🌱 Rooted, Replanted, and Rising

A sacred pause, a deeper purpose, and a new path

My Beloved Friend,

It’s been a while since we’ve caught up, and so much has happened since I last shared my story with you. Not just in my life, but in the world, too. It feels like we're all moving through a time of great transformation.

This is a picture of me sitting at the top of a hill overlooking Cusco City—Perú. I am wearing my blue hat and orange manta (shawl), which my mom gifted me.

I want to bring you along as I reflect on this whirlwind of change, this roller coaster that has become my life. If we’re connected on social media (and if we’re not, let’s change that!), you may have seen that my writing and poetry took off in 2023. I can hardly believe it, but here we are.

The first big milestone came when I won a poetry contest with the Hispanic Coalition of Artists (CHA)—an organization so close to my heart ✨ that supports artists in the Latino Community. I remember standing there, almost pinching myself, reading my winning poem. But that was just the beginning. Not long after, my book Awaken Your Roots won a contest of its own, and suddenly, I found myself in the midst of something I never expected: the world of publishing.

The Pilgrimage From Solitude to Signing the Deal

To be honest, this path wasn’t easy, nor was it quick. As a first-time author, the publishing world felt like an untamed wildfire—something I had to learn to move through with care. At the end of 2023, I found myself with two major publishing companies eager to take on my book. Yes, you read that right—two offers! It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

As you can imagine, the decision was monumental. I had to choose which publisher would be the right fit for me. The process of negotiating contracts, diving into legal terms, and figuring out where my voice would be best nurtured was overwhelming and nerve-wracking to say the least. And, as I’ve learned to do in every part of my life, I had to release control and trust the unfolding process.

That’s when my literary agent stepped in, guiding me with clarity and wisdom (Yes, you read that right - I have a literary agent! ). I had to make a choice, and it wasn’t easy. In early 2024, I signed with Sounds True. Yes, Sounds True! A publishing house that believes in the power of personal transformation, just like I do.

A Pause for Reflection to Rediscovering My Voice

I took 2024 off to focus entirely on my 📝 writing and research. At the same time, I was navigating physical and emotional recovery (that’s a story for another time), which gave me the space I needed to reconnect with my inner voice—the one that had been dormant for so many years.

Although I chose to step away from the public eye during this time, every word I wrote, every poem I penned, was infused with your presence. Yes, you! My friends, my readers, the ones who’ve held space for me through the years. This book isn’t just mine; it belongs to us. The stories woven through its pages are ours to share.

The Milestone and a Moment of Celebration and Reflection

As 2025 unfolds, I have exciting news to share: my book is officially listed in major bookstores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I’m still in awe. But let me tell you, this milestone has come with its own emotional pilgrimage. The early days of seeing my book out there in the world stirred up old wounds—the fear of rejection and the need for acceptance. It’s funny, isn’t it? Even when something wonderful happens, our old insecurities can rise to the surface.

And here's what I realized: The essence of this book is collective healing. When a dear friend (you know who you are) reminded me to lean into celebration, I took that advice to heart. This is why I’ve been reconnecting with a few of you in one-to-one conversations, filling my cup again, regaining my emotional strength. Now, I’m ready to share this next chapter of my journey with you, in community, and with the world.

Invitation to Join the Journey

As I get ready to launch Awaken Your Roots, I want you to be part of this experience. In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing details about upcoming events and my book tour. Yes, a book tour! Pinch me again. But for now, I leave you with one of the poems that helped me get here.

✉️ Don’t be a stranger. Reach out—text me, message me, or leave a comment. I’d love to share what I’ve learned on this writing and poetry healing journey over the past few years. Let’s keep this beautiful community alive.

Until we see each other again, may your winds take you to exactly where you need to be.

With love and gratitude,
Lorena