Who Are You? 

 I’m a freelance writer/editor and motivational speaker dedicated to uplifting Black women and girls. I’m a also a feminist, bookworm and lifetime member of the BeyHive.

 Where do you currently reside?

 Chicago, IL.

 How long have you been writing professionally?

 12 years professionally, but if we count student journalism, then it’s 18...so almost my entire life.

 Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?

 So many things -- books I’m reading, conversations with friends, trending topics on Twitter.

When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?

 That’s a good question. My overachieving self would say, “once I become a New York Times bestselling author.” But I’m learning to be kinder to myself these days and extend myself grace, so I’ll say when my future book reaches the people who need it.

 What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?

 Not to brag, but there are a lot! So I’ll share two: one is an essay about my infertility journey, which I wrote for SELF. I’m really proud of this piece because it’s been my most vulnerable to date -- to talk so openly about something so personal. But it’s important for me to share this story because I don’t want other Black women going through this to feel alone.

 The other is a feature I wrote for ZORA about sandwich caregivers, people who are caring for the adult loved ones and children. This one was special to me because it required quite a bit of reporting. As a freelancer, I tend to write a lot of Q&As and personal essays, so this stretched me and gave me an opportunity to tap back into my roots as a reporter. I also want to share a big note of gratitude to the women who entrusted me with their stories and to Christina Tapper for being such a phenomenal editor. 

 Do you have any current published pieces?

 Plenty! You can read many of them at my portfolio: https://www.ltinthecity.com/portfolio. 

 What is your favorite quote from yourself and from your favorite writer?

 From myself? Whew, that’s a good one! I can’t think of one at the moment.

 But my favorite quote is from Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.”

 What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you?

 It means everything, that’s my whole identity in a nutshell -- I’m a Black woman writer. It’s the reason why I do what I do and has shaped my life experiences and how I move through the world. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

 What do you wish you knew before embarking on this journey?

 It’s just that, a journey. Learn to enjoy it, and stop focusing so much on the destination.

 Any last words?

To any aspiring writers, drop the “aspiring.” If you’re writing, you’re a writer.