Happy June!
We’re halfway through 2020, and it’s been a roller coaster. I spent the end of May and the beginning of June reeling from the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was brutally killed by a police officer.
It’s hard being a Black writer during this time (or most times, really). This moment hit me particularly hard. I’ve resolved to continue doing what I always do: writing own voices stories, centering books by Black & Brown folks, and sharing Black & Filipino history.
Here is an update on where I am in different areas:
Graduate School & My Thesis Novel
I am set to graduate from my MFA program on June 28th! My fellow classmates also voted for me to deliver the Commencement Speech at our virtual graduation, and I feel so very honored. I drafted my speech and sent it in a few weeks ago. Hopefully they like it.
My thesis novel passed too. Yay! Once I do some finishing touches, I will send it to some literary agents. Submitting to agents again is an act of faith for me. I’m hoping and praying that I find the right one.
My New Writing Projects
I started doing a preliminary brainstorm for another romance novel. Brainstorming the story is tough, especially when I’m also processing George Floyd’s death. It’s hard to think of love and HEAs when there’s so much hatred in the world. However, writing happily ever afters is my protest. I’m giving Black people the happiness, joy, and love they deserve, even when the world says otherwise.
My Romance Novel with Avon/HarperCollins
I’m working through edits for this book. I’ve done two manuscript passes already, and I’m currently on my third manuscript pass. Once I finish this third pass, I’ll let the book rest for a day or two. Then I’ll reread it (or listen to it on audio) before sending it back to my editor.
Ah, I love this story! It holds so much hope. I think it’s the perfect book for this shaken world. I can’t wait to hold the finished copy in my hands.
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