Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Bittencourt.
Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My sentences at home would begin in Portuguese and, sometimes, end in English. I knew I had a complicated relationship with language at a very young age. I was always fascinated by language, though I struggled with being bilingual. I loved how a sentence could sing when words were in concert. It moves you inside and out.
I used to tell myself that I couldn’t be a writer. What felt like the reasons were that I was placed in the ESOL program throughout elementary school and had low self-esteem. But that fictitious belief couldn’t stop me from tilting my head up at the stars and then projecting those wishes on a sheet of paper. I wrote poetry for years in secret. I kept my poems in my pocket and wandered through the school halls considering what else I could fit into this world as — a doctor, a lawyer? A teacher?
I heard it from people all the time, “Writers don’t make money! If they do, that’s one in a million.” I remember being encouraged to do real estate by my dad. I did it, but it never gave me that oomph to pursue it fully. At this point, I was behind in my studies at FAU; I was a history major then. I really wanted my degree but had to acknowledge History (as much as I love studying it) wasn’t it? No matter what you choose to be your life’s work, it needs to give you an oomph. Practical never did.
Whether I possessed the King’s English or writing would make me rich beyond my imagination, I wanted to write. So, I took a giant leap — I changed my major to English. During my senior year at FAU, I was admitted into the Creative Writing Honors Seminar. I published a poem in my alma mater’s literary magazine and another by the University of Houston-Texas. I received my B.A. in English with a concentration in British Literature in 2020.
Since I’ve been reading a ton. In fact, recently, I was awarded a full scholarship to Landline’s Literary First Generation Latinx workshop, which takes place early this September! I’m working with other poets like my mentor Kate Schmitt and Jose Hernandez Diaz on honing my voice.
I’ve been living outside of writing, too — spending time with my wonderful partner, admiring nature on hikes, and making trips to the beach.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Making time and finding the energy to write – Right now, poetry doesn’t pay my bills. I have to work from 9 am to 5 pm for that. Sometimes it gets hard to hold onto the bigger picture when juggling things like work, spending time with my partner, going to the movies, etc.
I had to eliminate distractions or limit them. That was hard to do because I wanted to kick my legs up and watch The Office after working all day. I caved into that for some time; finding the time and energy to write was a struggle.
I felt unfulfilled and unhappy when I choose the couch over my desk. So I started to dedicate time to what gave me more peace. I found that if you set the time aside, energy will come eventually. You just need to show up for yourself first.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My (pen) name is Gabriela Bittencourt; I’m an aspiring poet from South Florida. I typically write about womanhood, pets, family, love, and mental health, but I don’t limit myself to those topics. You can find my poem “Little Drummer Girl” in Coastlines magazine and my other poem “Stay” in Shard’s magazine (Issue 10.5).
What am I known for? Well, to my partner, I’m known for snoozing my alarm too often in the morning. To my parents, I’m known for loving the doughy inside of the bread. To strangers, I’m known for holding the door open for them. And to readers, I hope I’m known for giving them words or language that helps them to heal, to re-see, to consider!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Total tom-boy. I played with Hot Wheels outside with the boys. And loved the Power Rangers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bittencourt__gabriela
Image Credits
Aisha Casanova
