Author Notes
Henry
The beginning of "Henry" traces back to 2018 when, at the age of 13, I immersed myself in researching the captivating story of Henry Berry Lowry. His tale gripped my imagination from the outset. In 2019, an opportunity arose for me to participate in "Strike at the Wind," a production that allowed me to step into the narrative of his life through acting.
However, the unforeseen lockdown in 2020 dashed hopes of "Strike at the Wind" continuing. Determined to honor Henry's legacy in a different medium, I embarked on the journey of writing his story. The onset of that year saw me crafting "Henry," and as I delved deeper, the book truly came to life.
The release of "Henry" in 2020 coincided with significant milestones in my personal journey. Obtaining my driver's permit that very week symbolized newfound freedom and independence. Yet, with the world in the clutches of a pandemic, traditional book launches were unfeasible. Instead, my inaugural book sale took on a novel form—a drive-through pop-up in my front yard. It was a memorable experience, marking not only the birth of "Henry" but also the dawn of my authorial career. This project will forever be intertwined with memories of navigating the challenges of the pandemic, making it a poignant chapter in my journey.
Reflecting on "Henry" today, there are aspects I would alter. Nevertheless, self-publishing a book at the age of 15 remains a source of immense pride for me.
Graduation Chronicles
In the fall of 2023, I found myself enrolled in an art class that reignited my creative spark. Prior to this, I had been somewhat distant from the creative realm, aside from my seasonal roles in "Strike at the Wind" or the release of my album "Eighteen" earlier that year. It's fair to say I was lacking inspiration. However, this art class proved to be a turning point.
Our final project was open-ended, and I found myself drawn to the idea of creating a poetry book. Reflecting on my educational journey seemed like a fitting theme, especially as I approached graduation. Sketching the cover—yes, I did that myself—became the starting point. Within a remarkably short span of 72 hours, I had not only designed the cover but also penned the poems that would fill the pages. It was a whirlwind of creativity, and I felt a sense of pride in what I had accomplished.
"Graduation Chronicles" may not have reached the same level of success as "Henry," but its significance in my journey as an author and creator cannot be understated. It served as a catalyst, propelling me back into the world of writing and creation.
Promoting this book was a journey in itself. I embarked on a mini promo tour, which included setting up a pop-up shop at a vendor's event and hosting a signing/meet and greet at my local coffee shop. Looking back, I wish I had more time for the rollout, but nevertheless, it was an experience filled with valuable lessons.
There's still a treasure trove of unreleased material from this era, and I hope to share it with you all one day. Each project, regardless of its scale, has played a vital role in shaping my identity as an author and a creator, and for that, I am grateful.
The Battle of Hayes Pond
After the release of "Henry," I attempted several times to embark on new fictional novels, but each time, the ideas failed to take root and fell by the wayside. However, I soon discovered my passion for historical fiction and the art of crafting narratives rooted in history.
My journey with "The Battle of Hayes Pond" began during my middle school years, when a field trip with the American Indian Student Association introduced me to the story. The significance of this historical event lingered in my mind, waiting to be explored further.
Around the time I released "Graduation Chronicles," I felt a strong desire to pen one more book before commencing my bachelor's program. Although I had pursued a significant opportunity for "Henry" and "Graduation Chronicles," which unfortunately didn't come to fruition, the experience sparked a new inspiration within me. It was from this disappointment that "The Battle of Hayes Pond" was born.
This book came together relatively quickly, fueled by the character of Koda, who had been residing in my mind for some time. Blending his story with the real events of the Battle of Hayes Pond felt almost effortless, as if the story had been waiting to be told.
"The Battle of Hayes Pond" holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to bring its story to readers eager to delve into the rich layers of history intertwined with fiction.