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ᥫ᭡The Literary Bruja Newsletter— join my community.
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We may not see the blooms from our passions for change, but know that we are the seeds—and our efforts the compost.
I was listening to my friend
speak on the very real reality that we might never see the world we dream of—a world where liberation truly exists for all people, for the planet, and within ourselves. A world we are actively trying to create. Her words sank deep into my heart. And from within her energy, I found the words above.I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to marches or events and met people in their 70s+, still doing this work decades later because it’s in their hearts. I always take the opportunity to speak with elders who by the way, should be respected for their wisdom—to many people trying to be gurus with barley any life experience. I’m 44, and I’ll be honest, I’m exhausted. So I ask: How do you keep going after so many movement collapses, after hard-won laws are reversed, after watching people who claim to care disappear when things get difficult? The answer is almost always the same…They don’t expect change in their lifetime. Many say it would be a blessing if they did, but that’s not why they keep going. They do it because someone has to pave the way, to carve out room for the foundations of change.
At a Black Lives Matter protest I organized, I met a 92-year-old woman from Brooklyn, there with her daughter, 68. Her daughter told me about all the marches and protests her mother has been to in her life, and that she’ll keep going until the day she passes. “Tony—that’s my name,” she said. “Now move over a bit so I can keep walking here.” I smiled big and offered to help keep her space safe for the rest of the march. She didn’t ask for photos. She didn’t talk to journalists. She kept walking with her walker, fist up, fierce look on her face, fully present. That moved me in ways I can’t explain. Activism has become trendy—an aesthetic, even. If I’ve learned anything from these incredible freedom fighters over the years, is that you need a deep why for why you do what you do.
The surface-level stuff will not sustain you. If there were no cameras, no videos, no social media—would you still be out there? Would you still make those phone calls, volunteer, march, protest? Real change (dismantling systems) takes time. And depending on your age, you may not see it fully realized. There’s still so much to do—individually and collectively. I’ve made peace with that possibility.
I’ve devoted the rest of my life to being part of the compost that nourishes a new world—one where fireflies are still alive, bombs don’t exist, leaders are a thing of the past, and humans… well, aren’t quite as insufferable as they are now (jk… but not really). We can be better. We can do better. We won’t see the changes we want unless we change ourselves first because news flash: we are the drama.
, , and I are the team. Before we start our meetings, we talk about what’s on our hearts and minds instead of diving straight into logistics. It’s our way of practicing resistance in how we show up for work. Usually, I’m holding and smoking a blunt while we passionately talk about the work that needs to be done and how we’re showing up for it.
At the heart of it, this work isn’t about recognition, speed, or even personal reward—it’s about love. Love for those who came before us, for those standing beside us now, and for those we will never meet. It’s about planting seeds we may never see bloom, knowing that without them, nothing will grow.
Reflection: What is your “deep why”? (note that activism lives in many forms and all forms —from the smallest acts to the biggest, matter)
UPDATES
Update: my newsletter name has gone back to what it was originally “Literary Bruja” and the description has shifted slightly— reflections on life, books, wellbeing, and reporting from the literary scene — lit events, lit activism, calls to action, etc.
The added element of + reporting from the literary scene — is about bringing you deeper into my world as an author. I want you to see more of my writer’s life—how I network, connect, and show up in literary spaces, especially through my work with the
.It’s also about using my platform to highlight and support indie bookshops, authors with marginalized voices, and events or communities that are doing important work. I want to take you behind the scenes—to the festivals, panels, award shows, and any space where literature is being celebrated or challenged and share what I see, hear, and learn. Think of it as coming along with me —reporting back.
BOOK NEWS
My book, The Altar Within (second edition), is coming out September 16th — and right now, pre-orders are vital for its success and visibility.
This isn’t just a reprint — it’s a fully revised, expanded edition. New chapters. New prompts. New practices. A clearer, more cohesive framework to help readers engage deeply with the work. It’s a resource that has already been embraced by therapists, healers, social justice organizations, and activists, and now it’s even more impactful.
My forward is written by Dr. Jennifer Mullan, author of the national bestseller Decolonizing Therapy. You can read it at the link below.
You can help by:
Pre-ordering your copy today.
Calling or visiting your local bookstore(s) to request they carry The Altar Within (2nd edition).
Asking your local library to order it.
Sharing the link with friends, colleagues, and communities.
I can’t do this alone. Like everything I’ve ever done, this is a community effort. Together, we can get this book into the hands of those who truly need it — especially in these times.
[Pre-order here]
Happenings:
Would you come see me on my book tour? I’m in the process of narrowing down locations and bookshops/shops/libraries I can go to. Would you come see me? Hang with me, get your book(s) signed, and snacks —must have snacks =)
if so… where are you located? State/city/town. Have a shop suggestion for me?
Giveaway
I’m giving away 5 bookmarks to 5 people who will be chosen randomly in the comments section.
ᥫ᭡ if you enjoyed this post and leave me a comment.
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I hear you, I’m tired. I live in Canada and I can’t believe I still face misogyny and harassment as a women in a grocery store. I’m so so tired of fighting.
Massachusetts - Boston or North Shore 🖤