In Conversation

Summary

Since childhood, Janice Whyne has been a words person, writing prose-filled Christmas cards, songs and poetry. She sees poetry as a means of self-expression. A conduit and a safe space for our emotions, feelings and lived experiences. She's a Londoner by birthplace, a Jamaican by birthright, and also regards Indonesia as another homeland.

In Conversation is a personal milestone in Janice's journey of rediscovering her creative self. Along the way, she's ventured into the world of open mics, spoken word and poetry slams; winning 1st runner-up at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Poetry Slam 2019 & 2022.

The poems in In Conversation began their lives with a word(s) exchanged in conversation or that captured her attention in something she was listening to or viewing. She regards them as articulations of the said and unsaid; with the poetic voice in them not always hers, but rather an expression of the voice(s) of others.

Readers have described it as unapologetic, raw, poignant, vulnerable and brave: a journey.

"It speaks of someone that feels and loves much for this world, the wonderful imperfect people in it, and the injustices that go on."

Themes of life, loss, love, protest and more are awaiting all who choose to engage in conversation with these poems.

Her poem 'Sitting with Amazing' is part of The Poetry Archive Now Worldview 2021 Winners collection. Other poems have been featured in ‘Coffee & Contemplation: a taste of empowerment’ (2020), Coffee People Zine, Issue 10 (2020), All My Relations, Volume 5, Talbot-Heindl (2023), ‘Her locks unveiled: poems from the Black in White poetry competition’ (2023) as well as in other online and printed mediums.