Poet, musician, and teaching artist Dasan Ahanu took the time to answer Ink & Oak’s questions via email. He is a talented spoken word poet and integral to the local Durham poetry community. Let’s get into the influences behind his inspiring work and the vision he has for continuing that work in 2026.

Dr. Amanda Bennett, the newly appointed Poet Laureate of Carrboro, NC, took the time to tell us about her work creating community with poetry. Her poetry centers themes of queer Black feminism and spirituality. We at Ink & Oak are honored she shared her insight with us and are excited to see how she combines poetry and community during her tenure.

Poet Bartholomew Barker graciously took the time to tell us at Ink & Oak more about his writing practice and involvement in the local literary scene. He lives in Hillsborough and is the author of the full-length collection, Wednesday Night Regular and a chapbook, Milkshakes and Chilidogs: and other food poems.

Recently, Robert Creekmore answered our questions via email. His writing mixes science fiction, horror, thriller and more against a backdrop of rural North Carolina locales. He can frequently be found at Moondog Meadery in Durham reading his latest work. Today we take a closer look at his first in a trilogy, The Prophet’s Debt.

Author K. Cardella took the time to answer Ink & Oak’s questions about her work via email recently. She writes dark romance and can be found at many local venues for readings and book signings. Let’s get into it with the author of The Blue Rose and The Black Lotus.

Author Samantha Dunaway Bryant recently took the time to answer Ink & Oak’s burning questions via email. Keep reading for more on her forthcoming titles and bookish events you can find her at over the next few weeks.