Brooklyn born author Justinah McFadden is taking her poetry writing career by storm. Not only has she released four books and more poems than you can count--she is now diving into the world of novelist. The four time author is releasing her first novel in 2010 titled, "The Thirteenth Day." The book is set in the era of WWII and surrounds a conspiracy. When asked for a few words on the plot of the book, Justinah teases us with, "When the truth of the conspiracy comes to the light, it surpasses hate by measures and brings hope to the world." This is sure to be a compelling story, to say the least. A novel that will definitely be a challenge for the reader to set down.

We here at Spoken Word New York were privileged to have the opportunity to sit down with the busy author. We wanted her fans to know more about the poet and spoken word artist. Read on to learn more of how she got started writing poetry, learn a bit of her background and find out what her future plans are for writing.

What inspired you to become a writer?
The thing that inspired me to become a writer was when I realized that I was put here on earth for just that purpose. The journey and road which led me to become a writer was a long one and sometimes difficult, but no matter what occurred in my life, I never gave up hope. It was during those times that I would go deep within myself and write from the depths of my being. I never had to take courses or force my work to sound like something fancy. Its been a God given gift, so it came natural--like breathing air and drinking water...I needed it as part of my survival.

How did you get started?
I got started when God, life, and the universe decided that it was the right time. I have this theory--you'll know if something is right because it falls into place with ease. No force involved. I wrote my first book and submitted it to several publishing companies. This was a huge step of faith. I just had to trust God and believe in my writing and here I am. I've been writing poetry since I was 8. I published my first poem at 17. And I published my first book at 23.

Your accomplishments?
I'm a very humble person so I tend to say I'm blessed and the things I accomplish are a blessing through God. I believe publishing 4 books with 3 new ones on the way is a blessing. Being able to dream and express vision is a blessing. And when you see your dreams and blessings unfold and take you to new heights, it's an accomplishment. I feel like I'm on my way and I have so much left to do and I'm ready for it all.

What are your favorites; poems, stories, books? Why?
My favorite poet is Langston Hughes. I love Langston Hughes as a writer and poet. I've always admired his courage. He was a great African-American voice during a time when we needed it most and when we didn't have a voice in America. I love the honesty and rawness of his work. One of my favorite authors/books is Wally Lamb, I Know This Much Is True. In this particular story there is hope and a mystery within each page. It keeps you engulfed from beginning to end. I love the book, The Shack, by William P. Young. I love spiritual, historical and motivational books. I am also a huge fan of Toni Morrison.

You speak of family in your books. How do they influence you? Friends-do they play a factor in your writing?
Family and real friends are an important part of my life. They're the gel that puts it all together. Those are the people promoting, pushing and helping me ultimately. In fact, my best friend is constantly giving me new ideas about how to make myself more marketable. It's great to have their support, it means a lot.

What are your future plans in writing?
I'm coming out with my first Novel in 2010.... It's going to be an awesome project. I will also be publishing smaller works in between. I'm so excited!

Who is your target audience?
I honestly don't have a target audience. I feel that everyone can relate to my writing, from children to the elderly. I write about life. Faith, hope, believing, self love, forgiveness. Mostly, I want readers who have read my work, to finish it feeling uplifted. A thought process should start and leave them examining their own world. I write for human kind.

Who do you NOT want to target in your books...who do you NOT write for?
There isn't anyone I don't write for. I feel if there is a person full of hate, jealousy, resentments, stuck in the past; my books will help them examine their world. Almost like an eye opener.

Who do your books relate more to--men or women?
Again I feel like either gender can and will relate. However, with that said, I am a woman, which makes my poems written from a woman's point of view. For instance, in my first book, Tainted Thoughts on a Purple River, the very first poem is, "The Woman Within." Suggesting that a female can relate to that particular piece. On the same note when I talk about love, God and self, I'm speaking to both genders. I also have a large male based audience and both genders purchase my books. I receive lots of love and empathy from both sides. It's awesome!

What improvements would you make...changes, if any?
I honestly wouldn't change anything from my past because it shaped me into the woman I am today. The only thing I would have done differently is start my publishing sooner. But everything is at Gods speed. His will--not my own.

Was there work that you wanted to put into certain books that you left out and for what reasons?
Never...I write exactly what comes to mind...I rarely edit anything. The truth, when you're in it for real, nothing is ever too personal.

How often do you write?

I write everyday! Every chance I can. I'm constantly evolving and thinking and ready to pour my thoughts out on paper.

Poetry, spoken and written, is an aesthetic, evocative emotional language that lends itself to many interpretations. It often uses particular forms to expand the literal words to evoke these emotional and sensual responses to be appreciated by each individual reader.

The poet has many writing tools from which to choose. There are over fifty types of poetry styles. However, most poets work within the eight basic poetry-writing styles: free verse, humorous poems, limerick, lyrical, diamante, Haiku concrete and ballads. Others who are more adventurous or advanced may wish to experiment with styles such as these more modern forms: dub, analysis, prose slam, and Spoken Word Poetry.

Spoken Word Poetry is usually written in lines and verses otherwise referred to as Stanza which captures images vividly in an original refreshing way. At the same time it combines elements like theme, tension, complex emotions and profoundly reflects thought. Spoken Word Poetry incorporates sound and a most important element called rhythm, which in most cases is achieved by arranging lines into meters. One of the skills of poetry mastery is the ability of a poet to use figure of speech to give vivid images of the theme.

Poetry as a literary art may seem unattainable to the masses, however, it is by no means exclusive to brow-lifting subject matter or complicated style. Nursery rhymes, impromptu songs, spoken word performances, whether composed of nonsense or million-dollar words, are all highly accessible forms of poetry.

Delve into the rhythm of speech and discover a world of language that can open your eyes to the richness of spoken word poetry or written poetry--discover your passion for words.