The Five Senses Of…Taisha Ryan [Interview]

The Five Senses Of… is a unique interview series created for authors to explore their work and life using their five senses. It is designed to tap into their sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound to give readers a glimpse of the author behind the pen. 

Taisha Ryan is a writer and artist from New York. Writing has been her passion since the age of 12, allowing her to express her wild imagination through words. She would describe her stories as raw, creatively uninhibited, and true to life.

Words are power. And her intent is to take readers on an emotional journey as they experience the world through her mind’s eye, while also providing them with a sense of purpose with each word that drips from the page.

SGBC: What inspired your first project?

Taisha Ryan: My first project? Whew. I was living on campus at the time. And this was during the period of the Trayvon Martin case, police killings, and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement. So much social unrest was happening. And it just made me want to write. I was sick. I was fed up. And I honestly felt that black people were trapped. In every sense of the word.

And boom! My book Cuffed was born. It told the story of two individuals who were confined by their own circumstances, only to find freedom through love. It embodied my mental state at the time. So, even though, Cuffed is no longer on Amazon (I cringe at it now lol). That book helped to start my writing journey. And I’ll always appreciate that. 

SGBC: My writing feels OR sounds like…

Taisha Ryan: The rush you feel just before you jump off an ocean cliff. The pounding of your heart against your chest. The flutters in your stomach. The tightness of your breath. Your distorted reflection in the dark waters.

It’s uncomfortable. Unsettling. Yet addictively exciting. Then you jump! The waves crash against your skin. You’re writhing. Squirming. Fighting to get to the surface. Then you do. And gasp out a deep breath. The sun beams on your skin. Then you smile in bliss. Floating…That’s what my writing feels like. 

SGBC: Using the five senses, what does your love look, feel, taste, smell, and sound like?

Taisha Ryan: My love looks like stars gleaming across the dark skies.

My love feels like…

The sizzling heat emitting from a fire.

My love tastes like…

Jamaican Sorrel. Sweet rich flavor with a sharp tangy taste to complement it.

My love smells like…

 Cinnamon spice.

My love sounds like…

Aaliyah “It’s Whatever” 

SGBC: Black love is…

Taisha Ryan: Is heaven personified. 

SGBC:  What would you say is the hardest part about writing?

Taisha Ryan: Letting go of my characters!

I am so immersed in their worlds, so invested in their lives, they become a part of me. And they stick with me long after I’m done with the book. That post-writing depression is real! 

SGBC: Who is your go-to male muse?

Taisha Ryan: Mr. Trevante-gorgeousness-Rhodes

I mean…can you blame me?

SGBC: What simple thing do you find joy in?

Taisha Ryan: Nature walks are everything.

SGBC: If your last project was turned into an album what artist and song would have to make the list? 

Taisha Ryan: Jerome Thomas, “Bruises.” Sonically it embodies the theme to a tee. Plus, I love my music like I love my books. Indie!

It’s also included in the playlist I created for my book, DAMIEN: A Brown Silk Novel. Check it out…

Sistah Girls, this was such a fun interview, be sure to keep up with Taisha Ryan on the internets…

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