The Shift
Hi folks! Thank you for following along with me so far. I am sure you are wondering where I have been for the past months. I hosted a variety of folk over the summer, moved, and started a new job. Writing and reading during that time was a bit of a struggle and to be honest I had to find a new groove since my work hours changed. All this is to say that I am back and ready to continue to dive back into my personal topics of interest. I am still working out the kinks of my new writing plan so please bear with me.
Brainstorming Session
Brainstorming session at the home office.
After a regroup and brainstorming session with the one and only supportive hubs (short for husband) and dedicating time to dream wild and crazy like a great Davidson Wildcat advised, (thanks Angelina), the focus of my blog is shifting just a tad itty bitty bit. I still plan on dropping info about the African Diaspora and threading the pieces of stories together to draw connections. But, it will be a little more focused. First, let me give a little context here.
A little context won't hurt
In 2010, I published a children’s book about Afro-Bolivians when I studied abroad in Bolivia. Writing a children's book was NOT on the brain when I arrived but after learning about the need for more positive representations of Afros in the community, I decided that my book would be a way to address the need. Kudos to my Program Director for giving students an opportunity to publish books about their research.
Some of my fondest memories in Bolivia are the two weeks I spent engaging with the Afro Bolivian community and crafting my book to share a tiny bit of their story. At the time, I just thought I was writing a book and then after my public reading (where I ugly cried lol), I realized the power of the book and its message. One community member came up to be after the reading to express the importance of the story and gratitude for sharing the message. Of course, I was grateful but I just thought this book writing and storytelling chapter would close once I returned. Well, it didn’t. Ok, wait it did... until six years later when I learned my book still mattered in South America. The Program Director reached out and said an author focused on Afro Latinx literature discussed my book at a conference. My initial response was, 'oh word...wait what! (stops and grabs chest out of shock)'. After I got over the initial shock, my wheels started turning. It was not until last week's planning season when the (idea) light bulb came on and I figured how to merge these interests.
The Shift
This blog is going to take you through my journey of research, interviews, etc on the cultures I write my children’s books about. We will still explore connections between African descendant communities and uncover things people are wondering BUT afraid to admit; it will just be in the context of whatever community I am learning about.
What's Next?
So here we go.. With all these “Kiki do you love me” summer vibes, I decided to dig a little deeper into Afro Canadians.
I hope you are down for the ride! Talk to you soon :D
~lrap
