The one snack I would eat now would be the grape Now and Later. It was the kind of treat you could get for a nickel from the corner store. After school, I’d make a little detour on my walk home, the kind of place where the bell on the door jingled every time a customer walked in.
The owner always seemed to know what I was there for, and I’d grab that small, shiny wrapper like it was the highlight of my day. I’d wander in with a few coins in my pocket, feeling like I had all the riches I needed. I’d grab that little purple pack, tear it open before I even reached the sidewalk, and let the sweet grape flavor carry me the rest of the way home. Those walks, sun warm on my face, backpack swinging, candy sticking to my teeth felt like the simplest kind of happiness.
Writing paranormal romance brings out a very specific kind of creativity in me the kind that wonders, “What if the brooding love interest is actually a shapeshifter who keeps accidentally turning into a raccoon whenever they get nervous?” There’s something hilarious and oddly charming about mixing supernatural drama with the kind of romantic tension that could power a small city. The genre basically hands you a mysterious forest, a full moon, and a dangerously attractive person who may or may not have paws sometimes, and says, “Have fun with that.”
And trust me, I do. Paranormal romance with shapeshifters lets my imagination run wild in the best way. I get to explore worlds where a first kiss might trigger an unexpected transformation, or where the biggest relationship hurdle is “Sorry I missed dinner, I got distracted chasing squirrels.” It’s a playground where humor, heat, and a little bit of animal chaos all mingle together, and I’m more than happy to stir that pot.
Choosing between Superfriends from the 1970s and Scooby-Doo feels almost impossible because both shows hold such a special place in my life. On one hand, Scooby-Doo brings endless fun with its quirky mysteries, adorable characters, and that unforgettable mix of humor and suspense.
On the other hand, Superfriends captures the adventure of superhero, with iconic figures like Superman, Batman, and especially Wonder Woman, my absolute number one hero. Her strength, courage, and sense of justice make the series stand out for me, giving it a powerful edge that’s hard to overlook.
Each show offers something unique: Scooby-Doo delivers lighthearted mystery-solving, while Superfriends inspires with larger-than-life heroes. That’s why deciding between them is so tough. They both shaped my love for storytelling in completely different ways.
Over the years, I’ve faced many difficult decisions, but the one that stands out as the hardest was choosing not to return to long-term substitute teaching after Covid. Teaching was never just a job for me. I loved the kids, the rhythm of the school day, the energy of the classroom, and the sense of purpose that came with being part of an educational community. Walking into a school felt like stepping into a second home, where laughter, curiosity, and growth filled the halls. But when the world shifted because of the pandemic, so did my priorities. Covid forced me to reevaluate what mattered most, and where I wanted to devote my time and energy. While my heart was dedicated to the classroom, another piece wanted different. The chance to pursue my writing.
The decision was painful. It meant stepping away from a role that gave me joy and fulfillment. It meant saying goodbye to the daily interactions with students, the small victories of helping someone grasp a concept, and the camaraderie of working alongside dedicated educators.
But it also meant saying hello to possibility of the blank page, the stories waiting to be told, the chance to create something lasting. In the end, I chose writing because it represented not just a career shift, but a commitment to myself. It was a leap into uncertainty, but also into validity. Teaching will always hold a special place in my heart, but writing allows me to explore my voice, share my viewpoint, and perhaps reach people in a different way.
Daily writing prompt
What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?
I know the “ideal” answer would be something like exercising more, spending time on productive habits, or dedicating myself to writing and promoting my books. But if I’m being real, when I have free time, I end up watching my Cdramas and Kdramas.
There’s just something about the storytelling, the emotions, and the twists that pull me in. It’s not just mindless entertainment either, it’s how I unwind, recharge, and sometimes even spark new ideas for my own writing. So while the responsible answer might be productivity, the honest answer is me happily curled up binge-watching dramas and enjoying every minute of it.
Daily writing prompt
If you didn’t need sleep, what would you do with all the extra time?
History has always held a special place in my heart. There’s something extremely fascinating about discovering the stories of ancient civilizations, transformative events, and the people who shaped the world we live in today. World history, in particular, draws me in with its immense tapestry of cultures, conflicts, and innovations. It reveals how societies evolved, interacted, and influenced one another across continents and centuries. Each chapter offers lessons, mysteries, and insights that help me better understand the present and appreciate the diversity and resilience of human experience.
Exploring the histories of different countries opens new perspectives and deepens my understanding of global connections. Whether it’s the architectural wonders of Egypt, the philosophical grounds of India, or the revolutionary actions in Latin America, each nation’s past is rich with meaning. These stories not only highlight the individuality of each culture but also reveal the shared human experiences that connect us all. For me, studying history is more than just memorizing dates—it’s about discovering the soul of humanity through time and learning from the past to build a better future.
Life without a computer unfolds with a slower, more intentional pace. Mornings begins with quiet reflection or the rustle of the morning paper not with a screen’s glow. Neighborhoods sounds replaces notification pings, and the feel of pen on paper becomes a daily ritual. Creativity flows through sketchbooks and handwritten letters. There’s space to notice the way light filters through leaves or how your mood shifts with the weather. Without digital multitasking, thoughts stretch out, uninterrupted, and hobbies like gardening, cooking, or reading become the norm .
Free from the grip of social media there’s no comparison to other people lives. No pressure to create a perfect life or chase trends. Real connection through shared meals, phone calls, and laughter. Mental clarity deepens, and your creative process becomes more intimate, more yours. Without the constant buzz of updates, life feels grounded, authentic, and the kind of peace that technology often obscures.
Daily writing prompt
Your life without a computer: what does it look like?
One of the most valuable lessons I wish I had learned earlier in life is the importance of letting go of strangers’ opinions. For a long time, I allowed the judgments of people I barely knew or didn’t care about to occupy space in my mind. I let their opinions shape how I saw myself. But the moment I realized that these individuals held no meaningful place in my life, everything began to shift.
Their opinions lost their power. I stopped giving them permission to affect my mood, my confidence, or my choices. Life became noticeably lighter and less stressful when I understood that not every voice deserves an audience, especially those that come from people who don’t truly know me or contribute anything positive to my journey. Now, I protect my mental space fiercely, reserving it only for those whose presence and perspective genuinely matter.
Daily writing prompt
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
Tonight’s dinner? Stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice. Because apparently, I’ve decided to pre-pay my guilt before diving headfirst into the Dominican buffet. My husband and I are heading there for our anniversary, and I’d really prefer to fit into my vacation clothes without resorting to a beach towel toga. So its keto or Atkins, whichever one lets me pretend cauliflower is rice without sobbing into my sauté pan.
To be honest its just a temporary breakup with carbs. I fully intend to rekindle my passionate affair with their food plantains, pastries, and all. It’s not cheating if it’s international cuisine, right? It’s cultural immersion… with extra butter.
I stumbled onto the WordPress blog by accident like tripping over a hidden door in a library I didn’t know was there. I’m what you’d call a certified tech klutz. TikTok and Instagram? Tried them. Flopped spectacularly. It left me dazed, confused, and mildly humiliated. But the blog? That felt different. But finding the blog with its daily prompts felt like the universe gently nudging me toward something that actually fits.
Second, I’ve somehow attracted actual readers and subscribers to my website and books real people who like my blogs! Not just scrolling past, but actually engaging—commenting, subscribing. I’m still not sure how they found me (possibly witchcraft or a rogue algorithm), but I’m beyond grateful. Kind souls who connected with my words and stuck around. Their support means everything. It’s what keeps me writing the stories I love, the ones that live in the quiet corners of my imagination.
Deloris Nash 