Creator Spotlight with Author & Artist Manager Tenisha Dyanne Younger
This week, we’re pleased to introduce Tenisha D. Younger, who is an author, songwriter, artist manager, and former educator. Tenisha is a current member of the Copyright Alliance and a contributor to the Writer’s Cafe. After you read through her spotlight blog, we encourage you to check out her interview with VoyageLA and follow her on Instagram.
What inspired you to become a creator?
My pen is my best friend. As I recently told VoyageLA magazine, it was simply meant to be.
My grandmother, Ora, and her father Alfred, taught me how to read and write at three years of age. My Aunt Wanda bought me a treasure chest of books. She and I wrote stories together. I used to help my first cousin Cedric compose his papers when I visited him at school during my college spring breaks. Literacy is a priceless gift. I was always intrigued by books and literature. My Aunt Valerie helped me to learn the dictionary. My mother Daphne used to quiz me on my vocabulary words. My grandfather Sterling taught me how to tell time. He confiscated my digital watch and forced me to use a real timepiece. At the time, I misunderstood the initial tactic, and it actually tested my patience. Years later I know why, because it was a short cut. I aced every single spelling test. I even took spelling and speech courses in college. This led to me earning an English Literature degree. I was accepted into the writing/acting program at the New York Film Academy. I also got accepted into the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Shakespeare always innovated an intricate plot and I was always driven by law and its origins.
My elementary school librarian Ms. Jones was my mentor. She inspired me every day to grow and expand my skills. I participated in every spelling bee and wrote for the school newsletter. Knowledge is a powerful tool to acquire. I love books so much that me and my sister Chantel once got locked up in a college library. A police officer had to get us out of the building. He laughed and wanted to ticket us! To take or not take a library book, that is the question?
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I am in love with words and developing ideas. My sixth-grade graduation trip consisted of visiting the NASA Space Center in Alabama. And on a related note, I was recently selected to work on some NASA Science Projects. I earned an official NASA certificate upon designing a robot and a rocket. I acquired a lot of experience regarding how the astronauts grow food during space missions. I was also selected to be a part of a live Space launch. I always reinvent myself and continue to think outside of the box. These types of activities broaden my skills. Being diverse allows me to be creative.
Can you tell us about your creative process? How long does it take?
My creative process requires time, deep thought, and simply being eccentric. I write poetry, songs, grants, articles, speeches, abstracts, emails, essays, resumes, research, plays, scripts, letters, stories, curriculums, legal briefs/contracts, puzzles, thesis papers, books, original quotes and all types of things.
The length of time depends upon the tasks being rendered. In most cases, I finish things fast. I check for grammatical errors even when I send a text message. My work is an organic version of myself. I only compete with myself, and this approach enhances my craft.
Does everything you create generate income?
In most cases, my creative work does generate an income. However, I do a lot of non profit work to give back to the creative community. I am a youth literary judge for Tufts University. I volunteer with the Scholastic program. I read sometimes over 700,000 words during the judging process. I appreciate Maureen allowing me to assist her with that wonderful program. I, along with my non-profit Ttwritesink is a part of First Book, an organization dedicated to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, can succeed and reach their full potential. Thank you, Nina, from First Book!
I also have a book club and my little nephew CJ is our book club president. My niece Sky is a part of the book club too. We have donated 100’s of books worldwide to schools and youth. I was selected to be a First Book Champion.
I also collaborate with music producer Patrick Guitarboy Hayes and assist with his legal business matters. Patrick and I have come a very long way during this musical journey. Fender endorses us 100% thanks to Moya and Ed. They are formerly with Fender Guitars and are the best individuals ever. We will forever be grateful to them for the many instruments that they have contributed.
I just re-signed my publishing deal with Missing Link. Thank you, Kush and JD, for orchestrating the terms. Kush is the true representation of kindness and decency. He is extremely encouraging and plays an integral role for the company. Please support the new work of art that Patrick Guitarboy Hayes and I are featured on. We are on Kingfish’s new album Hard Road.
What do you believe is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
Some individuals perceive it to be always fun, glamorous, and easy. But there is so much hard work, sacrifice, education, money invested, dedication, travel, relocation, blood, sweat, and tears involved. One must possess and maintain a tough skin in order to survive in the trenches. My life is an interesting adventure and there is never a dull moment. I take my tasks seriously with the epitome of character, integrity and respect. There is enough money for everyone to make. This line of work should be open, honest, and beyond reproach.
I have sat in label boardrooms with major executives selecting song material. I have saved many individuals from huge lawsuits. I have chosen several hits and discovered famous artists.
Some of the artists, composers, managers and film executives I’ve worked with are suffering the negative repercussions derived from making bad business and creative decisions. Repetitive mistakes become choices. Choices can lead to other ramifications and punishments. All anyone can ever do is learn from the burn. History does not have to repeat itself. It can be rewritten in a different path. Experience is usually the best teacher.
When did you first become aware of copyright, and why?
I was a young student when I submitted poetry for a speech booklet/publication. This type of book consists of holiday poetry for church programs, schools, parties etc. The company paid me a small monetary amount for roughly three or four poems that became speeches without my knowledge or permission. I should have received royalties for the selling of my work. I now utilize my fundamentals from the Copyright Alliance.
What do you do when someone takes something you have invested your intellectual abilities, time and money into?
This is such a provocative question and my response is clear. I eloquently and precisely take legal action against the culprit. I have sued and won every case on my own representation. I refuse to allow myself or anyone else to ever be ripped off again. I have gone up against huge companies, banks, airlines, whatever the case may be.
What is the best advice you would give to other creators in your field about copyright protection?
Studying copyright law goes a long way. The U.S. Copyright Office and Copyright Alliance are good places to start.
I typically advise some of my friends, including Kendall Nesbitt, Rodney E. and Bigg Makk, about protecting their musical works of art and legacy. As for upcoming writers like Javon, Stephon, Jerrod, Dylan and rising star Kingfish, they can start by joining the Copyright Alliance as a Creator Member for free.
How has AI technology impacted your peers or your career?
AI vs. Humans is a major topic. Humans will exist forever. For talented people, like Artist, Gladys Knight, Bart, Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Drake, Sickpen, Ben Hayslip, Mason, and so many others, the music will go on. AI can never replace the work these talented creators. We need the human touch in creativity. I will continue to be original and authentic.
Special Acknowledgements from Tenisha
As always, I give a special shout-out to Corey and Class #68. They protect and serve the Arlington, TX area. I extend my deepest thanks to the Texas firefighters who saved my life and many others in 2025 during the massive California Wildfires. To Jeremy Forrest and his active roles served in the US Military, thank you. A major thanks to Officer Kevin Hua, c/o Pasadena, CA. He is a special humanitarian who makes this world a much cleaner, safer place to be. Thank you Ernesto for being such a good friend always. Josie, you are appreciated. To all of my people at the AC, Pasadena, thank you. Thank you to The Mayweather Twins, who have always shown me support. Watching Mariah Carey sing Happy Birthday to Floyd was one epic party moment! It was not the Marilyn Monroe version, but those exotic tigers blew me away. To my extended family, including Vickie Bradley, who is always positive in every situation; Gary, a loyal family friend and guide; and my new friends in Oceanside, CA, where I will be orchestrating some live concert performances soon.
I am also honored to be a part of the Copyright Alliance. I will leave you with one of my original quotes: You have to say goodbye to say hello. Let’s embark upon this 2026, rewriting new chapters of hope, opportunity, peace, and prosperity.
If you aren’t already a member of the Copyright Alliance, you can join today by completing our Individual Creator Members membership form! Members gain access to monthly newsletters, educational webinars, and so much more — all for free!