Meet Dhayana of Creative Writing Hour

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dhayana.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began writing at nine years old while growing up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a home where creativity, curiosity, and self-expression were deeply encouraged. My parents created a safe and nurturing space where my voice could take shape without fear of judgment, teaching me early on that my thoughts, imagination, and stories mattered. Surrounded by music, conversation, cultural traditions, and the everyday life, I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling as a way of preserving memory, exploring emotion, and connecting with others.

Writing first became a tool for me to process the world around me and make sense of my experiences. After immigrating to the United States in 2009, it took on an even deeper role, becoming a place where I could navigate the complexities of culture, identity, faith, language, and belonging. Through poetry, reflection, and personal narrative, I found a way to honor where I came from while making sense of who I was becoming. Over time, what began as a personal practice evolved into a larger creative mission rooted in the belief that storytelling can be both restorative and communal. Writing has allowed me not only to understand myself more deeply, but also to create spaces where others can feel seen, heard, and connected through the power of their own stories.

What began as a personal practice eventually grew into a lifelong vocation centered on storytelling, creativity, and community. Today, I am an author, creative strategist, writing mentor, and founder dedicated to helping others cultivate meaningful relationships with their creative lives. I am the author of Agridulce: Poetry and Prose and Creative Stillness, works that reflect my ongoing exploration of identity, healing, belonging, and artistic expression.

In 2024, I founded The Creative Writing Hour, which began as a small intentional gathering and has since grown into a global community of more than 300 writers and creatives. Alongside my own writing, I have become deeply passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported in their creative process and empowered to share their stories without fear, perfectionism, or judgment. This work has expanded into literary programming, mentorship, workshops, and collaborative projects focused on uplifting emerging voices and fostering authentic connection.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that creativity is more than the act of making art—it is a practice of connection, care, self-discovery, and cultural preservation. Through writing and community-building, I hope to create spaces where stories are honored, voices are nurtured, and people are reminded that their experiences matter.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When it comes to life in general, there is never truly a smooth road. A life without challenges is a life without the opportunity for wisdom, growth, and expansion. My journey, both personally and creatively, has certainly had its fair share of struggles that have challenged me and opened my eyes to the responsibility I have to myself and to others in this world.

Some of those struggles looked like self-doubt and self-sabotage, especially when opportunities were presented to me that I had never experienced before or had only seen others in my environment receive. I often found myself questioning whether I was worthy of those moments and whether I was capable of rising to meet them. Other challenges came in the form of adaptation and acceptance, learning that everything changes and evolves, even when we are not ready to move alongside that change.

Over time, I have come to understand that growth rarely arrives through comfort. It asks us to trust ourselves in unfamiliar territory, to remain open to transformation, and to continue moving forward despite uncertainty. Looking back, many of the experiences that once felt like obstacles became some of my greatest teachers. They deepened my sense of compassion, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me that becoming who we are is an ongoing practice. Every challenge has ultimately brought me closer to my voice, my purpose, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with intention.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Creative Writing Hour?
The Creative Writing Hour is a global writing and creative community rooted in togetherness, accountability, and intentional creative practice. We specialize in creating supportive spaces where writers and creatives can show up consistently for their work through co-writing sessions, workshops, mentorship, critique and feedback opportunities, manuscript support, and community-centered programming. At our core, we believe creativity thrives in spaces where people feel seen, supported, and free from perfectionism.

What sets us apart is that we are not simply a writing group; we are a community built by and for real people, in our fullness. We intentionally move away from gatekeeping and performance-driven creative culture and instead prioritize care, accessibility, and genuine connection. We understand that the creative process can be vulnerable, and we create environments where people can preserve their stories, honor their voices, and develop their work in community.

What we are most proud of is the way Creative Writing Hour has grown from a small, intentional gathering into a thriving global community of hundreds of writers and creatives. More than the growth itself, we are proud of the trust people have placed in this space and the relationships, accountability, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connections that continue to emerge from it. At its core, Creative Writing Hour exists as a home for creatives at every stage of their journey—whether they are returning to the page after years away, completing a manuscript, seeking accountability, or simply looking for a supportive creative community. Our mission is to cultivate a space where creativity feels less isolating, more sustainable, and deeply connected to both personal growth and collective belonging.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that no meaningful work is created alone. I want to give flowers to the entire Creative Stillness Anthology team, who so lovingly and intentionally came together to help bring this collection into the world. What now exists as a published book is the result of a collective effort rooted in care, trust, creativity, and shared vision.

I am especially grateful to Sabrina, Nitika, MK, Aurelia, Shena, Soraya, and Luz, each of whom played an important role in shaping and supporting the project. Whether through editorial guidance, creative collaboration, logistical support, encouragement, or simply believing in the work when it was still taking form, they helped make the anthology what it is today.

I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of the writers who trusted us with their work and their hearts. Sharing one’s creative work requires vulnerability, courage, and trust, and this anthology would not exist without their willingness to offer their stories, reflections, and artistry. Their voices are the soul of this collection.

Beyond the anthology itself, I have also been fortunate to be surrounded by mentors, friends, readers, students, and community members who have continuously encouraged me to keep showing up to the page and to the work. Their support has reminded me that success is rarely an individual achievement. It is often built through community, generosity, and the people who choose to believe in your vision alongside you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhayanalejandrina?igsh=MTRqbXk2ZTBibmp0dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/the-cwh