How did you get into writing?
The truth is, I didn’t have much of a choice. My mom is a playwright, my father is a poet, and my first word was ‘book’ so…it’s always been written in the stars. There is a scene in one of my favorite movies, Sister Act II, where Whoopi tells Lauryn that, “If the first thing she thinks about when she wakes up in the morning is singing and the last thing she thinks about before she goes to sleep is singing, then honey, she’s a singer.” Well, Madlibs replace “singer” with “writer” and you’ve got me. Telling stories is my favorite thing to do and I feel so fortunate to be able to do my favorite thing for my job.
Is Color Me In Autobiographical?
No! It was *inspired by my experiences as a white presenting, multiracial woman and some of the characters were also inspired by family and friends, but mostly, it’s made up.
*”Inspired by” is not the same as “Based On.”
Can you come to my school for a speaking engagement?
I would really love to! Shoot me an email via my contact page with dates/honorarium/length of visit/ any other applicable details and let’s see if we can make it work 🙂
Can you read my manuscript and give me feedback?
Unfortunately, between writing projects and family commitments I am unable to read manuscripts at this time, but highly suggest and support the idea of finding some beta readers to give you feedback on your work! It is a critical part of the writing process.
Can you blurb my book?
Maybe! Please have your editor reach out via my contact page!
Do you have a favorite book?
No. But I am obsessed with the original Wizard of Oz, the original Pinocchio, and The Color of Water.
Who made this really awesome website design of a NYC block covered in trash with the centerpiece of a Bodega?
The one and only Hafsah Faizal at IceyDesigns
(She is super amazing talented, hire her).