THIS. IS. NOT. A. JOKE.
When Lil’s instinct for freedom leads to another stay in D.C. juvenile detention, Lil knows she’s lucky to just be on probation. But judgment, guilt, and an ankle monitor weigh heavily on her, and she can’t shake that pinned-down feeling.
The only person who might understand is her big brother, Aldwin. Except he’s more distant now than just the hundred miles where he’s away at college.
Something’s been off with him for a couple of months, but only Lil seems to realize how important it is to get to him.
As her court hearing ticks closer, a question looms over Lil as the missed phone calls and strange texts from her brother pile up: will she follow the rules until her sentencing, or put her future freedom on the line?
Preorder link in my bio! Shoutout to @kiliallano for her incredible artwork. This cover is EVERYTHING 😍
Anger Is Only A Shadow.
Fifty-one rejected titles later, I finally arrived at the name for this novel. I can’t wait to share more! An exciting announcement is coming later this week (forgive me for playing the anticipation game, and also you’re welcome for having something to look forward to!) 🫶🏽
Ten days later and still thinking about this wildly beautiful day of island excellence!
A panel at @dominicanwriters conference, a too-short hug with @jasminnemendez , a long lunch with brilliant ones @writercruz , @denicefrohman , and @cleyvisnatera and then got to celebrate the release of @easethebloom journal at @nine26.nyc which was one of the most thoughtful dining experiences I’ve ever had. And don’t get me started on the conversations with @tahismayte , @olgam.s , @nataliee.guerrero , and @aleherex over mofongo cups and the best bread pudding I’ve ever had. Not to mention I got to see @caridbeknowin which is always a dose of literal lovesunshine straight to the veins. Okay I’m done name dropping, but just wanted to make it clear why this day is living large a fortnight later. I may not come to NYC often, but babyyyyy, I make it count!
“And you are a threat knowing yourself
You are a threat loving yourself
You are a threat loving your kin
You are a threat loving your children
You black girl magic
You black girl fly
You black girl brilliance
You black girl wonder
You black girl shine
You black girl bloom” — @mobrowne
March, you were full of the best food, the best people, the best flowers, the best events, the best updates. Also, an on-again, off-again relationship with this cold I can’t shake and the squirrel that steals my granola bar at the playground. Note: I did not take the incredible picture of the road sentineled by cherry blossoms—hubby is the 5am runner in the family and all credit goes to him 🌸
Wow, THE POET X really was that girl!
Happy 8th pub birthday to this gem. Shoutout to all the folks who have loved up in this book throughout the years. 🫶🏽
Things are heavy and posting content feels tone deaf and ineffectual. But books for me have always been the path toward hope and problem-solving, so still going to make some recs. And these are such sweet books for the kiddo in your life, or even if you don’t have kiddos in your life! Beautifully illustrated and loving stories are for all of us. 💗
February recap! My favorite month of the year. This black ass month, this celebratory month, this month of Antilles magic, rotations around the mother star, this month of frost, this month of darkness and thawing; ice and little peeks into Spring.
