Candis Johnson Celebrates 10 Years of S.O.U.L.: The Literary Movement Turning Creative Voices Into Community

Some things are created because you have a plan. Others are created because life pushes you into a moment where you realize, I have something to say — and I need to make space for other people to say it too.

For Camden, New Jersey native Candis Johnson, S.O.U.L. — Say on Universal Languages — became that space. What began in 2016 as a personal vision inspired by her love of literary magazines, the Harlem Renaissance, and the creative community she experienced as a student, has grown into a decade-long literary platform celebrating poetry, storytelling, self-expression, and voices that deserve room to breathe.

And the timing of that beginning makes the story even more powerful. S.O.U.L. came to life after a deeply difficult 2015 for Candis, a year marked by personal loss, major life changes, and surgeries. Yet somehow, through all of that, something new was being built. Ten years later, S.O.U.L. is still creating, still connecting, and still giving writers a place to bring their words into the world.

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary in April 2026, Candis is looking beyond the milestone. She is thinking about legacy, the creatives who have trusted her with their work, and the next generation of writers bold enough to create something of their own. From poetry and publishing to her upcoming debut novel, Out on a Limb, Candis Johnson’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the thing you build from your hardest seasons can become a home for somebody else’s voice.

This is more than a story about a literary magazine reaching ten years. It is a story about choosing creativity, building community, and refusing to let your vision stay trapped inside your head.

Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to create S.O.U.L. (Say on Universal Languages) ten years ago, and what did you envision when you first started it?

Candis: The inspiration for SOUL came from a variety of things. Initially, it started as a challenge. When I was in High School, creative writers were responsible for editing our school’s Literary Magazine I personally fell in love with the process and I wanted to create my own. The vision for Soul was to pay homage to the Literary Journal Fire. I love the Harlem Renaissance, and I wanted to create something to honor those artists and the foresight and community they created.

The name S.O.U.L. has such a powerful meaning. What does “Say on Universal Languages” represent to you, and how has that meaning evolved throughout the past decade?

Candis: This is a wonderful question. The name for SOUL was important to me because I wanted it to feel inclusive without being preachy or judgmental. I wanted anyone who felt they had something to say to feel like they could say it in Soul. For me, it represents connectivity, community, and art! The evolution of SOUL has taken on a life of its own. It started out with giving voice to the “voiceless” it still represents that, but it also represents creating community giving creatives a platform to create.

Your background includes creative writing, mass communications, political science, and business administration. How have those different experiences shaped you as a writer, publisher, and creative?

Candis: Having various skill sets is essential for me as it relates to publishing and creating. Mainly because I use each of these skill sets often and interchangeably because each ability helps me determine what I want to discuss with SOUL. As a writer, I love tapping into various worlds and using my background to craft, stories, articles, or think pieces. My background helps me stay creative and think critically about so many things.

S.O.U.L. has provided a platform for poetry, literature, and creative voices for the past ten years. What types of writers and stories have you been most intentional about bringing to the forefront?

Candis: The interesting thing about SOUL is that it is a platform designed to bring all voices, writers, and stories, to the forefront. The intentionality of SOUL is to highlight injustices, creativity, and self-expression. It is a space for creative freedom.

You launched S.O.U.L. in 2016, and the media and publishing industries have changed significantly since then. What have been some of the biggest challenges of maintaining an independent literary magazine, and what has motivated you to keep going?

Candis: Change is inevitable but the biggest challenge for SOUL is sales honestly. What keeps me going is the excitement of those who participate in SOUL whether it’s someone new or someone who has been with me from the beginning. Their enthusiasm and willingness to support me regardless of sales is my greatest motivation.

You’re also an accomplished poet and author, with books including Splurging on Poetry and Somebody Had to Say It. How has your own experience as a writer influenced the way you support and connect with other writers?

Candis: This is a really great question. I attended a performing arts high school and collaboration was an essential part of our creative experience. In a way I think having that experience working with other brilliant minds made supporting and connecting with other writers via SOUL a necessity.

S.O.U.L. celebrated its 10-year anniversary in April 2026. When you reflect on the journey from 2016 to today, what moments or accomplishments make you especially proud?

Candis: Wow, this question almost floored me lol. I tend to reflect often about my overall writing journey. However, SOUL came to fruition out of grief and triumph. The previous year I went through hell (I hope that’s okay to say). My aunt who raised me passed away in July of 2015 a few weeks before my 28th birthday, a long-term relationship/engagement ended, and I’d had two surgeries also all in 2015. So, when I think back through this journey, I cannot take credit for any of it because God really carried me. However, for the sake of the question, I am most proud that my platform continues to help shape talents that it continues allowing creatives freedom to create. I’m proud that people continue to trust me with their gifts!

As you enter this next chapter, what do you hope to see for S.O.U.L., and what would you love its legacy to be for writers, readers, and future generations of creatives?

Candis: My hope is that other writers, readers, and future creatives are bold enough to do what they believe in their hearts especially as it pertains to their vision or a goal they’ve set for themselves. As for SOUL, my hope is that it keeps growing and harvesting talents. I also hope that creating my platform inspires others to create something amazing too.

Before we wrap up, what else would you like our readers to know about you, your work, and the journey you’re continuing to build — and how can they follow you and stay connected with S.O.U.L. online?

Candis: I’m so glad you asked! I’m working on my first novel titled: Out on a Limb. It’s slated to be released October 23, 2026. In January I intend to release a second novel titled: Before I Wake. I’m so excited about both projects and I cannot wait to garner more enthusiastic supporters! To connect with me please follow my Instagram @Soullitmagswag or my other Instagram @misscandis36 and the link to purchase any of my work can be found via https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/freedomwryter21?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAUpD6RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAnNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzU2NzA2NzM0MzM1MjQyNwABp1gZM9XOB3rDeIkRbzhfdlU_nIla-vl9qJqFcmKmowUbrMpUtode6tz1wpW9_aem_qt4ECXIzNvtDiwTTODPHxQ