CHRISTMAS MEMORY

One of the best gifts I ever received was a typewriter from my father when I was twelve years old. When I opened the box my very practical mother said, “Well now you can practice to be a secretary.” In 1967 the best a black girl could hope to grow up to be was a secretary or a teacher. I remember looking up at my father and saying, "No I going to be a writer.” My father smiled and nodded like he knew this was going to be the truth. This is my favorite writing memory. It is why my first book will be dedicated to my father.

Merry Christmas everyone and may all your best dreams come true.