Q: Can you tell us a little about your latest book, Marred Mask?

A: Marred Mask is a single arc poetry and prose book that takes you on a single story line through the journey from hurt to healing.

Q: Your book combines poetry and prose. How did you decide on this style?

In my AP LIT class we were required to write poetry. I actually hated it! However, when I discovered free verse and the way you can use metaphors and other literary skills to write without fully putting something on paper, I fell in love. Poetry and Prose became a easy release for every emotion.

Q: The themes in Marred Mask are intense and emotional. What inspired you to write this story? 

I am a survivor of Sexual Assault/Rape, domestic abuse, psychological/emotional/physical abuse, bullying, cheating etc. Marred Mask is a collection of work that spans a decade traversing the themes of the book. I was inspired to put together a book through my healing journey in therapy combined with indie author friends who had read my work and said I needed to put it out there!

Q: The book explores resilience and overcoming trauma. How did your personal experiences influence the story?

I answered this a little bit above. This is 100% my story and me. 

Q: Were there any poems or passages that were particularly difficult or cathartic to write?

I absolutely despised the period in my life in which I was writing the Shattered Glass and Injustice section. It was both extremely difficult to write and cathartic, as the emotions were actively destroying me and the writing was actively putting bandages on the injuries.

Q: How do you approach conveying raw emotion while still keeping the narrative engaging?

Marred Mask is extremely interesting in the fact that though it is poetry and prose it follows one story line. Everyone has gone through something in their life. The individual pieces tag into emotions and experiences that the public has most likely come across. Marred Mask helps show people it is okay to #removeyourmask and to feel what you need to feel. 

Essentially, I would say tie to emotions that people feel and be genuine in the good, bad and ugly of it all. This journey is not a pretty one, but it is one that needs to be told. People need to know it is okay.

Q: The protagonist faces bullying, loss, and challenges. How did you develop her character and growth?

While there are not solid “protagonist” or FMC the reader is taken on a journey of hurt to healing through poetry and prose. The cover pages depict a silhouette that goes through the journey as well. The emotions, debates and thoughts are depicted in each piece as if you are in the mind of the author, because it often is just that, the reworkings of the mind and feelings.

Q: Are there any hidden messages, symbols, or details that readers might not notice at first?

The overarching them is to #removeyourmask. My main message is that it is okay to ask for help, it is okay to share, it helps to share your voice, and it is essential to lean on your resources to heal.

There is also a ton of symbolism in themes such as water, fire, masks and music. Upon reading and re-reading readers may notice poems through different eras of healing that draw upon the same meter or pattern; those particular poems are answers to each other.

Q: How do you hope readers will feel after finishing Marred Mask?

I want people to realize they are not alone. You can heal knowing that. I also want to inspire others to feel all the things they need to feel and end up with hope at the end.

Q: Can readers expect more poetry/prose works from you in the near future?

I am currently in the works of 2 poetry books, 2 romance heavy books and 1 dystopian series pretty heavily.  The romance books are winning out followed by one of the poem books!

Q: Are you working on any new projects or collaborations, like a book box giveaway?

I am on tour! It is so rare for a indie to tour and I am so stocked that the hard work has paid off. The “Mini Indie Tour” began in October 2025 and currently is going until October 2026. I will be visiting 13 different states in 12 months! It has a tendency to add dates so stay tuned!

Oklahoma - November 2025- Black Friday Weekend 

Texas- December 2025 and January 2026

New Mexico- Feb 2026

Wyoming - March 2026

California - April 2026

Iowa- May 2026

North Dakota - June 2026

Alaska- July 2026

Ohio - August 2026

Montana - September 2026

Michigan- October 2026

Fun & Personal Questions

Q: Coffee, tea, or something else while writing?

Coffee or an energy drink! 

Q: Do you have a favorite writing ritual or routine?

I love curling up and doing a writing sprit with a randomly selected sentence or word to get my brain ready to go.

Q: How do you unwind after an intense writing session?

I binge watch a good show- greys anatomy, criminal minds, friends, the good place, high potential, young and hungry. I also binge dating shows and reality tv - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Are You the One, Love Island etc!

Rapid-Fire Questions

Q: Early bird or night owl?

Both, team no sleam?

Q: Favorite genre to read?

Currently anything dark is my go-to: Dark romance, Dark Fantasy, Dark romantasy. However, I also love me a mystery, thriller and true crime era - that's what made me love reading when I was young. Truly I will read anything but Horror -  I get scared.

Q: Favorite poet or author?

I love Poe, Bronte and Bradbury. In today's day and age, I love way to many to select them all but my current love is Rachel Gillig!

Q: Cats, dogs, or other pets?

I love all animals. I currently have 4 fur babies, all rescue dogs. One day I will (we are manifesting) have cows, horses and lambs.

Q: Mountains or beach?

Mountains all the way.

Q: Music while writing or silence?

Both, it really depends on my mind set. However, if I am writing in silence, I normally hyped up the writing sessions with a music jam sesh.

Q: Last book you couldn’t put down?

Two Twisted Crowns and A Feather so Black

Q: Guilty pleasure?

Food: Chocolate covered strawberries, pineapple and sushi

Bookish- getting shirts/merch from each place I sign AND trading books with fellow indie authors

Q: One word that describes your writing style:

For poetry- visceral/raw

For other pieces- intuned

Q: Favorite social media platform to connect with readers?

Tiktok- corijbookbay

Insta- authorcorijbookbay

I am also on Tome, blue sky and all the things under those 2 usernames!

Q: Something readers might not know about you:

I am currently living a real Enemies to lover's dream with my fiancé AND I am writing our story. Our love story tropes are forced proximity, slow burn, enemies to friend to lovers, grumpy/sunshine and reverse grumpy/sunshine.

Q: Advice for aspiring poets or authors tackling heavy themes?

Number 1, lean on your community! I had so many indie author friends to lean on and help me when I got stuck!

Number 2, Make sure you have your mental health covered. Your art is important but so are you!