May 21, 2025
The Stories Behind the Pages: Why I Wrote "In Case I Die" and "Adulting 101"

I've been getting a lot of wonderful questions lately about what led me to write my books, and I wanted to share a little of that personal story with you.

A few years ago, my family experienced a series of devastating losses. Within a few short months, my mom and my uncle passed away. My cousin, my uncle's only child, was just 23 at the time and suddenly found himself completely on his own. He came to live with me, and it quickly became clear he needed a crash course in… well, just about everything! So, I started writing how-to guides for him: "How to make a budget," "How to be a good roommate," and all the other basics his dad hadn't had the chance to teach him. Before I knew it, I had 20-30 of these posts, and that's how my first book, "Adulting 101: Everything You Need to Know to Survive & Thrive in the Real World," was born. It's a practical guide, rooted deeply in love and necessity, designed to help young adults navigate their way.

But those losses didn't stop there. We tragically lost a couple of other family members in quick succession. It was a truly heartbreaking and overwhelming time, and honestly, for a while, I didn't think I'd ever feel joy again. But with time, therapy, and a lot of hard work, I was able to find my way back to a place of happiness. In fact, I think I may even be stronger and happier now than ever before. And that's what my first memoir, "In Case I Die: A Southern Perspective of Death & Living Every Day Like it's Your Last," is about. It's a story of resilience—how to pick yourself back up, even when life has truly knocked the wind out of you, and how to consciously find joy in every single day, even in the midst of profound grief.

Both of these books come from a very personal and vulnerable place, and my sincere hope is that they can offer some comfort, guidance, or even just a little bit of hope to anyone who reads them.

Where to Find My Books:

Both "In Case I Die" and "Adulting 101" are readily available.

Online:

Both books are also available to read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Locally in Trenton, GA:

You can also find my books in person at these wonderful local spots:

  • McBride's Book Store
  • Hidden Treasures Booth Mall
  • The Alliance for Dade Historic Courthouse (Gallery Gift Shop)

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I appreciate your support!