Meet Ka’Dia Dhatnubia: Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ka’Dia Dhatnubia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ka’Dia, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” -Alexander Den Heijer I love this quote because it always reminds me to take inventory of the tasks that occupy space in my life. It encourages me to do a sort of constant spring cleaning to make sure I’m not wasting my time and energy on activities that don’t ‘spark a light in me.’ 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To put it simply, I write. I have published short fiction, short nonfiction, journalistic profile features, and fashion articles. I’ve also written poetry, poetic prose, and a couple of fiction novels. Through all this form hopping, I’ve concluded that I have a deep, unwavering love for crafting fiction. Because I love people, I love creating layered, complex characters that resonate with readers. For me, it’s the ultimate coalescence of both the extrovert and introvert sides of my personality. I am most proud of my authentic dialogue. Throughout my studies, it has been the most praised aspect of my work. In terms of professional success, I have had the privilege of serving as copy and associate editor and interim editor-in-chief for Manor, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s multimedia fashion publication. Currently, I work as a writing fellow for the DEEP Center, co-teaching creative writing workshops to Chatham County middle schoolers. It has been my most challenging yet most rewarding endeavor. Knowing that I could be the one to inspire a love of writing in these young people at such an early age makes all the logistic, behind-the-scenes work more than worth it. What I want people to take away from my work is that it’s about more than cardboard standup representation. Yes, my characters are minorities, in terms of race, sexuality, and gender, but their lives and their stories can be about much more than their challenges as minorities. That, to me, is true representation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Not to plug my place of work, but I’d absolutely have to take them to Maple Street Biscuit Company, a southern brunch spot. As a native northern city girl who recently relocated to the south, it’s been the most authentic southern cooking I’ve come across; it’s rich, greasy, fried deliciousness. For dessert, I’d take them around the corner to Suga Girl. Their desserts are delicately sweet and the atmosphere is bright, fun, and colorful, the perfect spot for a quick photo op. For drinks, we’d swing down the block to the Georgia Tasting Room for a refreshing wine smoothie. I’ve been there more times than I’m willing to admit for an after-work reward. For dinner, I’d recommend either The Pirates’ House or The Ordinary Pub, both offer hardy meals for a hardy price and a cozy, low lit atmosphere.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, my mother has always been my top supporter. She’s given me all the tools I need in all my artistic endeavors and never confined me to any one box. It’s because of her that my creativity has remained flexible and flourishing. My high school English teacher, Mrs. McElroy, played a significant role in sparking my love for writing, while my college professors have done extraordinary work in cultivating and challenging my skills. It is because of them that I have the confidence that my stories are worth getting in front of as many people as possible.

Website: kdhatnubia3.wixsite.com/kadiadhatnubia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdhatnubia/
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ka-dia-dhatnubia-514320153

Image Credits
Allyse Robinson