I want to announce what I have been working on. It’s my first Novel, “Raising Maria A. In Spanglish.” This story is about a young girl’s memoir of being raised in two different cultures and her struggles in making life choices. From what she is going to wear, who she will date, what she will eat; to what religion she will follow. Her vision collide with these two sometimes similar but very often different worlds and her teachings and beliefs will be questioned during her journey.

I will work very hard while creating this novel which, has been festering inside me ever since I can remember. I also remember years ago, before doing this, consulting with my two younger brothers. Sending them the first few pages of what I had written and how nerve wrecking it felt. Their answer to me was; “I couldn’t stop reading it. I want more. You must write it.” Years later (currently) I told the artist of the family (one of my younger brothers) that I was working on the novel again. I gave him a one sentence description of what the novel was going to be about.  A few days later he sent me what is now the cover to “my first novel”. How was he able to capture the seasoning of my novel. My vision. What was inside of me all these years and send it to me? It’s meant to be that’s how! This makes it all seem real and I can see the truth in “when you see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.” I guess it is time!

Cover created by: Marlon Salcedo

Inspiration created by: God because nothing comes to you without him! That’s my belief!

I invite you to join me in this journey as I write this story. I will add excerpts and welcome your feedback. I do ask to please be gentle because like Ms. Erykah Badu once said when she was performing “Tyron” for the first time, “cause I’m sensitive about my Sh…”