2nd Edition . . . Coming Soon.

A Few 

             Of My 

Favorite Things

(An Ode To Womanhood)

The Queen Pin Podcast w/ Briyanna B.

Author, Poet and Entrepreneur Until

Featured on The Queen Pin Podcast w/Briyanna B.

Discussing Happiness. Where does it come from?

What do we apply to or in our lives that helps contribute to our happiness?

3rd Edition . . .

Signature Pieces

                   by Until. . . 

Coming Soon 

With you "The Poet I am" Long After

The Poet I AM

In awe of me
When I take the stage
    to freely express what i need to speak

In awe of me
When I open thine lips
    to freely express the words on my sheet

In awe of me
When you see
    there is no paper
    there is just she

Sharing my memorized
   poetry ...
    but with...
Great tone
Great emphasis
   with great pause
When I pause
As you're hearing this

Serve you great rhythm
with my honesty and realism

Creativeness
   as I story tell
I project and enunciate well

You will get my gist
You will get my lesson
You will get my revelations
You will get my confession

I'm sultry
  and my spirit is a blessing
my light shines bright
and when i'm done
it' will be alright

You'll find that you could and can relate
You'll find that I was worth the wait
You'll find that when I'm gone
My words and all of me . . . have or will resonate
with you... long after

by Until. . .  (c) 2018-November 1st

Unexpected surprise

Hey everyone!

I hope all is well. So listen, I'm on one of my favorite websites, Cooking Light and I'm scrolling for recipes and I see this. Do you see it? Yep, that's right, an ad about me on Reverbnation.

Wow! I couldn't believe it.Thank you to Cooking Light for having ad's, and thank you to Reverbnation for picking me to promote. Shout out to my partner Wolftix and Wolfgangs Production. 

If you would like to hear the song that Reverbnation is promoting of mine. Please see the link below: https://www.reverbnation.com/poetandspokenwordartist/song/28765569-frozen-ft-cera-bellum--until

 Sometimes the best things happen unexpectedly.

Thank you for your support and many blessings to you!

Warmly,

Poet & Author Until. . . 

Tea & Verse Update 8/25/18

This event was nothing short of amazing. The theme of this Tea & Verse was to pay tribute to our favorite poets as well as share some of our very own poetry. Some of the tributes were to Paul Dunbar, Nikki Giovanni, Charles Bukowski, Maya Angelou etc . . .

This gave us poets a chance to give light to those who inspired us, share why and how. Our audience were more than great. They were a highly participative crowd and the intimacy made it sweet and joyous.

As a poet, outside of internationally and if you're blessed. You'll get to travel many local nooks and crannies and meet a plethora of eclectic, eccentric and quite interesting people. Most of these experiences you will enjoy, but as time goes on you will begin to revisit a word in your vocabulary that everyone uses but not often act upon. It is the word humble, (humility). When you come across those artists that have no idea of that word's meaning, you will in your entirety start to appreciate the ones who do, so much more. 

I have to say, that was the beauty of Tea & Verse presented by Jasmine Colbert. We were all in the likes of each other. We as artists understood each other's shine, talent and spirit. It was splendiferous!
We as artists came together to pray before the event began and in my heart I know it was God who resonated in that whole room and illumed from within us all. 

In my head I like to believe that all poets are friends and we all know one another from around the way. Though that may not be true. I can assure you that on Saturday, it was my vision of what I usually think and see. At this event, I learned that what you believe can come true, people of great rapport and wonderful attitudes, they do exist. I also learned that I didn't have to wane myself in any way. 

We appreciated each other, complimented each other and dare I say, there were no egos, no judgement, no pompousness at all. 
It was already recognized and respected of what each has done whether we heard of them or not. We were all so supportive, motivating and inspiring one another and it turned out to be a beautiful soiree. 

The Lord smiled on us all and as a feature, the word blessings I received, were tremendously overwhelming for me. The poems I shared were "All The Way" by Charles Bukowski and "I Married My Mother" by Nikki Giovanni. Then for my poems I shared "The Day My Book Was Published" and last, of course not at all least, I shared the whole reason for my existence;
Dreams "Are Meant To Be Lived"pt.

My message was absorbed in the way I had hoped. People understood my advocacy of my need to re-ignite the spark of following dreams. They were also open to take a sample of my Dreams "Are Meant To Be Lived" Oolong Tea. 

Well received and I couldn't be happier. I want to give a BIG thank you to the lovely Jasmine Colbert who put Tea & Verse together. If you would like to learn more about Jasmine Colbert and the rest of my fellow poets, please see their pages below. Click, read, share and repeat and next time we hope to see you at the next Tea & Verese!

Remember: "Poetry is me. Therefore I am Poetry." ~Until

Jasmine Colbert: https://www.facebook.com/jasmine.colbert.92

Urith Walker: https://www.facebook.com/urith.walker

Totress Beasley: https://www.facebook.com/totress.beasley

Totress Beasley, Jasmine Colbert, Urith Walker, Until (Quanda R. Graves)

"My Tribute to Nikki Giovanni" - Accomplish Your Dreams...

A year or so ago on July 3rd of 2014, I accomplished one of my biggest dreams. I published my very first poetry edition entitled; I Just Want to Write! When I started on this journey a little more than 10 years ago, I didn't know how crazy one road to pursuing my dream could truly be. I was aware, but not fully aware of the obstacles that would set out to try and block every which a way I would go. But to be honest, it never really mattered because of the person I am,  for the most part I will more times than not, complete what I set as goal. No matter how long it takes, I see it as, as long as I get there.

"I Accomplished one of my biggest dreams."

Well, with all of that said, when moving forward in action to get this done, I set up a few plans for what I needed to do when I received my copies in hand. Now, apart of one those plans was to be sure to send a book to one of the greats, Nikki Giovanni. I did just that.  One reason is because I met her in the year of 2007 and I was able to speak with her and share some of my concerns about self-publishing my book. Nikki, being the down to earth lady that she is, spoke with me and gave me great advice and what came from that was page 70 in my book, a piece called My Encounter with a Living Legend. As well as page 68, the third paragraph of a food for thought piece, The Greats and Me, explaining my feelings on Nikki Giovanni's style. To me, I wanted to show her just what had taken place, how I had moved forward and how she was apart of the inspiration in helping me pull through to get it completed.  

"Hey, I haven't heard from Nikki?!"

Now, in my heart of hearts, did I expect to hear from her? Being honest, yes. Only because she has never displayed anything but real. Never displayed anything but down to earth qualities from her personality, to her writings and interviews, regardless of her title and who she is. But I really didn't think anything else of it. It wasn't until June 2015 I realized, "Hey, I haven't heard from Nikki." LOL!!! Bold huh, like we're old friends. It's truly funny, how I think sometimes, but it came to me just like that. I honestly believe poets are all old friends. Seriously. But I digress, I was talking to my husband and we were watching something that triggered that thought. He was like you should contact her. I said "You know what? That's exactly what I'm going to do." So, on June 24th of 2015, I contacted her office through email and expressed my name, who I was and explained that I sent a book to Nikki Giovanni's office and just simply wanted to know if she had received it.

"I honestly believe poets are all old friends. Seriously."

 

LOW AND BEHOLD, July 9th of 2015 a surprising email at the most random time----from Nikki Giovanni herself. Wow!!! You talk about a feeling, CRA___ZY! LOL! Of course you know I read it over and over again right? Below, here is what she had to say:

"Dear Quandra:  Thank you for your follow through.  I thought I had responded to you.  I did receive A Conversation with a Living Legend and enjoyed very much what you are doing.  I also thought I had shared how much I love your name:  Until.  Its hopeful and clever.  I don’t know if you know but I have been ill and though I’m doing really well I’m still taking it slow.  Take care of yourself.  Good luck with your writing.  All the best, Nikki"

"Of course you know I read it over and over again right?!"

This, was simply AMAZING...  The fact that she even thought she responded to me is like what? I was on your list of folks to acknowledge? I must have flip my lid, I mean, geesh, it took me almost a month to respond. Anyone who knows me, knows I always have a lot to say so, to quiet my tongue, means that I was  astounded and OVER the moon. Because here is the thing, did she have to respond? No. Could you imagine how many people contact her a day through letters, emails, phone calls and such? Being who she is, do you know how busy she is? Yeah, so, the fact of her responding was enormously more than huge. I can't thank her enough just for the acknowledgment of my name, my email and my writing. You do know I am FRAMING this right?! I mean, honestly. LOL! I will end the way I end other food for thought pieces in my book, in closing with a conclusion:

"I also thought I had shared how much I love your name: Until. Its hopeful and clever."

  Summary: When you set out to do something, complete it. Don't worry what others say, don't let them distract you. You have a plan, execute. It took me ten years to complete this book, and it's only a year old but the rewards of me completing it are endless and look at what happen above. I will cherish that forever. Only you know how your dreams make you feel and only you will know what that feels like to accomplish them. You owe it to yourself to feel that feeling; that feeling of happiness. Complete, accomplish, finish...your dream (s).

"You do know I'm FRAMING this, right?! I mean, honestly. LOL!"

If you would like to purchase my book called "I Just Want to Write! Please visit my website at www.untilnomore.net. Check out the photos above. It is my tribute to Nikki Giovanni, I used that same picture tribute on the back of my book. I wonder if she noticed.*smile*

Until...

8/5/15 (c)

Until No More

I just want to write
For the rest of my life
Pen and Pencil
Flirt with me, and,
  I'm so enticed

I want us to run away together
Question loyalty no more
We'll be together always
With many life subjects to explore

Until someone ask's
Do you take this Pen and Pencil
  to be your lawfully wedded quills?

I will respond with,
 I do, forever, always Until

Someone will ask, Until what?

I will say, Until we both die
Until we both lie
In the coffin together
No more for my quill
No more for I


Written by Until...
(c) 2014

*This poem has been published in the book called "I Just Want to Write!" written by Until in July 2014. *This poem performed in Max Blooms Art Gallery and Coffee House in Fullerton, California on Saturday, August 1st of 2015. If you would like to find out more about Max Blooms Cafe Noir please visit the link: http://www.maxbloomscafenoir.com/.

#Ijustwanttowriter #untilnomore #MaxBloomsCafeNoir #LovePoetry #JasonFairhurstWall

Poet and Newly Turned Author Until will be featured..

This is going to be such an exciting event. I can't wait to share some of my gems with you. I will be performing my infamous poem "I Just Want to Write" and many more.  I hope to see you there!!! 

Love 

Until...

"Remember Poetry is me. Therefore I am Poetry."

*If you would like to purchase Until's book entitled "I Just Want to Write!" please visit her website at

 www.untilnomore.net

Until speaks with Authors N Focus....

Authors N Focus 

interviews 

Author, Until... 

Until No More says, I Just Want To Write!

JUN 17

Posted by authorsnfocus

With her latest book, I Just Want to Write!, Not only is Until No More becoming a name in the literary world, but she’s making her mark as a reporter and talk show host. In this interview, Until shares her views on writing, poetry and her upcoming projects.

Thanks for taking time out to speak with us. Let’s know more about Until No More. Who are you?

My name is Quanda R. Graves but I’m better known by my pseudonym “Until.” I am first and foremost a poet as well as a journalist and literary columnist for the California Crusader Newspaper that coincides with my Youtube Channel and assisted blog entitled Until TV.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for over twenty years (20).

What inspired you to write your book I Just Want to Write!?

What inspired me to write my book entitled “I Just Want to Write!” was this book called “Round the Corner” by the Bankstreet Reader Group, published in 1965. It was the first book I had ever purchased at my first book fair in my elementary school at 6 years old; in which I still possess, that still provides great inspiration.

What steps did you take to get your book published?

The steps I took to publish my latest works (which is my first edition) was the following: 1.) I wrote the book 2.) Found two editors 3.) Sought out a Graphic Design artist to manifest my vision for my book cover. 4.) Filed a DBA (doing business as) for the name I created for myself as I chose to be a self-publisher “Black Swan Publishing” 5.) Purchased my ISBN number under my company’s name. 6.) Purchased formatting, Distributing, ebook and paperback copy services from Create Space. Let them post it on Amazon. 7.) Created my own website attached to my Paypal and did my marketing and PR with the contacts I have. Not all in this order but that is the just.

What’s your favorite part of I Just Want to Write?

My favorite part was the whole process. Because I love to learn, there was a lot that I was enlightened by. The research I had to do was crazy, but enjoyable. I have a poetry edition and you state for me to share one or two of my favorite poems, that’s hard because I have more than a few in this book. The three favorites are “Writing Heals” and “My Pen’s Position” and “My Life as the Sheet”.

What’s the one thing you want the readers to learn from your book?

What I want people to learn from my book are a few things: 1.) It’s never too late to follow your dreams. 2.) Never place your dreams in the hands of someone else without staying connected. 3.) Put in the work with anything you do because the rewards are endless and last but not at all least 4.) Have fun.

Outside of writing this book, I understand you’re involved in other projects. Would you mind sharing what those are with us?

I am involved with many other projects. Thanks for asking, no I don’t mind sharing them. I have created my company called Quanda’ Significance LLC, which specializes in greetings and decorative gift ideas and I’m currently in the process of getting ready to launch my very first line of greeting cards with my first theme called “Sometimes I Wish” this July of 2015.

I am also gearing up to create my own poetry segment that will be featured on my Youtube Channel called Until TV – slogan: You never know what you’ll see, on Until TV.

Do you plan on attending any events soon? If so, please tell us where you will be?

I am, however I’m still working on the particulars for each event I’ll be attending. But to read excerpts of my book, to find out my next move, events or interviews you can always visit my book blog called “I Just Want to Write!” at http://www.ijwtw.blogspot.com

How can the readers contact you if they would like to receive a personal copy? Do you have a website?

I have a website and readers can purchase my book and/or contact me on website atwww.untilnomore.net .

What advice do you have for someone just starting out as an author?

The advice I have for someone starting out as an author is, keep a notebook to write down all of your ideas, be organized. Hone down all that you want to do, make a plan. Once you do that, make a list of all you need, find out the cost and begin pursuing your checklist.

Where do you see yourself five years from now if you continue writing books?

Five years from now, I see myself as a well-established writer in not just books but in many genre’s I’m constantly indulging in, like greeting card writing, speech writing, essay writing and so on. I do many things, but to be honest, it all reverts back to writing. My joy is writing, so writing whether it be five year from now, ten years from now or more, writing in every way that I desire, I’ll just be—a WELL –respected and established yet loved writer.

Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?

Yes. I wish you and many others great success, happiness and joy in your writing and other endeavors you pursue. Many blessings Love Until…

My Pen's Position

My pen, poor thing,
Carries the weight of my burdens
  and what a heavy weight to bear

Sometimes I feel my pen weakening
 from the troubles I share

Which means, my pen often breaks down
And of course I provide the maintenance
Until the dreary day comes
For me to replace it by permanently laying her down

Then bond all over again
  with a brand new different pen
For the new journey's and experiences
I shall begin and . . . wow!

I hate to admit it
However I do have a high turnover in that position
But not because I'm a terrible owner
More like because of it's mission

I live life to the fullest
Endure pain how I live
And since I'm a writer
This is the legacy I give

And it is told to me that I show great promise,
And will be on this earth a long time
So it is important that I record the events on my life

Because the expiration date is unknown
And my story has to be told
But only through mine eyes
And that is my pen's position . . . to tell my story

Written by Until...

Copyright 2014

To purchase Until's book "I Just Want to Write!" Please visit her website at
www.untilnomore.net.

Pen and Ink (I need you)

Pen don't stop now
Ink I need you
To write 'til I'm content
And my heart's no longer blue

Pen don't stop now
Ink I need you
To write 'til I'm content
'Til my heat's no longer blue

An interlude song written by Until
  on the CD I Just Want to Write!

Copyright 2014
#AuthorUntil

Author Until's take on her imperfections...

The Newly Turned Author, Until...

Presents her very first poetry edition entitled:

"I Just Want to Write!"

Publishing date July 31, 2014. To pre-order your copy now please visit her website at www.untilnomore.net.

Until's Book Synopsis


"I Just Want to Write!-is a collection of poems and essays created to imprint the journey of my love affair with the three P's; pen, paper, and pencil. Which illustrates my dreams, ambitions and desires; with hopes of inspiring, encouraging and uplifting all who will read it. This is my soul inscribed for all to bear."
              
                                                                                                                  Until...

Black Swan Publishing Presents...

Poet, Writer, Radio Personality, Now turned Author

Introducing...

Until...

Bringing forth her very first poetry edition entitled

"I Just Want to Write!"

Publishing date is July 31st of 2014. If you would like to Pre-order your copy now please visit Until's website at www.untilnomore.net.

Until... (Making her debut)

Sunset and Gumbo ... Until No More - REVISED

By Renee Graves

Dated: Feb 28, 2010

After an eight year Hiatus, Poet, "Until No More" resurfaces on what is said to be the # 1 radio show!

Burbank, California, KYHY 92.5 F.M.,Sunset and Gumbo radio show, hosts Devonte Styles, Ms. Harmony and Alvin " The Tetherball Man"welcome "Until No More" to the #1 radio show. Until... is a published poet and has shared her lyrical style and powerful content with audiences at the J. Spot Comedy Club in Los Angeles, California and various college campuses and conferences across the nation. Until... has a website www.untilnomore.net and also hosts two blogs: untils.blogspot.com., seriousb.blogspot.com.

Now, "Until No More" hits the air waves by way of the "Gumbo Pot", Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 10:00p.m. The show can be enjoyed again Online Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. 925KYHY.com. KYHY 92.5 F.M., Interesting Radio at it's best!

Category Entertainment, Arts

Tags until no more, poet until, sunset and gumbo, radio show

Email Click to email author

Phone 818 524-0473

City/Town Burbank

State/Province California

Country United States