Surround yourself with images of beautiful Black people. A long time ago, I read somewhere that your outlook on life is determined by the first seven years of your life. Surrounded by positive white images, and negative images of Black people during the first seven years of your life, […]
How to Heal from Internalized Racism Read More »
Listening to an audiobook is a different experience than turning pages. I started listening to audiobooks on long commutes back in 2015 and I never looked back. While it isn’t the same as moving at your own pace, mentally drowning out the world around you with a paper book,
Book Review: With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo Read More »
You are a victim of white supremacy. I saw Candice Owens’s video. I didn’t know who this woman was and had to look her up. Apparently people care what she says, and she’s well-known enough to have a blue check mark next to her name. She is, and you
To the Black People Who Agree with Candice Owens Read More »
I’ve been watching a lot of tv lately, which I hate, because that means I get very few other things done. My sister recommended a show to me, On My Block. Basically, these four kids live in a rough neighborhood in Los Angeles. One of their friends joins a
I discovered a subconscious bias I didn’t know I had. Read More »
So today I’ve received first-round edits back from my editor. I got it much earlier in the day, but I’ve been too nervous to review them. What am I expecting from the editor? Objective editing: grammar, syntax, flow… Nothing that should make me nervous. I’ve been working on this
I’m afraid to look at the edits to my manuscript. Read More »
I grew up ignorant of the current plight of black people. I thought we lived in a post-racist society. It was easy to maintain my naivety. I have a good amount of privilege in the Black community: two types, actually. I have economic class privilege and skin color privilege.
Are my social media posts too Black? Read More »
Since Trayvon Martin was killed in 2012, I’ve done very little. I’ve sat in front of my keyboard writing. Murder after murder, by police and by civilians, my actions have hardly changed. I’ve talked to my husband about what is happening, what I think we can do. But I haven’t taken direct action. I haven’t called any politicians. I haven’t marched, protested—shucks, I don’t even think I’ve made my own post on social media. Maybe I’ve signed an online petition or two. But the reality is, two things cause tangible change in this country: violence and money.
I’m a pacifist so my only option is using money. But I don’t have enough to buy political influence.
What can I do? What can people like me—social media activists—do?
Stop complaining about Black people getting shot and killed and do something. Read More »
Rock Music I haven’t paid attention to the modern Rock scene. I have no idea who is famous these days and if artists are even putting out new rock music—good rock music. I kind of feel like pop and hip hop dominate the music scene. When I was a
7 Stereotypical Non-Black things I’m not afraid (anymore) to admit that I love. Read More »
Speculative fiction has a long history. Nearly 80 years worth. Robert Heinlein created the term in 1941 seeking to create a sub-genre of science fiction: literature situated in the future dealing with the problems of people rather than technology caused problems. However, over the years, various individuals have taken
What is Speculative Fiction? Read More »
I’ve been thinking about where I’ve been and where I’m going. I reflect on why I chose the story/characters I decided to write. And as I work to build my author’s platform, connect with readers and other writers, I have a misguided desire to be “popular” on social media.
What I wish I knew before putting all my self-esteem in how popular I was Read More »
