Educator, author and literacy advocate
Written by K. L. Williams
Education and creativity are not separate pursuits for Marguerite C. Anderson. They meet in her work as an educator, author, poet, literacy advocate and founder and CEO of Brain Edibles Collection. Through children’s books, poetry, learning resources, publishing services and creative platforms, Anderson works to make literacy meaningful, culturally relevant and transformative.
Her work also extends to mentoring emerging poets and co-founding Vibrations Poetry Festival, creating space for Caribbean voices to be heard. We asked Anderson eight questions about her work, its often-unseen costs, the causes closest to her heart and what she hopes to build next.
1. Who are you, and what do you do?
I am an educator, a creative and an advocate for literacy and creative expression. At the heart of everything I create is the simple belief that literacy and creativity have the power to transform lives. I am the founder and CEO of Brain Edibles Collection, a growing line of educational children’s books, poetry collections and learning resources designed to make learning meaningful, engaging and culturally relevant. Through storytelling, I help children develop literacy skills, confidence, curiosity and a love for learning while seeing themselves and their experiences reflected in the pages they read.
2. What have you made so far, and what are you working on now?
I have written seven educational children’s books under my children’s book series, Smart Bites for Bright Minds, a novel, three books of poetry, a literature syllabus for lower-secondary students and a range of educational resources. One of the services my business offers is book services. I recently concluded work on the editing, formatting and layout of a client’s manuscript, and I am proud to help her and others on their journey to becoming published authors.
I provide creative spaces that inspire literacy, critical thinking and authentic self-expression. As an educator, I create and shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. My advocacy for creative expression extends beyond the classroom and the written page. As co-founder of Vibrations Poetry Festival, I help create platforms where poets, storytellers and artists can share their voices, challenge perspectives and celebrate the richness of Caribbean culture. The festival was founded on the belief that every voice matters and that poetry remains one of humanity’s most powerful tools for connection, healing and transformation.
At the moment, I am working on my fourth collection of poetry, and I aim to publish it in January 2027. My seventh educational children’s book, Manners Carry Yuh Far, was published in August 2026. On September 19, 2026, I held a virtual storytelling session and book launch that was open to children within and outside Jamaica. In August, I also expanded the publication of my debut novel, Giant of the Isles, to include Hardcover and Kindle formats. The books are now in stock. I am also engaged in ongoing mentorship of young and emerging poets through my poetry workshops and masterclasses.
3. What does your workspace look like on a good day?
My workspace is never fixed, and what it looks like on a good day depends on what I am delivering that day. Much of my work is done remotely, but I would say that my favourite workspace is in schools, from primary to high school, sharing with children of all ages.
4. What do you wish people understood about what your work actually costs in time, money or otherwise?
I think people often underestimate the amount of unseen work behind creative and educational projects. Whether it’s a children’s book through Brain Edibles Collection or an event like Vibrations Poetry Festival, what the public sees is only the final result. What they don’t see are the countless hours spent researching educational content, developing age-appropriate materials, editing, designing, illustrating, testing activities, marketing and finding ways to make learning both meaningful and enjoyable for children.
Far too many creatives get a raw deal, yet persevere because of their passions, for we must express or choose to live miserably in not expressing. For me, it is not just the financial challenges; there is also an emotional cost. Creative work requires persistence, sacrifice and faith. There are late nights, personal funds invested when resources are limited and countless moments of uncertainty. Yet I continue because I believe in the impact of literacy, education, culture and the arts.
It can be difficult at times to muster the emotional energy required to keep my vision alive amid the lack of support from those who do not recognise my role in nation-building. For example, very often, people will tell me about the amazing impact that my books have had on them, yet very few take the time to leave an online review. It saddens me because reviews impact my visibility regionally and globally.
I wish more people understood that when they support a book, a workshop or a festival, they’re not just paying for an event or a product. They’re helping to sustain the many hours of work and passion that make those opportunities possible in the first place.
5. What’s the first thing you ever made that made you think, “I could do this”?
The first thing I ever made was a yearbook for the school where I was teaching in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was 2009, and I single-handedly produced the publication, acting as editor-in-chief, section editor, copyeditor, photographer, graphic designer, writer, layout artist, illustrator and more.
6. What’s a cause that’s very dear to your heart?
One such cause is Fi Wi Pickney, a joint CPFSA and Mobach initiative to save our children. I believe that the future of any nation is reflected in how we nurture, educate and empower its children. To see so many children on the street hustling for their survival is a very troubling image. Their hustle is seen at the start of the day and at night, when they should be safely tucked in bed.
Too many of our nation’s children face challenges that can limit their potential, but I believe that with the right support, encouragement and opportunities, these children can thrive. When we invest in Fi Wi Pickney, we are investing in the future of our communities and our country; we are investing in our world.
7. If you woke up a millionaire tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I wish a million dollars could secure my dream of buying a home with a little backyard to grow produce to sustain me and my child. Sadly, as a teacher and single parent, my job doesn’t even allow me to do that. Still, I would take a moment to celebrate and give thanks. I would open an investment account and give back to God by donating to my church. Beyond that excitement, my focus would be on creating something lasting. Wealth has the greatest impact when it is used not only to improve your own life but also to help uplift the lives of others.
Brain Edibles Collection Book Sale
Saturday, October 24, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
15 Midland Drive, Patrick City, Kingston 20
Readers can explore Anderson’s educational children’s books, poetry collections and her debut novel, Giant of the Isles: A Turks & Caicos Legend, in paperback and Hardcover formats.
8. Where can people find you, see your work, and where will you be next?
My work is predominantly remote, so finding me means people will need to follow and subscribe to Brain Edibles Collection to get updates on my ongoing projects. People may use my WhatsApp number and email address to reach out to me to book my services or buy my products. I have a pretty strong online presence, so my work may be viewed online.
Where I will be next is determined by you: organisations, event managers and the wider public. Engage me at your upcoming event, whether it is to perform my poetry, have a live session with children or adults, or share my journey of using writing as a medium to deal with trauma and issues affecting mental well-being. I look forward to sharing with you!
Follow Marguerite C. Anderson and Brain Edibles Collection to explore her books, educational resources, poetry, workshops and creative services.
Find Marguerite
- Brain Edibles Collection website
- Instagram: @brainedibles_collection
- TikTok: @b.e.cbooksandmore
- YouTube: @B.E.C.educationcentre
- Facebook: Brain Edibles Collection
- X: @BrainEdibles
- Linktree
- Email: brainedibleslearning@gmail.com
Selected work
- Giant of the Isles interview, Turks and Caicos Islands
- World Theatre Day feature, 2026
- Performance portfolio
- Jamaica Brew Festival performance
- CVM at Sunrise interview
About the writer
Kerece Lilanie Williams is a Jamaican poet, writer, educator and creative entrepreneur. Under the name Lilanie, she is the author of three poetry collections: Faith and Favour: Odes of Gratitude for Unmerited Grace, Above Water and Kisses and Lies.
She writes for Urban Vine Media, with a special interest in telling the stories of artists, artistes, artisans and other creatives across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Through features, interviews and cultural storytelling, she highlights the people, ideas and creative work helping to shape the region’s arts, culture and entertainment landscape.
Kerece is also the founder of Write Ah Yaad, a Caribbean writing community for poets and storytellers, and the Chief “Copy Cat” behind MeowMedia Services, where she has a particular interest in helping creatives develop their brands, strengthen their businesses and become sustainable creative entrepreneurs.
Have a story, project, release, product, exhibition, event or creative journey you think Urban Vine Media should know about? Email urbanvinemedia@gmail.com or submit your details to be featured.
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