Someone had recently asked me how I got into writing since I had initially had my heart set on pursuing a career as an actress. The truth is that when I wasn’t singing or performing, I was writing. As a kid, my mom and I would go to the library often. One day, I told my mom I wanted to write a book so it could be on the shelf at the library. She encouraged me to write one and so I did. I don’t remember the story, but I remember writing and illustrating this book. I proudly brought the finished book to the library and handing it to the librarian. She was gracious enough to put it on a shelf for me in the children’s section. I’m sure she eventually tossed it out.
After that, I wrote short stories and poems for fun. I read the literary magazines for kids and tweens, but never thought to submit my own work to be considered for publication. In high school, I was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the school newspaper. After reading Sandra Cisneros’s “The House on Mango Street,” I dabbled in writing vignettes. I recently found some old copies of some of the random short stories I had written as a teenager in my parents’ house. That was a trip!
I pursued acting in college and eventually, my writing evolved from prose to playwriting. A few of my plays were performed or put up in staged readings. It was rewarding to see the reactions to my writing from complete strangers. The laughter that erupted from quippy one-liners and applause response made me think, “Maybe I could do something with a writing career.” I went back to school to get a degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology. During those years, I landed editorial internships at Latina Magazine, the New York Metro newspaper, and Footwear News. Latina Magazine and Metro promoted me to freelance writer. I was also busy writing my first novel, SWING SETS. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from FIT and immediately started working at advertising agencies.
Now, when I’m not working as Marketing Manager at Mercy College in New York, I am writing. My latest project got started in October 2020. I’m very passionate about getting this story right - accurate and authentic. It’s taking a lot of research; every source gets me more inspired and motivated! Stay tuned for more!
