowed all of this to happen. I want to be the kind of woman other women admire and are inspired by. It’s easy to gossip and belittle but it takes a special kind of woman to inspire and uplift. I want to be her.
What is your response to someone who says they wouldn’t be able to accomplish what you have?
They’re right. Whatever you believe you can do is true. Whatever you believe you can’t do is also true. If you don’t have faith in you, no one else will.
What does it mean to you to be focused?
To be focused is to be persistent. To do exactly what you say you’re going to do exactly when you say you’re going to do it, nothing less.
Where can fans find you?
Instagram, Twitter, and youtube: @TierraTraniece
Website: www.TierraTraniece.com
