In an interview, the singer Jill Scott stated, "I sing because I can. I write because I can't help it." These two short, yet profound sentences pretty much encompass my story. So similarly, relating to myself I'd say: "I teach because I can. I write because I can't help it." And writing has been my passion my entire life. I was the 8-year-old kid with a yellow legal pad creating characters, while my brothers and cousins begged me to play tag.

No matter how many roadblocks, interruptions, different decisions, redirections off your path; your passion just has a way of meeting up with you in the long run. Steering you back to course.

The year is 2004, fresh out of undergrad and the country is in a recession. I'm thinking, "What am I going to do now?" Thus began my journey as a teacher. Prior to this I always envisioned myself as an editor; working in one of those high-rise office buildings with a view of New York City or as a best-selling author, working in different remote locations to focus on my craft. What a life, right! Instead, I found myself in a 3rd grade classroom full of little eager eyes on me. And guess what? I absolutely fell in love with my profession. I was filled up daily from the love, innocence, hope, and pureness of my kids. I was there to make a difference in their lives anyway that I could.

As years passed, writing was always floating around in my head. But I had to make a living, provide for my family. You know the story. Can you relate? So, my dream was deferred but not dead. Yet I did feel like that broken-winged bird for many years. Fast forward to 2020 and boom! Covid hits and the world is forever changed and at a standstill. There was so much time to reflect, change our values, stop taking things and people for granted, and change the course of our lives. I chose to awaken the dream, pick up the pen, and take action.

The seed was planted October 2020. I started researching, listening to self-publishing experts on Clubhouse & YouTube, and reaching out to other authors. I just kept at it, step by step. September 2021 my children's book, Baby Biz is Outside was born.

Sharing my story is a testament that you can do whatever your "it" is. Was I fearful? Absolutely. But whatever is nagging at you, whatever has been locked away; buried in your mind, recover it and just start. Please feel free to reach out to me through email debrickastaylor@gmail.com or connect with me @debrickastaylor on Instagram. I'd be happy to give information and tips about self-publishing.