Indie Author Tuesday: Zhane'l Speaks Returns!
Zhane’l Speaks
Zhane’l Speaks is a storyteller who writes about love, identity, and the quiet moments that leave lasting impressions. Her work is rooted in softness, emotional truth, and the beauty found in everyday connection. Through writing, she creates space for vulnerability, reflection, and growth. When she’s not writing, Zhane’l curates art, sips honey chamomile tea, plays sims, and unwinds at a jazz concert with a well-earned espresso martini.
Well, well, well...this is a first. I wondered if Zhane’l Speaks would accept my e-invite to return with her collection, Moments in Time With You: 10 Haikus for You. Glad she did! What a wonderful read!
Okay, so here’s the synopsis:
Moments in Time with You, is a short heartfelt collection of haikus and prose poems that explores the complexity of two women, and their bittersweet nature of love. Through moments of passion, vulnerability, and longing, their connection deepens yet remains fragile, as they navigate the unspoken boundaries of their relationship.
Since most of this collection has haikus, I refuse to spoil!
Cuddling You was such a sweet haiku. “Silken skin and bites”... and as a sucker for anything with alliteration, of course I enjoyed this one! The interplay between softness and sharpness was everything. It was definitely an enjoyable balance of tenderness and intensity.
In the Embrace of Longing... whew! I loved that piece. Sequenced at the beginning, it set the tone for sure. I mean... I knew Zhane’l’s pen was going to be sincere, vulnerable, and, as always, intimate. After reading some of Zhane’l’s works over the years, it’s clear that her voice always carries a level of intimacy that I believe will help readers open up as well. Lines like “being with you makes me feel like I can breathe again” and “I’ve found the peace I’ve been looking for” landed beautifully. It’s a satisfying feeling when you’ve found someone you can connect with deeply and it’s mutual... even if it’s only for a season. Honestly, this piece made me think about my honey bun with the extra glaze.
As a lover of love poems, I adored these haikus and prose pieces. But what I liked most about this collection was how it made me feel after reading it... the lingering lines of a love that is delicious and soothing, the nostalgia of when my spouse and I first got together, and the gratitude for how our love has deepened over the years. After Intimacy and Light Year are the ones I’m thinking of specifically: commitment, consistent tenderness, and the longer journey... ahh, yes.
Zhane’l Speaks e-interview:
It’s wonderful to have you e-back for Indie Author Tuesday, Zhane’l! Okay, so can we get some back story? Was there a particular life event or moment that served as a spark to create Moments in Time With You?
It’s always such a pleasure to be here with you. Thank you for having me. Yes, this short book of haikus was inspired by a summer I shared with a woman I’d known for years, and we explored something beyond friendship, and after we went our separate ways, I came across Poem No. 3 by Sonia Sanchez. I dove deep into her work and found her haikus. They were so short but so emotion based. That’s when it hit me. I wanted to capture my feelings after that experience in haikus.
2. Unveiled Kisses... Were you in “flow” when writing this piece or was it crafted in pieces? Did you write this in one sit down or a span of a few days (I’m not referring to the revision stage. I mean when it was first written)? It reads like water, Zhane’l.
Awe, thank you! What’s wild is that the haikus in this book were all written over just three days. While the prose poems like, Unveiled Kisses, were written three or four years later. And before you say it, yes, I had these poems stashed away. {Please note: I DEFINITELY did think these poems were stashed away- JF}. The original version was one long blurb lol. Kinda like a journal entry. I felt like I was overly expressing myself and I knew I could get my point across with something shorter. It took me a few revisions to get it to where it is now. You know what they say, less is always more.
3. How did you write each haiku? With an emotion, image, or structure first?
I knew I wanted to capture that entire summer spent with this person in a way only we would understand. So, I wrote down moments that felt like intimate snapshots. From there I created titles for 10 moments. After that, I made bullet points for each poem, noting how I wanted readers to feel after each one. And then the words started spilling out like water.
4. So, with pieces like, Farewell Memories, was the end rhyme scheme intentional or did it just flow out that way?
It honestly just flowed that way. All of the haikus did. And I think it was so easy to write because the moments were still so fresh in my mind and I was being honest with my emotions.
5. The Not So Sweet Version...Why did you incorporate this towards the end? What is the significance of The Not So Sweet Version?
I felt like the book gave off this “awe this is so sweet and cute” vibe, and like I said before I like emotions. I wanted readers to experience the raw version of it all. It also hints at the exact moments when those haikus happened.
6. Were there any poetic devices and forms (beyond haiku) that you made sure to incorporate?
Imagery was very significant to me while writing this project. It’s always important in anything I create. When people read my work, I want them to feel like the story could be about them, like they’re right there in the moment. Symbolism also played a big role too.
7. Are there any new projects on the horizon? Any events?
Yes, yes. I’m releasing a short erotica on Valentine’s Day. I’m super excited about it because it will get readers tapped into a more sensual side of my work.
8. What does poetry mean to you now in 2025?
Poetry to me means love, experience, and growth.
Snag Your Copy Today!
You can purchase a paperback version (If you can, I think you should snag the physical copy. The artwork is everything!) or the kindle version.
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I’m opening up about my experience with chronic illness and feeling dismissed in a spiritual space…in god’s name. This is my way of asking for more compassion and understanding—because everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and believed, especially when they’re hurting...literally.