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Breaking the Mold: Embracing Who You Are in a World That Wants You to Fit In

 For as long as I can remember, I’ve been caught between the lines—between expectations and reality, between what others wanted me to be and who I actually was. Society has a way of handing us a script, telling us how we should act, what we should like, and who we should become. But what happens when you don’t fit the mold? What happens when your story doesn’t follow the script? Growing up in a small town, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope between belonging and being true to myself. I had friends, I was involved in sports, I went to parties—but there was always a part of me that I kept locked away, unsure if the world was ready to see it. Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines was born from those moments of uncertainty, from the times I felt different but didn’t have the words to explain why. The Pressure to Conform No matter where you grow up, the pressure to conform is universal. Maybe you’ve been told you need to act a certain way to be accepted. Maybe yo...
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Lights, Camera… Anxiety? The Challenges of Promoting My Book as an Introvert

 When I first set out to write Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , I knew that sharing my story would require a level of vulnerability. What I didn’t realize was how much more vulnerability it would take to promote the book once it was published. Writing is an introvert-friendly activity. It’s a solitary process, a place where I can express myself without the pressure of real-time feedback. But in today’s world, where social media plays a crucial role in book promotion, authors are expected to put themselves out there in a way that can feel daunting—especially through video content. The Pressure of Being On Camera Creating videos to promote my book sounds simple in theory. A short clip explaining the inspiration behind my story, a snippet of a reading, or a heartfelt thank-you to readers—these should be easy, right? But for someone who thrives in quiet reflection rather than the spotlight, hitting “record” often feels like stepping onto a stage without a script. ...
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Coming Soon: Shades of Purple: Teaching Outside the Lines 🎉📚

 The journey continues! After the overwhelming love and support for Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , I am beyond excited to announce the upcoming release of my next book— Shades of Purple: Teaching Outside the Lines ! This book is for teachers, students, and anyone who has ever wondered what it truly means to make an impact in the classroom . It dives into my years as an educator, from the innovative teaching strategies I implemented to the unforgettable students who changed my life . You’ll read about the triumphs and struggles of being a young teacher, the weight of guiding the next generation, and how I redefined learning through gamification, technology, and student-centered experiences . 💡 What to Expect in This Book: ✔️ The journey of a teacher trying to break the mold in education ✔️ How I created a gamified classroom that made learning fun ✔️ The students who shaped me as much as I shaped them ✔️ The highs and lows of teaching , from classroom vic...
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Rising Above the Noise – Handling Negative Comments with Grace

  Putting  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines  out into the world has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has connected me with incredible people, sparked meaningful conversations, and even helped others feel seen in ways they hadn’t before. But with every bright moment comes a shadow, and that shadow often takes the form of negativity. The internet is full of opinions—some supportive, some constructive, and others just… well, downright rude. “Who cares?” “Everyone has a story.” “This isn’t special.” I’ve seen comments like these, and while they don’t come close to outweighing the love and encouragement I’ve received, they do make me pause. I’m not one to stay silent, and I’ve never been someone to just let things slide without saying  something . But over time, I’ve learned that  how  I respond matters just as much as  if  I respond. There’s a fine line between standing up for yourself and engaging in an arg...
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Coffee and Writing: How Shades of Purple Came to Life ☕💜

  I’ve always said that writing wasn’t my thing. It’s exhausting, it forces you to sit with emotions you’d rather ignore, and it takes  time —a lot of time. But when I started writing  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , something clicked. I knew I had to tell my story, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. Would you believe me if I said this book was written in  around 50 hours ? That’s right—just over two full days' worth of writing time, spread across a few weeks. Early mornings became my sacred time. I’d wake up around  5:30 AM , pour a hot cup of coffee, and let the words spill onto the page. There was something about that quiet, pre-dawn solitude that made writing easier. No distractions, no expectations—just me, my thoughts, and the hum of a fresh brew in my favorite mug. The caffeine-fueled writing sessions weren’t always easy. Some mornings, I stared at the screen for what felt like forever, dreading the next sentence. Other mornings, m...
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Social Outings and Social Batteries

  Networking is a necessary part of being an author, especially when promoting a book like  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines . But if you’re anything like me—someone who enjoys meeting new people but also finds socializing  exhausting —you understand the struggle of balancing these events with your own energy levels. Recently, I attended an LGBTQ+ networking event by  Plexus  to promote  Shades of Purple . I went alone, knowing no one, which meant I had to be “on” the entire time—introducing myself, explaining my book, making connections, and keeping the energy high. And don’t get me wrong, the event was fantastic. The drinks and food were great, and I met some truly incredible people. It was the kind of gathering where you leave feeling  full  in one way—grateful for the connections and conversations—but also completely  drained  in another. The next day, I felt the effects. My social battery had been completely deple...
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Why Purple? The Meaning Behind the Title of Shades of Purple

  When I sat down to name my memoir,  Shades of Purple: A Boy’s Journey Between the Lines , I wanted a title that represented not just my story, but the complexities of identity, growth, and everything in between. Purple, as a color, holds deep meaning for me, both symbolically and personally. Between Blue and Pink From a young age, I felt like I existed in an in-between space—somewhere between the expectations of traditional masculinity and the person I was discovering myself to be. In many ways, purple is the perfect representation of that. It’s the blend of blue and pink, colors that have often been arbitrarily assigned to gender roles. But purple? Purple is neither one nor the other. It’s its own shade, its own identity. Much like my journey, purple doesn’t fit neatly into a box—it lives in the middle, unapologetically bold yet still soft, vibrant yet complex. It represents fluidity, individuality, and the courage to exist outside of society’s rigid expectations. A Color o...
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