Your personal mantra includes integrity, determination, perseverance, and loyalty. How do these values shape your writing and storytelling?
My values shape my writing and storytelling because the values of integrity, determination, perseverance, and loyalty have always been a significant part of my persona throughout my life. A subset of each of these characteristics is the importance of telling the truth about a matter which, in my view, shows integrity.
You mentioned your proudest achievement was implementing a children's program at a nonprofit. How did that experience influence your perspective or inspire any themes in your writing?
It was actually my own childhood upbringing that laid the groundwork for me to inspire the children whose mothers faced challenges. They needed to learn early in their young lives how to become viable and productive individuals for their future beyond the program. The program aimed to teach responsibility and teach correct ways to present themselves, enabling participants to develop into viable citizens in the future, thereby breaking a possible cycle of crime.
"Alive ...For A Reason" is your first published work. What inspired you to finally take that leap and share your voice through writing?
I am a "helper" by nature. It was sheer will and my commitment to writing the book that led me to explore another way to help people who may not understand the various medical concerns they face. Hopefully, it will help people find the answers or ask the right questions to enhance their understanding.
Many people who lack someone to assist them in their personal growth often struggle to find direction in their lives. I want to share this strength with others so that they can create a positive and achieve the best that they can for themselves.
Your book, "Alive ...For A Reason," aims to use an educational platform to call for personal and social change. Can you elaborate on the specific changes you hope to inspire in your readers?
Julia was concerned that the rare illness was not among the more well-known "commonplace," sudden, life-threatening health issues.
I hope to encourage people to question any system they face to get the correct answers. The reason: they are fighting for their own lives. Others may not be as concerned about them.
How have your multiple relocations—from New York to North Carolina to Nevada—shaped your worldview and personal growth?
As for personal growth, I have and still have great faith in God. I've carried it with me when deciding to leap from New York to North Carolina, followed by relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada, on my own.
I learned that people tend to share similar thoughts about their lives as I do.
This was especially true for me when I moved from the north to the south. I learned that I needed to stay the course my parents taught me, to do my best, and follow the teachings of Jesus. I also learned to pray whenever I faced adversity, regardless of my location or life status.
You have a deep appreciation for the performing arts, from jazz and ballet to theater. How do these artistic influences show up in your writing or creative process?
In my early teenage years, I began writing poetry, and from that, I learned the ebb and flow of words, much like the performing arts that I'm fond of.
Your journey has included self-evaluation at each life transition. What has been your biggest personal revelation through those moments of change?
I learned that it is more important to be the best person I can be, regardless of what life and people throw at me. And when someone's goal is to purposely hurt me or harm my efforts in places where I work, I do my best to assess what could be causing them to treat me questionably. It's best to let those people know that I am aware of the microaggressions they are subtly trying to hide. Despite the microaggressions of others toward me, I continue to live my life to the best of my ability.
With your background in law and public policy, how do you blend advocacy with storytelling in your work?
I realized that I could make a difference for groups of individuals who needed help being heard. Whenever I see someone unable to speak up for themselves, I do my best to be their advocate. I want others to know that "I see" when I see some people inhibiting a person from living the fullest of their lives.
You have a clear vision for supporting aging-out foster youth and disabled adults. How do you plan to bring those passions to life both in your writing and in the real world?
When I lived in New York, I had a job teaching basic and life skills to adults and children who were physically or mentally challenged, or both. I noticed areas that could be improved and offered recommendations.
Also, whenever I see someone unable to speak up for themselves, I do my best to be their advocate, even if they have not asked. I want others to know that everyone was born with a purpose in the world. I've been a long-time friend with an individual whom I was assigned to work with because of his profound cerebral palsy.
When I moved to Nevada, I registered with the IRS as a representative of a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization that would mirror my work at the residential facility in North Carolina, but with emancipated minors aging out of the foster care system.
I may write about those experiences in the future as a means of helping and encouraging others who share a desire to help others.
Which authors or public figures—aside from entertainers—have had the most significant influence on your path as a writer and advocate?
My parents have been the most significant influence in my life because they have lived their lives in accordance with Jesus' teachings. Now, as an adult, I realize the importance of learning to be a productive and respected individual in my life.
Your love for icons like Michael Jackson and Lucille Ball shows a mix of depth and humor. Would you say your writing reflects that same combination of gravity and joy?
Yes, I find myself laughing at myself and some of the silly things I do without thinking. It relieves the gravity I feel within, which often rears its head in my thinking and in the seriousness of my writing.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing your first book, and what kept you going through the process?
The biggest challenge was trying to understand the meaning of the language beyond the medical terminology for myself and for Julia. I needed the correct language to convey medical terminology in terms that laypersons like Julia and I could understand.
Your poodle seems to play a significant role in your daily joy. Has your fur baby ever found a way into your writing, either literally or as inspiration for a character?
Treasure, my beloved poodle's name, often showed signs of child-like human behavior in terms of his displayed "personality," traits, and actions. You know, it may be a good idea for me to consider making him a central character in one of my future books. Thank you for the thought and the question.
If readers take away only one message from your book, "Alive ...For A Reason", what do you hope it is—and why does that matter so deeply to you?
Believe, trust, and have tremendous faith, even in the darkest seasons of uncertainty in your life. Don't let anyone tell you something is impossible or that you can't or are not smart enough to do something. Tell yourself that you have purpose in this life, even when others treat you as if you do not.
I am committed to striving for excellence in everything I do, and I aim to maintain this standard. I want to share this strength with others so that they can create a positive self-image and encourage others to achieve the best that they can for themselves. Don't let anyone tell you something is impossible or that you can't or are not smart enough to do something. Remind yourself that you were given a purpose in this life, even when others treat you as if you don't.
How were you introduced to AllAuthor, and would you say that this website has been helpful?
I had been looking for websites where I could submit my book for review consideration. I am delighted to have found AllAuthor during my search. Their website offered the ability to create a myriad of colorful GIFs, which I could also add to my book on KDP and share information about my award, posted to my profile, from the International Impact Book Award organization. Additionally, AllAuthor has been instrumental in tweeting my book on X.com often.
Kudos to Mady Joshi for her prompt responses to my questions, insightfulness, sincerity, and patience. These characteristics shine through and represent AllAuthor's goal of communicating that they, indeed, are a much-needed support for first time authors.
