This book is dedicated to my daddy, who was arrested at 16 and imprisoned until he was 27. Despite this, his love for reading & writing became mine and his determination to write about the Black experience in his music and literature is what still inspires me to keep going today. Love you, Dad. Miss you like crazy. Rest In Peace in the Light 💜✨✨
I'd also like to dedicate this book to those who have ever been racially profiled, wrongfully accused, and unjustly treated all over the world. Devyn tells Ace that it doesn't matter where you live, not even in some corner of the world. You can't hide or run away from your blackness. Racism against dark-skinned people remains a deep-rooted issue world wide. And from micro-aggressions to hate crimes, what happened to you matters, because what happens to one, happens to us all❣️
Ace Jones was not an easy character to write, largely due to his mixed background. I too come from a mixed background but depended on my brothers' experiences in order to navigate his feelings. Over the years, I've watched my brothers wrestle with both identities and I've seen it take a toll. My hope was to capture the complexity of what it means to be viewed as a "minority" in the States after experiencing a social awakening.
THE TRUTH ABOUT PENELOPE'S NICKNAME. The truth is that my grandmother has a childhood friend, who she still talks to today, nicknamed Peewee. After hearing countless stories about this woman, I knew I had to name a character after her. That is why I chose this name. I thought the goofy name would align with my goofy ghost character. That is all 😊
A HUGE thank you for anyone reading (or rereading) and supporting this work!! Your votes and comments give me life and keep me writing! Much appreciation!!
**A SEQUEL is in the works! Ideas are cooking and I plan on picking right up from where things left off in the "Recovery" chapter. I hope to start posting in the coming months, so be sure to check back in on Ace's and Devyn's journeys 🙌🏽 Be ready for more Aunt Atheena, Kaycee, demons, and a new mystery to solve! 🔎🤔 **
Disclaimer: I am not a legal expert so if you detect anything unrealistic, let me know! There are some things that might slide for the sake of the story but I'd like to keep things as close to real life as possible.
Further Reading: I hope to build this list as I continue to read more POC works. But here are a few works that influence my writing:
Children of Blood and Bone by Toni Adeyemi
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
This Is My America by Kim Johnson
Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Samsbury
The Blood Trials by N.E. Davenport
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Paranormal✨A WATTYS 2022 PARANORMAL & "BEST CHARACTERS" WINNER✨ A college basketball star risks everything to prove his innocence with a girl who can communicate with ghosts. *** Ace Jones isn't certain about a lot of things in life, but basketball has always...
