Audiobooks can be used to teach children to read and to increase reading ability.
Audiobooks can enhance literacy, engage reluctant readers, and improve comprehension through auditory learning.
They can make books more accessible to those with visual impairments or who experience difficulty with reading. They can even enhance vocabulary and understanding for both native and non-native English speakers.
I have decided to make many of my books available on Audible
The World Journal of Cultural Diplomacy in the World is
proud to pay tribute to the Honourable Brenda Mohammed, President of CIESART
Trinidad and Tobago, a versatile writer, ambassador of peace, and cultural
manager whose life is an example of self-improvement, global commitment, and
humanistic leadership. Her name, widely recognized in the literary and
philanthropic spheres, is today synonymous with excellence and dedication to
the common good.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Brenda Mohammed began her
successful professional career at 16, when she graduated from high school and
joined Barclays Bank DCO in Couva, a financial institution headquartered in
London. She earned her Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers in that
city, rising over the years to the positions of Supervisor, Branch Manager, and
finally Area Credit Manager, responsible for loans and overdrafts for personal
and business customers across more than 38 branches.
After her early retirement, she decided to reinvent herself and entered the world of insurance with equal success. She has earned a Diploma
in Life Insurance from the American College (USA) and qualified for the
prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for six consecutive years,
attending international conferences in several American cities.
Her story took a momentous turn after surviving an
aggressive cancer that nearly claimed her life. At that defining moment, Brenda
found in writing a profound channel for healing and personal transformation.
That experience marked the beginning of a prolific career as a writer and peace
advocate.
Since then, she has published 64 books between 2013 and
2025, spanning genres as diverse as memoirs, science fiction, romance,
self-help, children's literature, thrillers, poetry, and essays. Some of her
most notable works include:
I Am Cancer Free – winner of the Readers' Favorite
International Awards in the health and wellness category (2018)
Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka – Award-winning in three
international competitions
How to Write for Success – Readers' Choice Gold Medal (2019)
and Second Place Overall
Her commitment to peace has led her to serve as a Peace
Ambassador for the Iqra Foundation of India and, as President of CIESART
Trinidad and Tobago, to lead initiatives that promote art, love, and humanity.
She has created a digital platform through which she extends CIESART's mission
to thousands of readers and writers in the Caribbean.
Brenda has also written the screenplay for her science
fiction novel Zeeka Chronicles, with plans to pitch it to international
production companies.
Her childhood was marked by dreams of leadership. She wanted
to become a bank manager, inspired by her father, a school principal with a
large library that awakened in her a love of books. Today, that dream has far
surpassed her, as she has become a globally recognized literary and cultural
figure.
Their message, like a song of unity, resonates strongly in
the hearts of the CIESART family:
"The Trinidad and Tobago branch of the International
Chamber of Writers and Artists strives for change through music, art, and
spoken word. As sisters and brothers of one Creator, we join hands to build a
better world, for peace, brotherhood, and humanity."
Brenda Mohammed represents with dignity the most luminous
face of CIESART: art at the service of the human spirit and culture as a pillar
of lasting peace.
INTERVIEW IN CIESART'S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY MAGAZINE
1.Please
provide a brief overview of your personal and professional background,
including your nationality.
I am Brenda Mohammed from Trinidad and Tobago. At age 16, I
graduated from High School and started working at Barclays Bank D.C.O. in
Couva, Trinidad, with its Head Office in London. After obtaining a Diploma in
Banking at the Institute of Bankers in London, I moved up the ranks from a
clerk to Supervisor, to Bank Manager, and Area Credit Manager, responsible for loans
and overdrafts to personal and business customers. I worked in almost all of
the 38 branches of the bank, which was localised in 1972, and which changed its name
to Republic Bank Limited., Trinidad and Tobago. After my early retirement from
the bank, I moved into the Insurance field and obtained a Diploma in Life
Underwriting from the American College, USA. [LUTCF].
I qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier
Association for Financial Professionals, [MDRT] six times in a row, and
attended their annual conferences in various cities in America.
My writing journey began after my bout with cancer, which
almost killed me. Miraculously, I survived after undergoing surgery and
chemotherapy in Miami.
2.How
did your first approach to CIESART come about?
In 2021, I was introduced to CIESART by Lovelyn Eyo, who
was on the Administration team of the Facebook group, How to Write for Success
Literary Forum, which I founded in 2018.
3.What
were your dreams during childhood?
I always dreamed of being a bank manager, and my dreams
came true. My father was a school principal, and he had a large library
filled with books for both adults and children. I loved writing and reading in
that library. In the bank, I had to write many proposals for finance for
customers, and I enjoyed writing them and getting the proposals approved.
4.What
experiences or circumstances do you believe marked your life and led you to
become a global cultural reference?
My father, who was a school principal, was very helpful in
every community he was assigned. I admired his passion for not only helping his
students to succeed, but for his generosity and support of neighbours and
friends who crowded our home to obtain help and advice. His life is a lasting legacy.
I was the eighth in the family, and after his death, I compiled his memoirs
from his diaries and notes, and published a book which received many five-star
reviews.
My interviews and experiences with staff and customers in
Banking and Insurance broadened my outlook on life. I must also add that being
a wife to a supportive husband, and a mother and grandmother to loving children
and grandchildren, has given me the motivation to continue pursuing my passion.
5. What is your contribution to promoting a
culture of peace?
I am an Ambassador for Peace with the Iqra Foundation of
India.
Together with many co-authors, I have published two books
on Peace.
They are ‘Peace Begins with Us’ and ‘Creating a Better
World.’
As President of CIESART TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, I have opened
a Facebook page to promote CIESART’s great work for Peace, Love, and Humanity.
All members of CIESART can join.
6Share
with us a free message you would like to send to the official members of
CIESART around the world through our platform.
I would like to share our anthem for CIESART, Trinidad and
Tobago.
Our anthem defines our mission.
“The Trinidad and Tobago Arm of the International Chamber
of Writers and Artists
Stand for change with music, art, and lyrics.
Spreading our wings worldwide across seas and sky,
We join hands with all nations to raise our voices high.
As sisters and brothers of one Creator, God Almighty,
To create a better world, for peace, brotherhood, and
humanity.”
7.Have
you published any books? If so, how many and in which years?
From 2013 to 2025, I have published 64 books. I have also
written a screenplay for my sci-fi novel, Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka,
and I will be submitting it to interested movie companies.
My genres include memoirs, science fiction, romance,
self-help, mystery thrillers, children’s books, psychological thrillers,
Christian books, poetry, and poetry anthologies.
I have received awards for my books as follows:
1. I Am Cancer Free,
a memoir, won an award for Health and Fitness in the Readers’ Favorite
International Awards 2018.
2. Barry Holmes
Mysteries, a mystery fiction:
a. The Culture, Literature, and Research [CLR] Award in
India for Best Fantasy [2021].
b. Finalist in the Independent Author Awards 2024 hosted by
Literary Global Awards.
3. Zeeka Chronicles:
Revenge of Zeeka
a. Readers’ Favorite International Award [2018] in the
category Young Adult thriller.
b. Author Academy
Global Awards, in sci-fi thriller category. [2018]
c. EMagazine Readers’ Choice Award in sci-fi thriller
category. [2018]
4. How to Write for
Success
a. EMagazine Readers' Choice Gold Medal in the category of
non-fiction. [2019]
b. It also placed second in all categories and won the
silver medal too. [2019]
5. Stories
People Love
EMagazine Readers’ Choice Gold Medal and first-place winner
in all categories. [2019].
Thank you, President Lily R. Baylon, C.E.O. and Founding President of
God is offering this to all in the Universe on a platter.
HE IS THE ONE: A BOOK FOR END TIMES, written by multi-award-winning and bestselling Author Brenda Mohammed, gives answers you have been searching for.
The author touches upon many things concerning the end times in which we live, and includes references to scriptures for the reader to cross-reference and meditate upon.
The book contains facts about God’s plan for humankind, prophecies from the Old Testament about God's Covenants, the Gospels, and the Book of Revelation.
It is an eye-opener for those seeking eternal life.
You will also read the Greatest Love Story ever told in history, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]
Read the book and get answers to your burning questions.
BIOGRAPHY AND LITERARY WORK OF AUTHOR BRENDA MOHAMMED
I am publishing an article by Marlon Gruezo, a Filipino-Spanish peace and culture advocate, educator, and arts & letters protagonist.
Obra Maestra - Today's Brilliant Contemporary and Modern Artist for Literature: Madame Brenda Mohammed
- February 06, 2025
I strongly believe, that one of today's most prolific book writers is my dearest friend and colleague, Madame Brenda Mohammed from Trinidad and Tobago.
Brenda Mohammed, from Trinidad and Tobago, is a prolific author and former Bank Manager. With 64 published books spanning multiple genres, she has made a significant impact in the literary world. Brenda's work includes 19 poetry books filled with enlightening poems, and she has also written a five-series screenplay for her sci-fi thriller, *Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka*.
Her futuristic novel, *Zeeka Chronicles*, has been compared to *Frankenstein*, *Twilight Zone*, and Shakespeare's plays by reviewers, with some suggesting it is movie material. This novel has earned her awards from Readers’ Favorite International, Author Academy Global Awards, and Readers’ Choice.
Her genres encompass memoirs, science fiction, romance, self-help, mystery thrillers, children's books, psychological thrillers, Christian books, poetry, and poetry anthologies. Her memoir, *I Am Cancer Free*, won an award for Health and Fitness at the Readers’ Favorite International Awards in 2018. *Barry Holmes Mysteries*, a mystery fiction book, received several awards, including a five-star review from Readers' Favorite International in September 2021, the Culture, Literature, and Research [CLR] Award in India for Best Fantasy, a certificate of recognition from The International Chamber of Writers and Artists [CIESART] in Spain on World Book Day in April 2023, and was a finalist in the Independent Author Awards 2024 hosted by Literary Global Awards.
Her romance stories are known for their humor, mystery, suspense, and unexpected endings.
Brenda's memoirs of her Life as a Banker and her Travel Memoirs are delightful additions to her diverse portfolio.
Recently inspired to write Christian books, Brenda has published nine of them to date. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and has authored three books on how to write for success and self-publishing tips for new and aspiring authors.
*How to Write for Success* received a five-star review from Readers Favorite one month after its publication in December 2017. In August 2019, it topped the Non-Fiction category of Connections EMagazine Readers' Choice awards, winning the gold medal, and placed second in all categories, earning the silver medal.
Her romance novel, *Stories People Love*, won the gold medal for placing first in all categories in the same contest.
The merits of *How to Write for Success* were featured in a review in the Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition on February 16th, 2020. Brenda has won several literary awards in 45 countries and received numerous awards from CIESART Spain.
In 2024, she was honored with the PLATO AWARD, which highlights the values of Wisdom, Temperance, Courage, Justice, and more, as well as the Dante Alighieri Award for active cultural management.
CIESART GLOBAL nominated her for the Mar De Cristal Barcelona Award in Literature in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Brenda has conducted book signings, hosted book fairs in Trinidad and Tobago, and donated books to schools, libraries, and churches in her country.
She is an advocate for peace, suicide prevention, and is against domestic violence. Brenda is the founder of the Facebook Forum, *How to Write for Success Literary Network*, and serves as the National President for Trinidad and Tobago for the International Chamber of Writers and Artists [CIESART] - Spain, and Unión Hispanomundial de Escritores - Peru.
She is also a Peace Ambassador for the Iqra Foundation of India. Brenda Mohammed's work continues to inspire and influence readers worldwide, making her a shining beacon in the literary community.
BRENDA’S LITERARY WORK
TITLE: ZEEKA CHRONICLES: REVENGE OF ZEEKA
WRITTEN BY: BRENDA MOHAMMED
BOOK DESCRIPTION: The five-episode futuristic sci-fi thriller written by Author Brenda Mohammed who published 64 books, is set in 2036 on an imaginary tourist island paradise, off the coast of South America, popular for posh beaches and annual Carnival celebrations. Classic sci-fi elements, dark fantasy, and high-tech weapons blend with Caribbean folklore and lifestyle, creating a visually stunning world of sun-kissed shores where palm trees sway and steel drums echo.
In this character-driven novel, drama and intrigue delve deep into the psychological complexities of the Antagonist, Chief of Police Bill Grady [ Master Zeeka], and Dr. Steven Sharpe, the Protagonist, their families, and acquaintances.
Bill Grady [Master Zeeka] is the Chief of Police on the island of Gosh, and he has been harbouring grief and rage for many years, Grady kidnapped Steven Sharpe, the seven-year-old son of his former lover who jilted him, leaving him hurt and betrayed. He changed the boy’s name to Jason Stephens, threatened to kill his family if he tried to escape, sent him to medical school, and used him to create a vaccine to bring back to life the dead babies who died after women infected with the zika virus gave birth at the Gosh Hospital.
Grady used the vaccine to create programmable killer zombies in a revenge plot against Gosh Hospital where his ex-lover and her husband used to work. Added to that, his wife who was infected with the virus, died in childbirth, and his biological son was born deformed in that hospital.
Grady known as Master Zeeka to his 51 programmable killer zombies unleashes chaos and death on spectators at a Carnival event on the tourist haven of Gosh Island.
The local police, Detective Wildy, and Dr. Steven Sharpe, kidnapped by Zeeka as a child, must hunt down Master Zeeka before he kills again.
Dr. Jason Stephens’ real name is Dr. Steven Sharpe. When he is suspected of being Master Zeeka, he breaks his engagement with Dr. Janet Jones and disappears, leaving a note to forget him. Janet marries Steven’s brother, Dr.Raynor Sharpe.
Steven filled with guilt and shame, proves his innocence and real identity, and reunites with his brother, Raynor. He assists the police in hunting down Zeeka, regains his job at Gosh Hospital, marries Janet’s sister, Mandy, invents many miracle cures, and becomes the hero on the island of Gosh.
In episode 1, Dr. Raynor Sharpe sees zombies marching outside his beachfront home and they suddenly disappear. A zombie named Number Nine goes to Gosh Hospital to warn Dr. Brown about an impending massacre by his Master Zeeka.
In February 2036, 51 killer zombies disguised as a sailor band, and controlled by a transponder by Master Zeeka, unleash weapons at a Carnival event. One hundred and twenty-five people die, seventy-five are maimed for life, and all zombies disintegrate into ash. Police are not clear if Number Nine died in the shoot-out. A manhunt begins for Master Zeeka. Intertwined in this episode is a love triangle between Dr. Jason Stephens, Dr. Raynor Sharpe, and Dr. Janet Jones.
In episode 2, Detective Jack Wildy discovers a flash drive revealing the face of the real perpetrator, Chief of Police Bill Grady.
Dr. Jason Stephens gives another flash drive to Janet to deliver to Dr. Raynor Sharpe, confirming his identity as Dr. Steven Sharpe—Raynor’s brother—and about his kidnapping by Zeeka [ Grady] forty years before.
Police find evidence of nine flesh-eating zombies in Grady’s basement and start a manhunt for Zeeka and the nine zombies.
In episode 3, Zeeka [ Grady] abandons his zombies in the forest and goes to the home of Dr. Raynor Sharpe to look for Steven Sharpe. Janet’s helper, Miranda, a beautiful robot, uses her taekwondo skills to capture Zeeka when she sees him holding a gun and calls the police.
They slap Grady with more than 200 charges to which he confesses. He asks to see Steven and tells him why he kidnapped him.
He begs Steven for forgiveness after telling him he thought Steven was his son. Steven does not believe him and refuses. Grady commits suicide in prison. The funeral home gives Steven Grady’s ashes. The police shrink zombies and demolish them with high-tech weapons found in Grady’s bag.
In the fourth episode, a strong wind throws down Zeeka’s urn. it falls and breaks into pieces, the ashes scatter in Steven’s study, and Zeeka’s ghost appears to Steven. The ghost begs Steven for forgiveness and he again refuses. However, the ghost saves Steven and his wife Mandy from dangerous criminals and Steven forgives Zeeka who leaves the world in peace.
In episode 5, Number Nine reappears and is alive. Mandy's robot helper, Eve, encounters him in the backyard. He collapses in the backyard with an epileptic fit, and Eve alerts the Gosh hospital. Tests and records confirm he is Number Nine, he is not a zombie and is the biological son of Bill Grady – Master Zeeka.
This literary piece is truly a masterpiece, the storyline is captivating and lets the readers delve more into the mystery. It enthralls the curiosity up until the end. Madame Brenda Mohammed definitely created a literary masterpiece that will last a lifetime.
Written by a Filipino-Spanish peace and culture advocate, educator, and arts & letters protagonist.
ABOUT MARLON
Marlon Salem Gruezo is a Filipino-Spanish peace and culture advocate, educator, and arts & letters protagonist.
He is a member of several notable and highly respected and well-known international non-government organizations whose core missions are peace development, human rights, culture, arts & letters, and education promotions. He is a poetry enthusiast, writer, and editor of several international online and print magazines.
His literary works were published in highly respected and well-known literary publications, both online and in print media, such as the Pen Craft Magazine, The Daily Global Nation, The Trap Magazine, Quick World News, Glitterati Quill with Spark, The Raft of Dreams Literary Magazine and Atunis Poetry.Com to name a few. He is one of the 26 poet recipients of the 1st Indo-Bangla Literature and Peace Award given by the University of Dhaka Bangladesh, The Daily Global Nation, and The Global Writers Academy, Bangladesh.
I am sharing an Interview with Corina Junghiatu, Founder of the Verseum Journal, and Brenda Mohammed, Founder of How to Write for Success Literary Forum.
CORINA: Brenda, your journey is nothing short of extraordinary: banking, insurance, surviving cancer, and then becoming a multi-award-winning author. How do you define resilience, and how has it shaped your life and career?
BRENDA: First, Corina, thank you for this valuable opportunity to share my life’s journey with your readers.
It has been a winding road for me, but everything falls into place when you put God first. My favourite song, which my sister sang at my wedding, “Each Step I Take, I know my Saviour leads me,” defines me.
My strong faith in God and prayer saw me through every path I undertook. I loved banking and retired as a Senior Manager at an early age. I loved to grant loans and overdrafts to commercial businesses and see the towns build up. I turned many into millionaires. When I moved into Insurance, I also loved to help my clients obtain medical benefits and leave a financial benefit for their loved ones. I qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table six times in a row and had the opportunity to attend MDRT Conferences in various states in America. MDRT is the premier financial institution for financial professionals who excel in the sales of financial products.
While I was working in Insurance, cancer struck, and the Insurance Company paid all my medical bills, which was a hefty sum because I obtained surgery and chemotherapy at the Sylvester Cancer Centre in Miami University Hospital. There were no oncologists in Trinidad at the time.
I started writing in 2013 when I published my first book, “I Am Cancer Free.” I never stopped writing, and as you stated, I have published 62 books to date, and many have won awards.
CORINA: Your memoir "I Am Cancer Free" became a bestseller and inspired countless readers. What was the most challenging part of writing about such a personal and life-altering experience?
BRENDA: After undergoing such a traumatic and near-death experience, it took me a while to write about it. I wrote the book seven years after my battle with cancer, so it was not difficult to put my experience into words. I was surprised at the response I got from readers and also when it became a bestseller. I entered the book in the Readers’ Favorite Awards in Miami, and it won an award in the category of health and fitness. At that same award function, I also won an award for my science fiction novel, Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka. It was a double win for me.
CORINA: You have authored an astonishing 62 books across multiple genres. What fuels your creativity, and how do you maintain such a prolific writing pace?
BRENDA: I have always loved Writing. When I worked at the bank, I was required to submit lengthy proposals for finance for amounts above my assigned limit for commercial businesses to the Head Office. My proposals were always approved without question because I covered every aspect clearly in my proposals. With that background, I knew that I had a writing skill I could use after banking and insurance. Added to that, my husband is very supportive of my writing, and he prepares the meals while I write. He is a gem. I still have lots of time to watch movies on Netflix and to have fun with my sisters, children, and extended family.
CORINA: Among your works, you have written memoirs, science fiction, thrillers, romance, and even children’s books. Is there a particular genre that resonates with you the most, and why?
BRENDA: I love every genre that I write in, and my books have received exceptional to fairly good reviews. I prefer to write thrillers with good overcoming evil. I believe that life must have a happy ending.
Recently, I have started writing Christian books as I feel we are living in the end times, and the world needs to be aware.
I have also written nineteen poetry books of enlightening poems.
CORINA: Your sci-fi thriller "Zeeka Chronicles" won prestigious awards and was even developed into a five-series screenplay. What inspired this futuristic narrative, and do you see it being adapted for film or television?
BRENDA: I was lying on my bed one day in 2017, and the idea to write a sci-fi thriller sparked. The story is purely my imagination, inspired by the Zika virus in 2016. The five-episode futuristic sci-fi thriller is set in 2036 on an imaginary tourist island paradise. Classic sci-fi elements, dark fantasy, and high-tech weapons blend with Caribbean folklore and lifestyle, creating a unique and visually stunning world.
I have submitted my pitch for the screenplay to several entities. Most have responded positively, but the fires in Los Angeles have slowed down activity in the movie business. It will be a while until things pick up again. My readers will be the first to know when I receive the nod.
CORINA: As the founder of the How to Write for Success Literary Forum, you have created a space for writers worldwide. What motivated you to establish this platform, and how has it impacted emerging authors?
BRENDA: In December 2017, When I received an overwhelming response to my Self-Help book, “How to Write for Success,” I decided to start a group for new and aspiring authors to learn to write books. The book received a five-star review from Readers Favorite one month after it was published.
In August 2019 it topped all the books in the Non-Fiction category of Connections Emagazine Readers’ Choice awards and won the gold medal.
The merits of the book were featured in a review in the Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition on February 16th, 2020.
I started the How to Write for Success Literary Forum on 6th February 2018 but it soon turned into a poetry group. I believe this is what influenced me to start writing poetry, and poetry became one of my genres.
However, I opened another group for Book Reviews where writers can advertise their books.
CORINA: Your latest book, "SAVE GOD’S EARTH", focuses on climate change and environmental awareness. What inspired this project, and what role do you believe literature plays in driving social change?
BRENDA: The poems in SAVE GOD’S EARTH open our eyes to stark reality. The Earth does not belong to us. It belongs to God and we are only the tenants.
Our purpose and duty to our Creator is to take care of what He has blessed us with.
Through the Earth, God provides us with fresh water, food, and oxygen.
One of the biggest environmental challenges right now is Climate Change and its adverse effects on human and animal life.
Military activities are harmful to the social environment, disrupt peace, and produce extensive amounts of greenhouse gases that contribute to anthropogenic climate change and pollution.
Literature can play a great part in bringing awareness to the damage that human activities are causing.
CORINA: Having received international awards from 45 countries, how do you see literature bridging cultural and national divides? What has been the most memorable recognition in your career so far?
BRENDA: Firstly, let me be honest and say that I do not write for awards. I appreciate every award I receive and in my groups, I give awards to motivate writers to write more.
I see literature bridging cultural and national divides and it pleases me. In the recent call for poems for the 7th anniversary of How to Write for Success Literary Forum, I was thrilled to see poets from every corner of the world participating.
The most memorable recognition in my writing career is being appointed as National President of two important institutions. They are the International Chamber of Writers and Artists [CIESART] – Trinidad and Tobago with headquarters in Spain, and Unión Hispanomundial de Escritores - Trinidad and Tobago with headquarters in Peru. These institutions allow me to spread Peace, Love, and Humanity internationally by way of Literature and the Arts, and the Facebook forums which I also manage.
CORINA: Your work has gained significant recognition on Amazon, with multiple bestsellers. What is your strategy for engaging readers and maintaining relevance in today’s digital literary landscape?
BRENDA: I only use social media to spread the word about my books. I also have a book club on Amazon where readers read a book each month.
CORINA: As someone who has travelled extensively, how have your global experiences shaped your writing, and which country or culture has left the deepest impression on you?
BRENDA: I have travelled to many countries of the world and learned a lot from each of them. Some of them are the settings for some of my books. I have enjoyed many vacations in many states in the USA, Canada, London, Switzerland, Germany, Amsterdam, France, Italy, Spain, and many islands in the Caribbean. I have also been on two fantastic cruises with Royal Caribbean. I have several videos and pictures among my memories. One of my books, “Stories That Intrigue” a romance/mystery was born after a trip to New York, London, Switzerland, and France. However, as the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” I love my country Trinidad and Tobago.
CORINA: Your poetry resonates deeply with your readers. How do you approach the craft of poetry? Do you start with a concept or an image, or does it develop organically as you write?
BRENDA: Ideas turn on in my mind like light bulbs. I may hear a phrase in a movie or church and pen a poem when I am at the computer. I have no specific structure for writing a poem. Sometimes, it is just what comes to my heart.
CORINA: What is your perspective on postmodern poetry and contemporary literature? Do you believe the digital age has altered the essence of literary expression?
BRENDA: In literature, postmodernism refers more to the qualities of a particular work, whereas contemporary refers to the time in which it was written. I have no conflicts with either. I believe literary awareness has increased with the dawn of the digital age.
CORINA: As a highly accomplished figure in literature, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, and what projects can your readers look forward to in the future?
BRENDA: I want to be remembered for the lives I have touched with my writings, the culture I cultivated, and the vision I projected. If I have empowered others, built strong relationships, and made a positive impact on family, friends, colleagues, and readers, that would be my legacy. As for future projects, readers can look forward to more books that I plan to publish in the New Year, and some surprises from my Facebook Groups.
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