Well known as “Lacy Lover” is the aesthetic and poetic Lynn Komu. Her writing skills are ineffable and have you seen her Instagram? Her Blog? Man, you are missing out. It is lit over there.
You should check her out, pronto.
But first, read about Lynn.
Tell us about yourself and your blog?
My name is Lynn. I’m 22, I’m a civil engineering student, a Virgo, a poet, a blogger and sometimes a beard oil maker. I own two blogs, one is for Lynn The Writer, where I get to be me, have fun and talk about things that matter to me. I’ve decided that for now my tagline is I {insert thing I did here} So I Wrote About It. Things I do include going to cute cafes in Windhoek, watch shows and then give reviews and interviewing local creatives. With my creatives, I’m trying to limit the amount of work required to find them, contact them and support them.
I interview creatives in groups of 5, each batch having 5 different kind of crafts. After each batch, I will cover one YOUNG humanitarian. Our generation is often called selfish but we are doing the things even with all these recessions and I think that should be noted.
My poetry blog is for my alter ego whose name happens to be my stage name, Lacy Lover. That’s my creative space to well, create. Planets, world, galaxies but most importantly, poetry. I just finished a 30 day blogging challenge, 30 poems over 30 days titled Of Poets & Other Abandoned Things. I did a shoot with Rubben Mabuku at an abandoned house and I was inspired to do it.
Besides writing, what else do you enjoy doing?
Right now, coding. I’m teaching myself how and I’m going to be writing a post on that soon enough. That makes me sound a bit like a workaholic, doesn’t it?
Apart from that I’m just a person who likes to spend time with her friends, watch Grey’s Anatomy and read, if I have the time.
How did you know you were into writing?
I’ve just always been writing. I kept diaries in primary school and throughout high school and when that style of writing didn’t suit me I wrote stories and later poetry. In 2012, I started blogging because I wanted to make my experiences valuable by giving other people comfort in being able to relate. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that we are not alone.
How would you describe your writing style?
With my blog, I like to make people feel like they’re having a conversation with me. Like I’m there with them talking about a creative or talking about my trip to Durban and just have them vibe with it like I’m vibing with what I’m saying. I blog how I speak and this surprises many people. I get very excited about things. I like to think that it’s adorable.
As a poet, I like writing poems about love. I don’t think there’s enough love in the world, so I don’t think there are enough poems about love in the world. I write about other things when I decide to challenge myself. Currenly, I’m exploring my darker emotions which you can see in Of Poets & Other Abandoned Things.
What was the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?
Finding my voice. I want to consistently produce the kind of content that’s necessary but also what I enjoy writing about, that’s why I started with interviewing creatives. Otherwise I’m still figuring out what’s worth talking about and what isn’t. It’s an evolving struggle I suppose.
What advice do you have for aspiring poets?
You just have to keep trying hey. You might feel the need to conform; don’t.
You might be rejected. The first time I auditioned, I was. Even some poets I greatly respect now have been rejected before. That’s okay, it’ll just make you better if you let it.
Also, work with other poets! I did this piece with Delusional Sam titled Toxic Masculinity and I grew so much as a poet and as a person.
Who are some of your favourite poets?
Julio AKA DIE OULIKE WAMBOE VANI DAL (his words, not mine!) is my favourite local poet, hands down! He gets on stage and you’re not expecting much, he starts and before you realize it you find yourself thrown into the deep end of his story, you find yourself at the edge of your seat waiting to find out how his pieces end. I always tell him that he’s a fave.
N.L. Shompole is my next fave. She is a Kenyan born writer. She reminds me so much of Rumi (the original lover) but she’s young, black, female and magical!
My other faves include Sarah Kay, Nayyirah Waheed, Warsan Shire, Rumi (duh), Yrsa Daley-Ward, Rudy Fransisco and Ijeoma Umebinyuo.
Do you see yourself in a competition? If so, where do you see yourself in the competition?
Collaborations > Competition
My only competition is me. I’ve always been a person in her own lane, doing her thing so who else can I compete with?
What do you think of our creative industry?
I have SO much respect for creatives in Namibia but I don’t think non-creatives give us the respect (please read that as MONEY) we deserve. There are so many people producing amazing and local content.
Not local in a “it’s x inspired and made by a Namibian” but NAMIBIAN inspired art. We’re amazing. Just give us our money. Please?
Do you strive to be unique in your creative endeavours? If so, please explain.
I’ve always been a unique person who rebels against social norms unless they work for me. I think this translates into my art as well.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m working on a few things but I don’t believe in talking about them until they’re far enough along. I prefer walking the walk than talking the talk (sometimes). You’ll see when it’s time.
Do you use creativity to express your lifestyle and dreams?
Yes. Everything I am goes into my creative pursuits. However, I’m currently trying to learn how to express lifestyles and dreams that are not mine so I can grow as a writer.
One of your best moment as a poet?
I remember the second time I ever performed, I forgot my words on stage. They mentioned it in newspaper’s a review for the show. I wanted to die. So, I quit poetry for a while and the next time I did I forgot my lines again. So, there I am on stage staring at the audience wondering why my awkward self chose this struggle. Then the audience started snapping to encourage me and it just came back to me and I just… I never felt like I belonged anywhere less. That experience taught me so much, about being vulnerable and open with the audience but still pushing to perform, past the nerves and the anxiety.
The coolest right?
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @Lacy_Lover
Check out her blog.
*Images by Rubben Mabuku
