Toya J releases ‘bold’ book of erotic poetry

Published author and poet Marie Dunn has recreated her sexual and creative liberation with her latest work, Bold Soul Searching Monologues.

Writing under her pen name, Toya J, she has also recorded performance poetry of erotic pieces from her book which she hopes to make available online soon. One of her most popular pieces is So What?.

"In the initial stages, I performed at Voice Out Jam (Bronx) and Mocha Lounge Harlem, New York. Performing my poetry was never a part of my plan but rather a part of my journey and I went with the flow," Toya J said. She said that she finds the process "liberating".

"Writing is an outlet for me to express myself brazenly when I am emotionally charged," Toya J added.

Her book explores the themes of empowerment, self-love, sexual freedom, healing, and being compassionate to self.

"For some it's shocking, but once that shock wears off there's usually approval and curiosity. My goal is for folks not to get too fixated on the sexual themes that come up but rather to explore the other underlying themes such as communication, self-love, relationships, self-awareness," she said. She is also the CEO of her own publishing company, Bold Flamingo Publishing, which was created in 2018. She has been performing her poetry pieces on the eclectic poetry scene in New York.

Toya J arrived in Jamaica on the weekend to present monetary scholarships for youths seeking to further their education in culinary arts at the York Castle, St Hilda's and Ferncourt high schools, all in St Ann.

The scholarships are provided through the Albert Dunn Memorial Fund created to memorialise her father.