About the Editor & Founder
The change we seek starts with you and me.
Valiant Scribe is under the care of Debra Ayis (Ice), an award-winning author.
She is published in over a hundred anthologies, magazines, journals, and devotionals in several countries. She has also published three books: Through the Looking Glass: A Collection of Poetry (Raider Publishing International, 2009), Thoughts and Memories (Dovic & Faith Publishers Nigeria, 2009), and Awaiting Dawn: Echoes of a Haunted Soul (Faith Printers International, 2019).
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For several years, she wrote for Our Daily Bread's subsidiary Ministries: YMI Today and Reclaim Today. Her devotional was also featured on YouVersion.
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She currently co-leads The Redeemed Writers Group in New York.
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Details on her engagements, interviews, publication history, and awards are captured below.
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Engagements, & Interviews
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Publications
Awards &
Coverage
ENGAGEMENTS
Academic & Literary
RECENT:
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January 22nd, 2024 - Guest lecture titled "The Role of Women in Terrorism: The Brides of Daesh" at Carleton University.
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September 26th, 2023 - Guest lecture titled "Understanding the History and Evolution of Boko Haram" at Carleton University.
March 22nd, 2023 - Guest lecture on "Gender and Terrorism: Women’s Role as Perpetrators" at Carleton University.
February 15th, 2023 - A Faith and Writing Session on "A Psalm of Faith," Redeemed Writers Group.
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October 19th, 2022 - A Faith and Writing Session on "Vessels: New Wine in Old Wineskin," Redeemed Writers Group.
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October 12th, 2022 - Guest lecture on "Applying a Gender Lens in Actionable Conflict Analysis" at Carleton University.
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February 22nd, 2022 - A Write-in and Prayer Session on "Peace Like A River", Redeemed Writers Group.
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November 17th, 2021 - Lesson on Faith & Work "The Land of Milk and Honey," Redeemed Writers Group.
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October 21st, 2021 - Debra Ayis's poem "She Lives" was read by a human trafficking survivor and activist, Melanie Thompson, at the 2021 Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Gala, NYC
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October 11th, 2021 - Guest lecture on "Global Media and Nollywood" at Minnesota State University
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August 31st, 2021 - Guest artist at "The Unsuitable Wrap Party," NYC.
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March 25th, 2021 - Lesson on the fruit of the Spirit: "Self-Control," Redeemed Writers Group, NYC.
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March 17th, 2021 - Guest lecture on "Gender-based Violence Against Women: Conflict-related Violence and Electoral Violence," at Carleton University.
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October 21st, 2020 - Lesson on the fruit of the Spirit: "Joy," Redeemer Writers Group, NYC.
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October 4th, 2020 - Poets Corner - Trinity Church Wall Street, NYC.
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February 26th, 2020 - Black Poets - Poetry at the Players, NYC.
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December 19th, 2019 - Headlining the Queens Public Library Open Mic and Reading Series in Forest Hills, Queens, NYC.
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December 14th, 2019 - .WeDeliverPeriod. Impact Concert, at Repair the World - Brooklyn, NYC.
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December 10th, 2019 - Redeemer Writers Annual Winter Reading, NYC.
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November 19th, 2019 - Panel discussant “On Readings: How to Book Readings and Present with Confidence." RWG, NYC.
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November 10th, 2019 - Trinity Fall Bi-Annual Poetry Festival, NYC.
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July 28th, 2019 - The 9th Annual New York City Poetry Festival at Governors Island
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June 12th, 2019 - Traveling to Another Land - Poetry at the Players, NYC.
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May 28th, 2019 - Redeemer Writers Annual Spring Reading, New York City
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May 8th, 2019 - Tell me a story - Poetry at the Players, NYC.
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March 27th, 2019 - Poetry and Live Jazz at W83 NYC.
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February 28th, 2019 - Open mic poetry at Forest Hills Library, NYC.
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December 12th, 2018 - Redeemer Writers Winter Reading, NYC.
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October 24th, 2018 - Poetry at the Players, NYC.
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October 5th, 2018 - Wedeliverperiod. Concert at Repair the World NYC.
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July 28th, 2018 - The 8th Annual New York City Poetry Festival at Governors Island
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INTERVIEWS
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February 25th, 2024 - Finding your Voice in Writing and Publishing on the More You Know Podcast.
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August 11th, 2022 - Editor Interview on Duotrope
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March 2nd, 2022 - Valuable Voices Podcast with Miranda #72 | Debra Ayis
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February 20th, 2022 - Editor Interview on A Selfish Poet by Trish Hopkinson
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February 16th, 2022 - Black History Month: The Church and Social Justice by Guest - Debra Ayis, Daily Sabbath Podcast
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August 2nd, 2020 - Interview on Game Play Radio, titled "The Steadfast and the Rebellious with Valiant Scribe" U.S.
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November 18th, 2019 - Interview on the 100th episode of the "The Truth to Power Show" on Radio Free Brooklyn, U.S.
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July 16th, 2019 - Episode 2.3: Debra Ayis on the podcast 'Unsuitable with Mary B. Safrit' U.S.
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April 4th, 2014 - 'Interview with Debra Ayis' by Chris Brine of Brine books publishing, Canada
November 17th, 2010 - ‘Ultimate Unsigned’ interview by Bradley Kirsten of 1Africa Radio Station South Africa
October 1st, 2010 - Interview by Bradley Kirsten host of Kickstart on 1Africa Radio Station South Africa
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RECENT PUBLICATIONS (2019-2022)
Academic
Luig, T., Pritchard, C., Medagedara, K., Medlock, J., Ayis, D., Glenn, N. & Parker, N. (2022). Environmental Scan Report: “Defining Child Well-Being Across the Continuum of Children’s Services,” Edmonton: PolicyWise for Children & Families.
Keskin, E., Appau, A., Luig, T., Ayis, D. and Parker, N. (2022). Discussion Paper: "Reversing the Gendered Impact of COVID-19 on Labour Force Participation in Alberta," Edmonton: PolicyWise for Children & Families.
Literary
Poems: I See You, and Little Hands, Agape Review, Sep. 2022.
Testimonial: Never Alone, Never Forsaken, ReclaimToday, May 2021.
Poems: Coming of Age, No Hero (Part 3), and Alone Together, 54th Edition of the Round Table Literary Journal in 2020, Hopkinsville Community College.
Devotional Article: How to argue with your significant other, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Apr. 2020.
Poem: Together, Boundless: The Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival Anthology 2020, Apr. 2020.
Devotional Article: 3 Tips to Revitalize your Devotional Time, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jan. 2020.
Poems: We Did Good? and Hope, Heart of Flesh Literary Journal - Issue Two, Winter 2019, Dec. 2019.
Poem: The Night Called, Life at a Crossroads - City University of New York (CUNY) Killens Review of Arts & Letters - Fall/Winter 2019, Sept. 2019.
e-Book: Awaiting Dawn: Echoes of a Haunted Soul, Sept. 2019.
e-Book: Thoughts and Memories: A Collection of Poetry, Sept. 2019.
Devotional Article: 3 Ways to Shield your Mind, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Aug. 2019.
Poem: No Hero, Literature Today (Vol. 9), Jul. 2019.
PUBLICATION HISTORY (2005 - 2018):
Poem: My Routine, Pen to Paper - A Teenage Perspective, Anchor Books, Sept. 2005
Poem: Free, Poetic Perspectives, Poetry Now, Oct. 2005
Poem: Free, A Time to Rhyme, Anchor Books, Feb. 2006
Poem: Dreams, Free Falling - A Collection of Free Verse from Poetry Now, Poetry Now, Mar. 2006
Poem: My Puzzle, Immortal Verse, International Society of Poets, Mar. 2006
Poem: Dreams, Inspired Reflections 2007, Triumph House, Aug. 2006
Poem: Her Smiling Face, In Your Arms, Anchor Books, Sept. 2006
Poem: My Puzzle, Teen Poets - The Wisdom of Youth, Young Writers, Sept. 2006
Poem: The Journey of the Dark Valley, Natural Spirit, Triumph House, Oct. 2006
Poems: My Routine, Free, Been All You've Got, Winds, Emotions, The Couple, Dreams, Psalm, Settle, There, My Puzzle & Her Smiling Face, The Light of the Shade, Spotlight Poets, Oct. 2006
Poem: Sand Dunes, Sights to Behold, Forward Press, Oct. 2006
Poem: Seas, The Beauty of Existence, Anchor Books, Nov. 2006
Poem: Sand Dunes, Away with Words around the Globe, Young Writers, Jan. 2007
Poem: Searching for You, From the Heart, Forward Press, Feb. 2007
Poem: Free Spirit, Immortal Verse, International Society of Poets, May 2007
Poem: Need, Daily Reflections 2007, Forward Press, Aug. 2007
Poems: Nature, Sand Dunes, Celebration, His Love, My Belief, My Life, Time is Nigh, Cold, Rain, Blue Sky, Flower & Down to Earth, Nature's Faith, Spotlight Poets, Nov. 2007
Short Story: The Chase, As the Story Goes..., New Fiction, Nov. 2007
Poem: Waiting for a Lecture, Nature's Paradise, Forward Press, Feb. 2008
Poem: Sand Dunes, Immortal Verse, International Society of Poets, May 2008
Poem: Celebration, To Smile Away (The Hours), Forward Press, Jun. 2008
Poem: My Stance, The Art of Life, Anchor Books, Sept. 2008
Poem: The Needy, Awakening Inspiration, Poetry Now, Sept. 2008
Poem: Spring, Life's Serenity, Forward Press, Sept. 2008
Poem: Psalm, Thought & Reflections for Throughout the Year, Forward Press, Sept. 2008
Poem: My Stance, Life's Little Treasures, Forward Press, Oct. 2008
Poem: Dear...(for Ishita Saran), Family and Friends, Forward Press, Oct. 2008
Poems: One Romantic Night & Searching for You, Love's Many Mysteries, Forward Press, Mar. 2009
Poem: Celebration, Tides of Life, Forward Press, Apr. 2009
Poem: I May Not..., United in Words, Poetry Now, Apr. 2009
Book: Through the Looking Glass: A Collection of Poetry by Debra Ayis, Raider Publishing International, Jun. 2009
Poem: My Own Unique Garden, Indulge Magazine: Issue 25 (May/June Edition), Indulge Health and Fitness Nigeria, Jun. 2009
Poem: Sway, Seasonal Gifts and Nature's Glories, Forward Press, Jun. 2009
Poems: Farewell to a Friend & One Romantic Night, For the Duration..., Forward Press, Jun. 2009
Poem: Searching for You, An Ode to Optimism, Forward Press, Jun. 2009
Poem: The Needy, Poetic Expressions, Poetry Now, Jun. 2009
Poem: Flood, In the Flight of Fancy, Anchor Books, Jun.2009
Poem: That Hooded Figure, Images in Ink, Forward Press, Jul. 2009
Poem: Flood, Poetry Rivals' Collection 2009 - Lines of Light and Shade, Poetry Rivals, Jul. 2009
Poem: Time is Nigh, The Chessboard of Life, Forward Press, Aug. 2009
Poem: Waiting for a Lecture, My Words are my Voice, Forward Press, Sept. 2009
Poem: God's Love, Indulge Magazine: Issue 27 (Sept/Oct Edition), Indulge Health and Fitness Nigeria, Sept. 2009
Book: Thoughts and Memories, Dovic & Faith Publishers Nigeria, Dec. 2009
Poem: Phoenix, From Coast to Coast: A Forward Press Regional Collection, Forward Press, Mar. 2010
Poem: Changing Times, Captured Creativity, Forward Press, Apr. 2010
Poem: Flood, Inspired Minds, Forward Press, Apr. 2010
Poems: At me, Farewell to a Friend, Father, I Think of You, I Have Changed, I Will Miss You, Ma Mere, My Sister/My Liner, Not Alone, Only Friendship, Our Love & Sleeping Brothers, Life's Tapestry, Spotlight Poets, Apr. 2010
Short Story: Eliza's Day In, Days Like These, New Fiction, Apr. 2010
Poem: One Romantic Night, A Tapestry of Thoughts: A Forward Press Contributor's Collection, Forward Press, May 2010
Poem: Phoenix, Poetry Rivals' Collection 2010 - The Passions of the Poet, Poetry Rivals, Jul. 2010
Poem: That Hooded Figure, United in Inspiration: The Golden Grove Appeal Poetry Collection, Forward Press, Sept. 2010
Poem: Closer, Forward Press Regionals 2010: The World is Your Oyster, Forward Press, Sept. 2010
Poem: New Morn, Under Starlit Sky: A Collection of Poetry, Forward Press, Oct. 2010
Poem: Changing Times: The Nigerian Woman, Forward Poetry (Online), Sept. 2011
Poem: Only Friendship, A Symphony of Life: A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2011
Poem: Farewell to a Friend, Reflections: A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2011
Poem: Misplaced, Reflections: A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2011
Poem: Changing Times, Poetry Collection 2011 - The Poet in Life, Forward Poetry, 2011
Poem: That Hooded Figure, Poetry Rivals Collection 2011 - In Mind & Heart, Forward Poetry, 2011
Poem: Ululation, What Lies Within - A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2012
Poem: In December, Turning of the Tides - A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2012
Poem: Spring, Spring to Life, Forward Poetry, 2012
Poems: No Hero & Rain, Inspired - A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2012
Poem: Good and Evil, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jan. 2013
Poem: First Love, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Apr. 2013
Poem: Goodbye, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Apr. 2013
Poem: Hero, The World at War - Poems from the Battlefield, Forward Poetry, Sept. 2013
Poem: It's Gonna Be Okay, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Sept. 2013
Poem: Ma Mere, A Mother to Me, Forward Poetry, Sept. 2013
Poem: Reunion, Endless Love - Heart's Desire, Forward Poetry, Sept. 2013
Poem: Desert Sand, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Oct. 2013
Poem: You Are, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Oct. 2013
Poem: She Lives, Stand to End Rape, Oct. 2013
Poem: Ruined Goods, Stand to End Rape, Oct. 2013
Poem: Not Alone, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Nov. 2013
Poem: Changing Times: The Nigerian Woman, Black Communion: Poems of 100 New African Poets (Artbeat Africa Anthologies) (Volume 1), Artbeat Africa, Jan. 2014
Poem: Too Costly to Trifle With, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jan. 2014
Poem: A Little Every Day, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jan. 2014
Poem: Ruined Goods, Brine Rights: Stanzas and Clauses for the Causes (Volume 1), Brine Books Publishing, Mar. 2014
Poems: End the Stigma, Brine Rights: Good Morning Justice (Volume 2), Brine Books Publishing, Aug. 2014
Poem: Hope, The Great British Write Off - Immersed in Words, Forward Poetry, Oct. 2014
Poem: You Taught Me to Trust, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Oct. 2014
Poem: Searching for You, Love is in the Air, Forward Poetry, 2014
Poem: Ululation (An ode to M), An Ode To..., Forward Poetry, 2014
Poem: Waking, Off the Page - A Collection of Poetry, Forward Poetry, 2014
Poem: Time, Literature Today (Vol. 5), May 2016
Devotional Article: Africa: The Secret Behind Faith and Hope, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Sept. 2016
Devotional Article: When I realized Working Hard Isn't Everything, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Oct. 2016
Devotional Article: Should Christians be Optimistic or Cynical? YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Nov. 2016
Poem: Song of Praise, YMI Today, (Our Daily Bread Ministries) Nov. 2016
Devotional Article: 5 Ways to Love a Stranger this Christmas, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Dec. 2016
Devotional: 5 Ways to Love a Stranger this Christmas, Gift of Love - Five day devotional, Our Daily Bread Ministries, Dec. 2016
Book: Awaiting Dawn: Poems & Prayers, Edited by M.D. Valley, Faith Printers International, 2016
Poem: No Hero, Road to Success, Forward Poetry, Mar. 2017
Devotional Article: When (Not) to Follow Your Feelings, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Mar. 2017
Devotional Article: When My Best Friend Told Me Off, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jun. 2017
Devotional Article: When Your Heart is in the Right Place - Is it Enough? YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Jun. 2017
Devotional Article: A Letter to my Future Self in 2027, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Dec. 2017
Devotional Article: It's Time to Re-Examine Why You Celebrate Christmas, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Dec. 2017
Devotional: It's Time to Re-Examine Why You Celebrate Christmas, 'Jesus: Joy of the Season' Reading Plan, Bible.com, Dec. 2017
Devotional Article: What it's Like to Celebrate Christmas Around the World, YMI Today (Our Daily Bread Ministries), Dec. 2018
1. "Talent for Writing" a Youngwriter’s Creativity Award 2006, U.K.
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2. "Talent for Writing" a Youngwriter’s Creativity Award 2007, U.K.
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3. Winner of the 2010 National Writing Competition (Poetry Category) titled "Nigerian Women: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" presented by Centre for Human Development (CHD) Nigeria, and Ford Foundation.
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4. "International Literacy Day Winner", September 2011 courtesy of Need 2 Know Books, U.K.
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5. .WeDeliverPeriod. 2019 "Period Impact Award". U.S.
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& others.
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ARTICLES
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March 17th, 2011 - Greensprings Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
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October 18th, 2010 - Spotlight Poet's Success! Forward Poetry, U.K.