As a kid, I was never without a book and spent a good amount of my time writing plays and stories. There was, however, a disconnect between what I viewed as only a hobby and opportunities in my working-class town.

Writing as a career felt out of reach. Especially for someone who looked like me.

Fast forward to college where I thought I would major in broadcast journalism, instead, I fell in love with good ol' foot-to-the-street, source-chasing print journalism.

When I realized the stories I wanted to tell weren't the stories I'd be assigned, I decided to take a chance on what would become the future of journalism - digital storytelling - and began my freelance writing career.

I saw the potential to eliminate the gatekeepers that curtailed diverse and dynamic conversations about what was happening in the world. I was right.

I am passionate about representation, amplifying voices that are often muted, championing small businesses, highlighting workers who make a big business great, and taking on society's tough topics.

We have to model the change we want and share the megaphone so everyone is included which is why I wrote my first children's book Olivia's Potty Adventures. At the time there was such a poor selection of milestone books featuring children of color.

It's also why I wrote Heartbeat, A Courageous Love Novel.

So often Black women are told there is no room in the Romance genre for us. We are told lies that we are less desirable, there is no audience for our stories and that 'typical' (read White) romance readers cannot connect with Black main characters.

I want to see myself and the women I know and love featured in the genre I love, so I'm doing my part - creating heartwarming stories featuring swoon worthy partners that love their women without hesitation or reservation. There are thousands of Black writers doing the same, millions of readers that support us, and I'm so happy to be a part of this community.

My Writing

I have written for a variety of websites, magazines, and newspapers including MyBrownBaby.com, Columbus Parent Magazine, FreelanceWritingGigs.com, and CommonSenseMedia.org.

My work has garnered the attention of the New York Times, Disney.com, and Jezebel.com among others.

Olivia's Potty Adventures - my first children's book - was a #1 New Amazon New Release in two categories for 16 weeks and in the top 20 of those categories for 32 weeks. The book is the first in a milestone series celebrating all the great firsts of childhood.

My first adult contemporary romance novel, Heartbeat, A Courageous Love Novel is an international bestseller in two countries and categories and launched the bestselling Courageous Love Series.

As a successful writer, journalist, entrepreneur, mother of three, and wife to one, I am often asked to lead discussions on women and parenting issues, business strategies for writers and entrepreneurs, and diversity in media, pop culture, and tech. You can find me writing through life on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook - come join the conversation!