Summatime fine
Got to work with 'Insecure' star Jay Ellis for his pre-launch book event, book events I’m participating in summer, and more!
This is Vibrations Heavy, a newsletter about my musings and (mostly) good vibes from a publishing profesh turned author.
Love Radio, an ode to Black teenage love in all its forms—for a sweetheart, a family, your city, and most importantly yourself—is available everywhere you buy books.
Hi, my loves— I hope you enjoyed the solstice wherever you are. And if you’re in my part of the world, I hope you keep enjoying having sunlight for hours and hours on end. I’m taking full advantage of the vitamin D to put some pep in my step.
Here are a few exciting things happening I want to mention.
❤︎ Love Notes ❤︎
Deadline extended for You’ve Got a Place Here, Too writing contest!
Deadline to enter is July 1st! Submit your story HERE!
❤︎ Events ❤︎
NEW DATE! Thursday, July 11 @ 7:00 pm
Hill Center DC
in conversation with Elizabeth Acevedo
921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC
Saturday, July 13 @ 7:00 pm
Loyalty Bookstore
in conversation with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar on their book, Four Eids and a Funeral
921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC
The event is free and open to the public!
I’m also available for school and library programming, so if you’re a teacher or librarian who wants to book me, reach out! I’m available for both in-person and virtual visits.
A few weeks ago, I got to invite some wonderful book influencers to a One World event (imprint of Penguin Random House) with Insecure star Jay Ellis, to promote his book Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? You can pre-order a copy of his book, out July 30th!
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❤︎ Muses for the Moment ❤︎
Q&A with Em Rumble, @Literapy_NYC
One of the wonderful book influencers in attendance was @Literapy_NYC, who I got to chat with about her work and who’s work I personally find fascinating since I researched music and journaling as forms of therapy when writing Love Radio.
Who is Em Rumble?
As a licensed clinical social worker, school social worker, and experienced biblio/psychotherapist, I bring over 14 years of professional expertise to my practice.
My journey in mental health has led me to specialize in bibliotherapy, an approach that harnesses the power of literature for healing and growth.
Alongside my commitment to accessibility in mental health services, I advocate for the integration of creative arts in psychotherapy and embrace a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic approach. My public facing work extends across various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Podia, where I share educational content under @Literapy_NYC.
What is bibliotherapy and how can folks incorporate it as a practice within their own life?
Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes literature to support individuals in navigating life's challenges, fostering self-awareness, & promoting personal growth.
It's a collaborative process where clients engage with carefully selected texts—fiction, poetry, memoirs—that resonate with their experiences and emotions.
Incorporating bibliotherapy into your life can be as simple as creating a reading list tailored to your needs and preferences, setting aside dedicated time for reflective reading, and journaling about your insights and reactions to the text. Whether you're seeking validation, seeking inspiration, or exploring new perspectives, bibliotherapy offers an accessible approach to self-discovery and healing.
What are some of your favorite books on intention setting for mental health?
Intention setting is a powerful practice for cultivating mindfulness and directing our energies towards our desired outcomes. When it comes to intention setting for mental health and well-being, I often recommend books that blend wisdom, reflection, and practical strategies. Some of my favorites for this purpose include the following titles across genres: Break the Cycle by Dr. Mariel Buque; Affirmations for Black Women and Self-Care for Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo; The Altar Within By Juliet Diaz; Maame By Jessica George; Homebodies By Tembe Denton-Hurst; and Why Fathers Cry at Night by Kwame Alexander. These books offer valuable insights, mirroring and exercises to support readers in nurturing emotional growth, fostering self-compassion, and cultivating self-awareness.
How can people support you and your work?
Supporting my work means advocating for the importance of mental health awareness and accessibility, both within our own communities and on a larger scale.
You can help by spreading the word about bibliotherapy and the benefits of creative arts in psychotherapy, sharing my educational content on social media, purchasing my bibliotherapy introductory course and digital resources, and engaging with discussions around mental health and well-being.
Additionally, consider exploring opportunities to collaborate or bring bibliotherapy initiatives to your local schools, libraries, or community centers. Your support contributes to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world for individuals seeking support and healing. I also moderate a free bibliotherapy book club on the Fable app called 'Readers Who Run with the Wolves' and have a subscription-based book community 'Libros y la Curacion | Healing Through Books".
Much 🖤 to you all,
Find me on social! Instagram ♥︎ TikTok ♥︎ Facebook ♥︎ Twitter
Whoa, you are up to so much amazing stuff! Elizabeth Acevedo! The new anthology! Congratulations on all and good vibrations your way! :)