spotlight

I woke up yesterday with a plan to write for most of the day, but in the morning I learned that my essay for School Library Journal went live. Then in the afternoon I got the link for my interview with ABC27’s Valerie Pritchett; it was part of the “Midstate Hidden History” special that aired Thursday night, starting with a great segment on the Underground Railroad Tour run by the AAHSSCP. By the time I finished posting those two things on various social media platforms, there wasn’t much left to the day. I chatted with my agent about the Central PA project and tweaked the outline since she’s getting ready to send it out. A friend of mine objects to the term “Black girl magic” and wishes people were as eager to recognize and name Black women’s genius. I think it’s possible to do both, and with this experimental novel I’m trying to historicize the “magic” Black women practice as a mode of resistance and empowerment. Will it find a home with a traditional publisher? Who knows. We heard from a publisher in Canada that’s interested in my dystopian YA novel, so that’s encouraging; if it works out, that will be the first book of mine published by a Canadian press. I talked a bit about the publishing industry earlier today as the special guest at Bright Side Opportunity Center. I sold a few books and met more folks who are interested in making their own books; hopefully I can find a way to hold a self-publishing workshop here in Lancaster.

It didn’t take long for my citizenship application to be processed—I got my first notification letter today and I should get my biometrics appointment in a day or two. I didn’t think I’d be able to vote in the November election but who knows!