It’s Live!

October 20th, 2022 → 6:06 am

“Life’s uncertain voyage.” — Timon of Athens

My narrative memoir about life’s uncertain voyage is live! You can now get your copy of Seeking Forgiveness in one bound product, instead of chapter by chapter off the BeforeFergusonBeyondFerguson website. It has been quite a journey; from living, to writing, to editing, to publishing, to promoting this story. Phew! I am eternally thankful to everyone who has helped me and supported me along the way. To good storytelling, wonderful people, and a life filled with family and love!

Filed under: Books I'm Reading & Literature/Theatre/Art & Self/My Life

Social Impact Authors

October 12th, 2022 → 5:45 am

“My good will is great, though the gift is small.” — Pericles

I was recently honored as a Social Impact Author by Authority Magazine. It really touched me. All authors are motivated to write by some internal drive, the genesis of which varies per person, but for me one of the main drivers is to highlight and share diverse perspectives on the world. If, through storytelling, we can increase our understanding and awareness of alternative life experiences, how can this not help bind us together? How can it not help smooth the wrinkles, and mend the tears, in society’s common tapestry? But most importantly, Michelle Obama, if you’re reading this, lunch is on me!

Filed under: Literature/Theatre/Art & Other & Self/My Life

Author Interviews

September 2nd, 2022 → 6:19 am

“The eye sees not itself
But by reflection, by some other things.” — Julius Caesar

Another author interview with me was published today. I always find reading such pieces fascinating. I can remember giving the interview, of course, and answering some of the questions, but when I read what is actually written up I’m often thinking, “Is that me?”

I believe the surprise is a combination of what the journalist chose to actually put in the published piece, and, selective memory of what I said only days before, but either way, reading about myself in published articles is always part fascinating, part frightening, and 100% enlightening.

Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art & Self/My Life

Rage and Despair

August 20th, 2022 → 5:01 pm

“Farewell the tranquil mind.” — Othello

It has been a crazy week, filled with spectacular highs, but also shocking lows… It can be difficult, sometimes, to get out from under the suffocating weight of the lows…the mind obsessing over what went wrong, and depriving one of much desired tranquility and sleep… So let me try and purposefully reorient my thoughts towards the better things: Seeking Forgiveness went on pre-order this week! And early interviews about the book continue to be strong. 🙏

Filed under: Self/My Life & Stupid/Evil People

The Proof is Here

August 9th, 2022 → 9:53 am

“Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service.” — Tempest

Seeking Forgiveness is a love letter to my son. And the proof of it arrived in the mail yesterday. Exciting!!

Filed under: Blog & Books I'm Reading & Literature/Theatre/Art & Self/My Life

“You don’t know what it’s like to be Black!”

August 3rd, 2022 → 6:12 am

“These are but wild and whirling words.” — Hamlet

As detailed in my Mother’s Day op-ed, as well as in chapter 10 of Seeking Forgiveness, my son went through a phase where he said these words to me A LOT. Most often during minor arguments, for example over brushing his teeth or doing his homework, but once in a while over more substantive disagreements as well. I can say that the phase seems to have passed – not the arguments, we do still have those (lol!) – but my son seems to have realized that it’s generally more constructive to say things that extend a discussion, rather than shut it down. And I always appreciate having the discussion with him.

Filed under: Self/My Life

The School System in America

July 25th, 2022 → 6:37 am

“Never was such a sudden scholar made.” — Henry V

Chapter 9 of Seeking Forgiveness is out, and it describes the experience of trying to find an elementary school where our interracial family fit in. Bottom line: it was not easy, and in the end, we were all schooled, not just my son. You can read more about it at the Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson racial equity storytelling project.

Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life

When you have one of those Uncles…

July 17th, 2022 → 4:46 am

“A little more than kin, and less than kind.” — Hamlet

Chapter 8 of Seeking Forgiveness came out yesterday, and it depicts a racist interaction I had with a real family member. Over the years that have passed since this incident occurred, I’ve come to understand a little more of the nuance behind it. But even with context, the interaction was pretty hurtful and inexcusable. Managing family – the love, the expectations, the disappointments, the support, the confusion, the kindness, the traditions – has been one of the challenges of my life. I continue to be challenged by it today. But perhaps the most important thing I have learned over the years, is not to give up. Love, understanding, and empathy are worth every ounce of effort.

Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life & Stupid/Evil People

The LEGO Minifigure

July 14th, 2022 → 6:36 am

“The prize of all-too-precious you.” — Sonnet 23

In Chapter 7 of Seeking Forgiveness, out this week, a LEGO minifigure becomes the wordless bond between Miles and Rachel.

Filed under: Blog & Other & Self/My Life

I’m baaaack!

July 13th, 2022 → 7:09 am

“O let my books be then the eloquence
And dumb presagers of my speaking breast.”  — Sonnet 23

After a rather long hiatus, I’m back to talk about my latest novel, Seeking Forgiveness, currently being serialized in the racial equity storytelling project Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, but soon to be published in the fall. Stay tuned for more!

Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life