Tonya is Latonya Hicks, and she is originally from Alabama. She is twenty years old and currently resides in East Chicago, Indiana with her aunt and uncle who raised her since she was five years old. The summer of 2005, she was blessed with the publication of her first poetry book that holds 96 of her original poems. Her book is titled Never Looking Back: Another Day's Journey. She is currently working on her second poetry book and her first novel. She is in her third year of college and is a broadcasting major. She says, "I really have a strong passion for writing, it is my best friend." She adds, "I first and foremost give honor to God who has carried me to where I currently stand."

You can contact Ms. Hicks via e-mail at secludedpoet@yahoo.com or by sending an e-mail to TimBookTu and it will be forwarded.