November is here and I can feel the chill now!

I thought were going to experience another fake winter but…nope. I think we’re going to feel it for real this year.

So for my 10th year as an indie author—I am thrilled to announce the release of my eighth poetry collection, Rising From the Shadows. This collection is a reflection of my evolution, my struggles, and my triumphs as a person. It’s far from sweet but it’s real. Titles like, “Bitch, Lemmmeee Loneeeee” is a sign that this is out of my usual. LOL. Refusing to be silent about certain experiences because my voice/story may help others. Or, maybe I’ll be a cautionary tale…who knows… Still helpful, I hope.

Over the years, I have faced the challenges of navigating my identity, confronting societal expectations, and embracing the complexity of all kinds of relationships (family, friends, and romantic). Each poem in this collection serves as a stepping stone along my path, snaggin’ moments of transparency, resilience, and most importantly: acceptance.

Love, loss, identity, and the quest for belonging. From the opening lines of "Being Alive," (Visual of this poem is below) where I reflect on the duality of existence, to the distressing "Grateful Goodbye," which captures the bittersweet nature of letting go...even in grief, I hope they encourage you to delve deeper into your own experiences.

Poems like "Closure-less" and "My Turn" Reeks of past struggles of familial codependency, and the reclaiming of my fucking self-worth.

Publishing Rising From the Shadows during my 10th year as an indie author is incredibly meaningful. I feel as though I’m closing a personal chapter for myself. I challenged shit, faced my mess, rediscovered “found my ass” and let them mofos go. It took me 10 years. Growth takes time. So is discovering the true colors of people who aren’t really there for you.  This is like a continuation of Long Live Phoenixes.

As I look back at my beginnings, I feel immense gratitude for the folks who have embraced my work. The encouragement I received from ya’ll have fueled my passion and inspired me to keep writing, even when self-doubt crept in. Each collection has been a stepping stone, leading me to this moment.

Rising From the Shadows is not just another collection of poems; it is an invitation to reflect on your own experiences, embrace your shadows, and celebrate your light. Ya’ll finna honor your stories, your struggles, and your victories along with mine?

Thank you for being part of my journey. Your support means the world to me, and I can't wait to share this new chapter with you. Here’s to a decade of words, growth, and, most importantly, the love for poetry!

Rising From the Shadows is now available for pre-order and will be available to enjoy on December 10th, 2024. I will be sharing a few pieces as we get closer to the big day!