Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope you’re as excited about 2025 as I am. The new year brings with it fresh opportunities to rebuild, grow, and create. One of my favorite traditions on New Year’s Eve is journaling—reflecting on the year that has passed and setting intentions and goals for the year ahead. It’s a time of introspection, renewal, and, of course, hope.
As I look back on 2024, I’m filled with deep gratitude. It’s been a year of personal and professional growth despite my challenges. As many of you know, I’m a writer, poet, essayist, and scholar deeply committed to centering the narratives of Black women and girls in the U.S. In 2024, I fully immersed myself in my passions, even as I navigated significant life transitions, including leaving my full-time job due to anti-Blackness, managing health challenges, and coping with the loss of my father to complications from dementia.
Through it all, I feel incredibly blessed to have had the space and the privilege to pursue my creative interests and contribute meaningfully to the literary world. It hasn’t been easy, but there have been moments of immense growth and clarity, and I’m grateful for each one. Despite the difficulties, I’ve been fortunate to experience several remarkable opportunities and achievements, some I didn’t anticipate, and for that, I’m thankful.
Thick Black Lines Chapbook Release
One of the most significant milestones was the release of my poetry chapbook, Thick Black Lines, published by Finishing Line Press. This collection represents my poetry and my journey and growth as a writer. Seeing my work in print and sharing it with the world has been both an honor and a profound source of joy.
San Diego Writing Retreat
I was selected to participate in a writing retreat in San Diego, California, specifically for Black women. This retreat was a sanctuary of creativity and collaboration, providing me with invaluable inspiration and connections with fellow writers. It was a space to deepen my craft and find new perspectives.
Contribution to Saltwater Anthology
I had the privilege of contributing three poems and a black-and-white self-portrait to the anthology Saltwater. This anthology celebrates the voices and experiences of Black women, and being part of it was a meaningful experience that allowed me to share my work with a broader audience.
Commissioned Work for an African American Cultural Organization
I was honored to be commissioned by an African American cultural organization to write three pieces for an exhibit. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to an important cultural project and showcase my work in a significant setting.
Reinvigorating That’s Write Consulting
I revitalized That’s Write Consulting, an initiative dedicated to supporting doctoral students in achieving their educational goals. Helping others navigate their academic journeys has been incredibly fulfilling and aligns closely with my passion for education and mentorship.
Creation of No More Margins
I launched No More Margins, a creative writing group for Black women. This group has been a platform for sharing our stories and nurturing our creative voices. Additionally, I developed a quarterly newsletter by the same name to provide valuable resources and support for Black women writers.
Work on the Next Poetry Book
I’ve also begun editing and writing poems for my next poetry book. This ongoing project is an exciting continuation of my work and a testament to my commitment to exploring and articulating the experiences of Black women and girls.
While reflecting on the past year, I realized that I accomplished some significant goals but didn’t spend as much time reading as I had in previous years. In the past, I’ve set reading goals on Goodreads and consistently exceeded them. However, I didn’t set any specific goals last year, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I only managed to finish about three entire books. That’s a far cry from what I usually aim for, and I’m determined to change that in the year ahead.
Reading is more than just a pastime for me; it sparks my creativity and provides an escape into the minds and experiences of other writers. I explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives through books, which feed my imagination and drive my writing. It’s a form of mental nourishment I no longer want to neglect.
What does reading do for you?
How does it inspire and influence your thinking?
As I’ve mentioned, the new year feels like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to rebuild. This year, I’m setting a clear intention to make reading a priority again. I’ve pledged to read at least 12 books in 2025—one book each month. To keep myself accountable, I’ll dedicate my blog to discussing a book each month, sharing my thoughts, reactions, and maybe even some personal insights or takeaways from the reading experience.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. How many books will you pledge to read in 2025? Are there specific genres or authors you’re excited about? Let me know in the comments—let’s motivate each other to make reading a meaningful part of the new year!
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