Conversations with Sade’ Norwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sade’ Norwood.

Hi Sade’, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born a Creative. As a child, I sang in an award-winning Gospel choir, I danced for seven years and would hijack my mom’s camcorder to create movies in our backyard. The writing element developed in junior high, and I fell in love with creating elaborate stories. I would use song lyrics and music videos as inspiration. I was so sure I wanted to be a Writer but preconceived notions of who I was “supposed to be” got in the way. Self-doubt and depression danced its way into my life soon after. Despite becoming a freelance and emphasis on “free” contributing writer for various online magazines, after graduating from my HBCU- Virginia State University– I still felt empty. During the Covid-19 pandemic, that’s when everything changed. My intent with poetry was for people to read it, not for me to perform. After a few IG Live open mics, my perspective shifted and this gave me the confidence I needed. During the pandemic, I released my debut collection of poetry – Side Pieces and I wrote a film with a college friend–which has four official film festival selections! Also, my poetry collection, Side Pieces, is now being sold at Center Place Fine Arts Center in Brandon.

The pandemic gave me the space I needed to create, meditate, develop my craft, and unlock my potential. I moved to Tampa in July 2021 and hit the ground running! I was secure in who I was and what I wanted to achieve. Within three months of moving, I was performing on stages and by month 7, had two workshops under my belt. What I love most about Tampa, specifically the Art community, is that everyone is so welcoming, and the support is genuine. I found a great tribe of people here.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth, mostly because I allowed fear to hold me back. I was afraid of judgment from others, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to financially support myself through my Art. So, I looked at it as a hobby for years while I threw myself in corporate jobs that kept me “secure”. Honestly, the turning point for me was when I became a mother. I wanted my daughter to see me at my happiest and that is when I am creating. Now, she holds my book in her hands and says, “this is your book mommy.” That means everything to me.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Having a clear vision/direction is essential for success. Within the last two years, I have had a very intentional prayer life and I am constantly seeking confirmation and direction from God before committing to do anything. I attribute my success to moving in Divine purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Published Author, Performing Poet, Screenwriter, and Creative Writing Instructor. My mission is to build confidence in Writers so that they can share their testimonies with the world. My fear of judgment held me back for years, so because of this I want to ensure that Writers understand that their stories matter and can be used as a source of therapy for others. God gave all of us a unique story and it would be selfish to hoard it. What I am most proud of currently is my workshop — The Writers Block Cure Workshop. I launched this workshop in 2019, initially to simply help Creatives with writer’s block, but it has transformed into a healing session. I am blown away by the transparency of my attendees and their talent every time! I feel honored to be able to create a safe place for Creatives to share, heal, connect and write their stories. Ironically, I never saw myself in a teaching role, but The Writers Block Cure Workshop has become a huge passion of mine. As of now, the workshops are held Bi-Monthly at my favorite coffee shop– Coffee Speaks n Tea Talks in New Tampa. The next workshop will be in May.

Contact Info:

• Email: sade@thechocolatemuse.com
• Website: thechocolatemuse.com
• Instagram: @sade_thewriter
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Side-Pieces-Collection-Sade-Norwood/dp/0578679736

Image Credits:
Eternally Faithful Productions LLC