Musings
When I'm not busy with class projects and exams, I am most likely writing. Writing and reading have always been my escape. All my emotions, thoughts, ideas, are scratched into any piece of paper. One day I wish to share those pieces of paper with the world.
The Octavia Project
The Octavia Project “uses speculative fiction as a lens through which to envision new futures and greater possibilities for our world. Blending creative writing, art, science, and technology, our programming increases confidence and skills in a myriad of subjects while fostering leadership and community.”
F(r)iction
My first opportunity with the program came the following spring when The Octavia Project partnered with F(r)iction for a community feature. F(r)iction is a literary anthology that explores cultural topics through a mix of historical analysis, nonfiction essays, fiction, poetry, comics, and art, all curated to inspire new perspectives.
This particular issue was themed around Legacies, and I submitted a poem. At 16, I was officially published.
Constellations
I joined the program during the summer of 2020, and it was an incredible experience that sparked my creativity. As an alum, I’ve been offered opportunities that I cherish. My next opportunity came through OP’s Constellations program, where “professionally published authors from the Brooklyn Speculative Fiction Writers mentor Octavia Project alumni one-on-one. The mentors guide mentees as they enter the greater writing community, navigate the business of writing, and refine a single piece of fiction with the end goal of publication.”
Through the program, I was mentored by Jonathan E. Hernandez, who gave me invaluable insights into writing a book and introduced me to the publishing world. Unfortunately, due to school and other commitments, I haven’t been able to work on my book as much as I’d like. However, I want to thank OP, BSFW, and Jonathan for giving me the chance to grow as a writer.
Musings
While I haven’t had time to work on my book, I’ve been writing poetry—small snippets capturing strong emotions and even the mundane moments of life. Here are a few pieces I’d love to share with you all.
Someone tell me who I am
I see myself in the mirror
I see myself but is it true
I see my intelligence but am I incapable
I see my creativity but am I unoriginal
I see my love but am I overbearing
I don’t know if I can trust my eyes
Someone tell me who I am
Its ok to be paradoxical
To one day be happy
and the other blue
To one day be hyperactive
and the other drained
No one is just one thing
We were made paradoxical
Oh to find happiness in the every day
the mundane
the small things
to be blessed by easy smiles