Grow Your Writing with Najya
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Najya A. Williams, MD, G.Cert, is a resident physician, multidisciplinary artist and dreamer. She graduated with High Honors from the Harvard College and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree with a Graduate Certificate in Narrative Medicine from The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
Najya is devoted to the liberation and healing of all oppressed peoples, and this passion is reflected in many of her projects, service efforts, and literary works. Her poetry, essays and other writings have been accepted and/or published by a number of organizations, including POETRY Magazine, Button Poetry, Black Youth Project and Healing Points.
Currently, she is Poetry Faculty for Pocket MFA and Board Member for Girls Health Ed, Inc. Her TEDx Dilworth Park talk, “The Pulsing in Our Spirits and Our Blood,” is now available for public viewing via the national conference website. Her newest collection of poetry, on a date with disappointment, is available for purchase via Button Poetry.
Website: www.najyawilliams.com
Instagram: @NajyaWilliams
Decide if Najya is Right for You with Our Mentor Interview
What excites you most about writing?
“I am most excited by the wonder and play of writing. I view the page as a blank canvas and my words as paintbrushes that gently bring my vision to life in a tangible way.
Writing has brought so much depth and healing to my life — it has carried me through storms and into blooming fields. I truly can’t imagine a version of myself that is happy and healthy without it,” Najya said.
What mindset does a writer need to grow?
“In order to continue to grow, a writer needs to remain curious about the risks, boundaries and opportunities present in their writing. With this intention, they can constantly fashion a new literary experience for themselves and their audience.”
What three words best describe you as a mentor?
“Caring, consistent, and committed!”
What makes a good writing mentor?
“A good writing mentor is someone who understands how to shape your skills and talents in a way that best serves your vision for your career (and not theirs).”
What is your style of feedback?
“When providing feedback, I enjoy asking questions about what the intent and purpose of the project’s approach and sharing my thoughts on how successful I feel that is at the time.”
What was the most recent "standout" book you read?
“The most recent standout book I’ve read is Never Catch Me by Darius Simpson. It is an unflinching examination of Blackness in the US, and truly gut punch me with every single word.”