About the Author

About Latoya


Latoya Watts was born and raised on the little Caribbean island of Tobago. She migrated with her family to Boston, MA at the age of eight. She received a BS in Secondary English Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and an M.Ed. from the University of Rhode Island. Latoya is a wife to one husband, a mother to three children, an educator, a community member, and an active member of her local church. She is currently embarking on her second book while working full-time as a Literacy Specialist at a high school in Providence, Rhode Island, where she resides.

 

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Doing Wattsnatural: Life in Words

This autobiographical fiction chronicles Latoya Watts’ life thus far in the form of prose, meets poetry, meets spoken word. As a Caribbean American woman, Latoya shares some of her experiences of wearing the labels: Pastor’s kid, wife, mother, educator, and introvert, just to name a few. Latoya welcomes you into her journey of being vulnerable; a process that is undeniably and emotionally arduous.


This book can be purchased at the following brick and mortar independent bookstores:

Stillwater Books: 175 Main St. Pawtucket, RI 02860

Rarities Books & Bindery: 396 Main St. Wakefield, RI 02879

Urban Reads Bookstore: 3008 Greenmount Ave. Baltimore, MD 21218

Life in Words Blog

REVIEWS

What readers have said

  • "Latoya is a strong black Christian mother raised in Tobago but lives in RI. But this "Pastor's Kid" from Tobago is so much more than her strong Christian roots. Take a leap of faith into Doing Wattsnatural. Wattsnatural is a guidance of the seasons in life through poetry. Her book will leave you at the edge of your seat applauding the journey and [leaving you] forever changed. 'Elixir' will have your faith sharpened. Her unique outlook on identity will help you rediscover your own, her take on fatherhood will redefine your definition of family. You will get a small glimpse into the life of Latoya, her most intimate thoughts, and her personal intimate struggles. Get to know who she was and all that she is through her own words. It has been my pleasure to read her work and get to know her as she reveals who she is as a Christian, a woman, a mother, a poet, and now an author."

    Damont Combs

  • Latoya Watts has written a beautifully crafted visage depicting "Doing Wattsnatural: Life in Words". It is poetry in motion. Deep, meaningful, transparent, powerfully descriptive. Skillfully, she uses words to give meaning to the daily, ordinary routines as well as the exquisite joys of life. In sharing her experiences, Latoya invites us into greater appreciation for life and re-discovery of our "moments". She shares her loves, struggles, passion and vision and central to every aspect of her life is her faith -her clear commitment to God. Reading this book is like pouring honey over the memories of our own lives. As you read it, do not rush, savor each page, each word. Rich, complex, and yet so sweetly thoughtful. "Doing Wattsnatural: Life in Words" is a must read!

    Rev. Dr. Vanessa Quainoo

  • "I too shed the parasites of Lies Mistrust Un-forgiveness Doubt AND Caring Too Damn Much About what others have to say" - Latoya Watts There were some poems that flew right off those pages & right into my being. It's as I could see a mirror of my life in the words. This was such a great body of work. Snaps all the way around👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

    Soulful

  • Hey there, just wanted you to know i finished your book today! I loved it. There were so many things i connected with you on.....i read "Time" over and over and over again! I LOVE that poem!!! I felt it so much i read it with tears because im not alone, someone feel the same way i do. So many other things i loved about the book. Thank you so much for this book it was great!

    Erica Williams

  • I read this book a few times now- each time I feel like I’m reading a new one. There’s so many points of connection that each read sends you on a different path. Couldn’t put it down once I picked it up, I imagine it’ll be the same each time that happens. Do yourself a favor and read it

    Michelle Portilla

  • This is a book for anyone who wants to experience real soul inspiration on a variety of topics. Each topic will move you with eagerness to see what the author says next. It is thought provoking and passionate in its delivery.

    Akilah Phillip

  • For those who don't like reading much, this the book for you. The chapters not as long as your regular novel, easy to comprehend & understand what the writer talking about. Can relate to some of her life journey. I enjoyed reading this book.☺️

    Horshanna