As an artist, I discovered the turmoil of a global pandemic presents a choice: succumb to despair or get busy living and creating.
I chose not to wallow in fear, but to turn to my art to try to make the world a little bit better.
The coronavirus pandemic led me to speak to students across the county via Zoom rather than in person. The beauty of this was I was able to get in front of students whose schools otherwise would not have been able to bring in the expense of an out-of-town author.
In this quieter world, it seems that everyone began to slow down and look around.
As I reflect, I appreciate my accomplishments and hope many benefited from my contributions. In brief, I’m grateful for all of my blessings.
In summary:
- I’ve been invited into the #Startupwith8Hollywood program founded by Women of Color Unite. Entertainment folks will each mentor eight women of color to break down the walls of Hollywood. Mentees each get two mentors. The Stupendous Adventures of Mighty Marty Hayes would make a great TV series or film. Speaking it into existence!
- Won first place in Wisconsin Writers Association 2021 Jade Ring Award contest in the nonfiction category.
- I’m also an invited speaker to WWA’s upcoming October 9th conference on “Literary Activism.”
- Continued writing book two in my Mighty Marty middle grade children’s book series.
- Inspired by Emory Global Health Institute, I created a new book to help children cope with the effects of coronavirus on their lives. Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free was published in July 2020.
- Worked with ABLE, Audio & Braille Literary Enhancement to record an audio version of my book, now available throughout Wisconsin and beyond.
- I appreciate all of my bulk book sales, including ABLE, the big three that sponsored the Milwaukee Minority Health Film Festival: Milwaukee Film, Milwaukee Bucks, Froedtert + Medical College of Wisconsin.
- I’m thrilled for my artist residency for two weeks at Dorland Mountain Arts Colony in Temecula, CA.
- I’m planning a project to pursue a film or television series based on my The Stupendous Adventures of Mighty Marty Hayes middle grade series.
I may have missed a project. I’ll fill you in next time.
