Who are you?
Hi, I am Chloe O. Davis! I am a Broadway performer, choreographer, and author who lives in the best city in the world, New York City!
What do you write?
I am an author that likes to dive into the lives, culture, language, and identity of our humanity. I am interested in uncovering the beauty and complexity of who we are; focusing in on our multilayers. We are all unique and I like to celebrate and empower that uniqueness.
I started to create The Queens’ English dictionary in 2006 to properly document the language of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our community is so vast and brilliant, but I felt there were not many books and/or resources that positively represented the diversity and intersectionality our culture. I am a Black bisexual, biromatic, demisexual woman…yes, it’s a mouth full, but it’s ME! I wanted to see my experience with identity be represented and, I wanted to see yours, and yours, and yours, too. I desire to celebrate to words that shape who we are. The Queens’ English, The Young Readers’ LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases documents over 800 terms and is a tool to guide conversations around gender identity, sexual orientation, inclusion, and diversity. I love, I mean love, honoring the language of our the LGBTQIA+ community!
Where do you write?
I like to write first thing in the morning. My brain is fresh and ready to release my thoughts, dive into research, and organize the layout to create the masterpiece—or at least organize the mumbo jumbo that will hopeful pan out to be something impactful! I attempt to download ideas to my computer while lying in bed…doing that right now! I happily tap the computer keys siting in my favorite comfy chair. I type away on the floor. I pop out the laptop on the airplane. I have even brought my laptop out on the beach during a vacation, or two! Most importantly, I write when I am inspired. 😊
When do you write?
On days when I feel the creative juices going, I can write seven to eight hours with scheduled break. When I need to make a deadline, there are no limits to how I get it done! There are times when I don’t want to write or just feel struck and I will honor my feelings with the one-hour rule, “For one hour I will try. At least you tried, Chloe.”
Why do you write?
I am a storyteller and I like to uncover the essence of our individuality. Each person has an interesting journey and/or relationship with how to navigate life. We come from different backgrounds, communities, cultures, and lands. We speak different languages, and even have different traditions, values, and beliefs. No one person is alike. How exciting is this?! Learning about someone’s personal story inspires me and I like to us my creative platform to bring as many unheard voices to the forefront. When we share our stories, we have the magical ability to write history and create the future.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I step away from writing when I feel struck and remind myself it will come to me in due time. I don’t need to force it. Instead, I use this time to explore other ways of creating and find new forms of inspiration. Visiting a museum, taking a nature walk, watching a movie, exploring other parts of New York City, and socializing with a creative community are some of my favorite activities to do when I need to charge my brain with innovative thoughts. My friends and coworkers are also utilized to help me shape my thoughts on my writing topic. I always ask for their perspectives and respect their feedback.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
I am a Broadway performer, dancer, and choreographer! I love the arts!
My thanks to Chloe O. Davis for today's interview.