Journey Through Words: The Making of 'From the Bleeding Heart' and 'One of Us'

Writing has been my time to reflect, ask questions, and explore ideas creatively. Some may have had questions surrounding my books, and I figured this would be the best way to answer.

What inspired you to write "from the Bleeding Heart"? Were there specific events or emotions that served as catalysts for your poetry?

'from the Bleeding Heart' started as me writing through traumatic experiences to process them. When writing the poems, I wasn't pursuing the idea of writing a book, or even publishing any of the works, it was just more of an outlet to process emotions. However, over time as I wrote the poems, I started to explore the idea of combining everything and publishing them. The book explores the journey through childhood into adulthood, grief, love, and the journey of finding my heart.

How do you approach the process of turning personal experiences into poetry? Are there any particular techniques or strategies you find helpful?

The process of turning personal experiences into poetry for me was not difficult as it was the way I processed life in general -- through creative writing that is. The idea was not to drag the experiences but to process the emotions in the moment. Writing has been more therapeutic for me in the sense that I write for myself and not for the audience.

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that directly influenced a poem in your book?

I believe that there's a poem in the book that talks about the notebooks that my mother purchased for me. She always purchased more notebooks than we "needed" for school because she was aware that my sister and I were using them as journals.

What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from "From the Bleeding Heart"?

The biggest one that comes to mind currently is that even through all of the experiences, good and bad, the journey is what you make it.

Moving on to "One of Us," what inspired you to create a story about a unique community with a powerful, enigmatic female leader? Was there a specific moment of inspiration or a gradual development of the concept?

I was having a conversation with a friend when the topic of faith and what that looks like for different people. 'One of Us' is more of an exploration of faith and what that looks like in a community where only one person knows the truth. As for the powerful, enigmatic female leader, I've been surrounded by just that my entire life through family and adopted family, so it honestly just felt right.

Were there any challenges you faced while writing "One of Us," particularly in developing such a unique premise?

The challenges of writing 'One of Us' were because I knew that by the end of the book, many people would have questions for me concerning my own beliefs.

Without giving away spoilers, can you share a bit about the journey readers can expect when diving into "One of Us"?

'One of Us' is a journey or an exploration of what life looks like when the hand of God is literally in everything, even when you cannot recognize that's what keeping you.

How do the themes explored in "One of Us" relate to contemporary issues or societal discussions?

"One of Us" delves into a myriad of themes that resonate deeply with contemporary issues and societal discussions. The novel challenges traditional gender roles by depicting a powerful, enigmatic female leader, reflecting ongoing conversations about gender equality and women's representation in leadership. It explores the idea of divinity within a human context, touching on the humanization of religious figures and the role of religion in daily life. The central figure’s nurturing role highlights empathy, social responsibility, and the importance of community support, aligning with modern debates on community building and collective efforts to address social issues. The gradual revelation of the protagonist’s true identity examines self-discovery and authenticity, relating to societal discussions about identity and acceptance. Additionally, the story explores faith and belief systems, pertinent to how modern society negotiates faith in a secular world. The transformative impact of the central character underscores themes of personal empowerment and societal change, resonating with movements around personal and social transformation. Lastly, the novel addresses mental health issues, highlighting the struggles and growth of various characters, which is highly relevant to today's conversations about mental health awareness and the importance of mental well-being. By weaving these themes together, "One of Us" not only tells a compelling story but also engages with critical contemporary issues, encouraging readers to reflect on gender roles, community, faith, identity, and mental health.

Finally, what do you hope readers will take away from "One of Us" in terms of entertainment value and deeper reflections on the themes presented?

I hope readers find themselves deeply engaged and entertained by the unique storyline, compelling characters, and unexpected twists. Beyond entertainment, I hope the book sparks deeper reflections on the various themes it explores. I want readers to think critically about gender roles and power dynamics, and to consider the importance of empathy, community, and social responsibility. The novel also invites contemplation on personal identity and the journey toward self-discovery, as well as the role of faith and belief in contemporary life. Additionally, by addressing mental health issues, I aim to contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental well-being and the importance of understanding and supporting those who struggle with it.