How It All Began
It was July 2020; the churches were closed because of the global pandemic and I was arranging a series of Zoom programmes for the church I attend. After discussing a programme with Marcia Mendoza, a health lecturer, and practitioner, During our discussions I shared a few stories of my childhood. Marcia then recommended I write my stories down for the future. I did not take the suggestion seriously. However, a few months later, I felt impressed to do as she suggested, so I began the journey of creating this book of memoirs.
At the outset, my aim was simple: to write a book for my foster siblings.
I’m black, they’re white. During my teenage years I gravitated towards roots rock reggae, while they embraced the popular (pop) music of the time.
They enjoyed beer and wine down the local pub, while I secretly smoked weed in underground blues parties and dance halls. I wanted them to see life from my perspective.
Writing that book was a fifteen-month endeavour, interrupted by a two- to three-month stretch of writer's block, elapsed time being around 18 months. At times, I struggled to transform what read like a business plan into narratives that would captivate readers attention. During part of this time, I was in between jobs, so I had time to put my mind to writing alongside looking for employment. However, I started a job in October 2020. So, I had to balance the learning curve of a new role along with the unknown of how to write a memoir.
I tested various titles and sub titles with over 200 business associates from LinkedIn and 100 plus people from Facebook who have similar demographics to by foster siblings
And finally settled on:
Luck, Coincidence, or Providence:
A Foster Child's Journey through Racism, Riots, and Reggae to Faith.
To my surprise the research I carried out revealed that a wide range of people were interested in receiving an alert when the book was released.
My siblings all received the book from me as a special Christmas present (2021) and most of the people who received an email alert followed through and purchased their copy from Amazon.
The book is now in its second addition and has received positive reviews which I find humbling- especially when people make comments like:
“...This was an inspiring read which challenged my thinking on so many levels e.g. cross racial adoption, identity and spirituality.”
by Walter Wellington“What a remarkable reflection of one’s life, I finished it in one sitting!..” by NICA
“Very insightful and an easy read. I enjoyed reading this book and it makes you think about race issues from different perspectives.” by Arsenal 1
I hope you too take the time to purchase, read and leave a review too.