Homegirls Press

While the illustrations are being worked on, I wanted to share pics of some of my spring and summer flowers. Now I understand the feeling Jody's mama had working in her garden. Such a peaceful vibe 🌬 🍃

Last week I went to self publishing workshop with my son.

One of the things that resonated with me that the author Brian said is that representation in books matters and growing up, we didn't see that very often. Not just in the books storyline/characters but also in who is writing these books. What do they look like? Is their lived experience similar to mine or not?

On Sunday, I saw my son sketch out and write his own comic book when he came to ask me how you spell a word. That right there was the moment that I realized, not only am I continuing to break generational cycles, I am also instilling in my son the belief that he can accomplish what his heart desires.

It's important for children/teens to see people who look like them or have similar lived experiences doing the things they may dream about. As a child/teen, it can be hard to envision yourself accomplishing something you want to do when you don't see that in the environments you're exposed to. But when you see someone else who does look like you, talks like you, etc., you get a little sense of hope that maybe you can do it too.

Last 2 pics are my son's comic book he sketched out and the back side of the bookmark he made me at school for Mother's Day.

(Special thank you to for being cool with my son tagging along with me because any single parent household knows, it's not always easy coordinating babysitter drop offs when you're trying to accomplish things too).

It's the last day of the year and this year I reflected a lot on the path I want to take. Being very new to the writing industry I have gone through phases of self doubt and feeling like an imposter.  

In the beginning, I didn't know anyone who said "I'm a writer" or "I've worked on book illustrations." Then, came the realization that it was on me to search and put myself in environments I didn't grow up around. 

In October I had the opportunity to experience a full circle moment in my life. I was part of my first panel discussion with other writers and illustrators at Cornelius Public Library to talk about who we are and our work. 

A week later, when I gave my friend's mom a ride, she told me about a memory she had of me when I was a kid. This library was the same library (now a new building), she remembered seeing me walk to and from all the time, with books in my hand. And I thought, "damn it's hella crazy how the universe works." 

As I continue this journey of self discovery and learning more about the industry I want to thank .de.yas for giving me that opportunity. I'm forever grateful for the knowledge I've gained from everyone I have met this year and I look forward to what's to come. I once read somewhere: Sometimes you have to roll the dice and bet on yourself. And if you fail, then at least you can say you tried ❤️‍🔥 

#2023