Did you know I was a published author?
I'm not sure if you knew, but in addition being the Owner of Echelon Destinations, I became a published author in 2019!
I didn't know or have the desire as a child or young adult to be a writer. It wasn't until around 2006, I felt as though parts of my life could serve as a testimony for someone. It was a random day, and I was talking with an older woman about my journey to Virginia. Sometimes, all it takes is that one conversation and outside perspective to validate what your intuition is telling you. Once I had the validation, all of that intuition sat idle on blank journal pages for years and years. Ridiculous, right? Yeah, tell me about it. SMH As a single mom with two young children, working full-time, I felt like there was very little time to write; and when I did make the time to write....I had no idea where to begin on the story. It all seemed too overwhelming! So the vision of being an author was, literally, just a vision for many years.
Fast forward to August 2018, the kids and I were in Pittsburgh visiting my mother, family, etc. During my visit, my cousin Shallegra, (now Dr. Moye...yay!) would also be recognized at a luncheon, so of course I was going to lend my support for my cousin! When I went to purchase my ticket to attend, to my surprise, the non-profit honoring Shallegra was founded and operated by my childhood friend, Tiffany Huff! (now Huff-Strothers) --Now, at that time I purchased my luncheon ticket, I'm not sure if Tiffany and I were connected on social media, but if we were friends on Facebook, you know how that timeline used to work, right? LOL If you took a short sabbatical, you miss what seems to be an entire year...or THREE from someone's personal or professional life.-- The luncheon was not only an awards/recognition banquet, but it was also the inaugural luncheon and launch of the book series Scenes From a Single Mom! I was also elated because a classmate of mine, Erica Lee, was one of the first authors in the series! I was inspired and began thinking how I could become part of the book project and fulfill one of my longterm goals of becoming a published author.
L to R: Dr. Shallegra Moye, Tiffany Huff-Strothers, Angel L. March (2018 When She Thrives Luncheon)
L to R: Valarie Wasinski, Lucinda Wade, Tiffany Huff-Strothers, Dr. Shallegra Moye, Erica Lee (classmate), Felicia Robinson & Cassandra Spearman (2018 When She Thrives Luncheon)
After the ceremony and luncheon, I was able to talk with Tiffany and I told her how I wanted to become an author. I asked her about the book project and what the criteria to be on the next series. She told me when the next information/application session would be...I attended virtually and was selected as an author for Volume 2!
Prior to the process, the selected authors are invited to a retreat for a weekend to acquaint ourselves with each other and familiarize ourselves with the writing process with a combination of writing exercises and team building exercises. It was a beautiful experience for me and one that I will forever cherish.
I will admit that the writing experience was therapeutic and cleansing for my soul. There were some very challenging times while reliving some of the emotional pain because it was devastating, but I can honestly say I felt so much relief when I completed the project. For so many years I held in so much shame, guilt, resentment and sadness; that's no way to live an abundant and free life. Once I freed myself, I promise you, all of those burdens were lifted off of me!! I had forgiven myself, I mean TRULY forgiven myself and it was life changing for me!
And as they say, the rest is HER-Story!! Pun-intended! haha!
If you'd like purchase my book, please click here or the image below.
