Writing Vlog: A Black Nerd's Journey to Sharing Her Research on Ifa Oya in African Folktales
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Revisiting Detroit
Recently, I had the chance to visit family in Detroit, and it brought back so many memories. My hubby and I passed by the Sherwood Forest Branch Library, a place that was a lifeline for me growing up. Standing in front of it again, I felt like I was revisiting a part of my past that shaped who I am today. I took a picture outside the library, remembering those days when I’d leave with a stack of books, cross the street, and spend hours playing video games in the arcade across the street.
Even back then, I was drawn to stories that went beyond the ordinary. Whether I was lost in the pages of a book or the pixelated worlds of video games, it was all about exploring possibilities and escaping the limitations of reality. It also made me think about those early days and remember what it was like to be intelligent but unable to share it with the world without the fear of being harmed. Being super smart—and a bit nerdy—wasn’t easy or necessarily safe, especially as a Black teen.
My Secret Love for the Library As a Teen
As a teenager, I rode my ten-speed bike to the library. I loved the place and was friends with one of the librarians. After browsing the shelves and making my selections, I would walk up to the desk and check out my books. I never liked getting in line with the white librarian because she didn't understand. Me and the Black librarian had a system, she would check out my books and give them back to me in a brown paper bag.
The Dangers of Being Black and Unconventional
You see, the white librarian just didn't understand how dangerous it was for me to read paranormal suspense, science fiction, fantasy or any of the stories I loved. If someone had seen me with those books, I would have been "beaten down," or at least they would have tried. The Black librarian helped me carry my love for reading quietly, and that brown paper bag was my shield.
Hiding My Intellect
Being unconventional, original, or different was not exactly revered in those days. I spent most of my life hiding my intellect. Tamping down my curiosity or pretending that I wasn't nearly as smart as I was, or that I hadn’t taken several intelligence tests that said, well, I had my own version of genius. I ended up hiding who I really was out of fear and not accepting who and what I was.
Embracing My Identity
I don't like to dwell too much on my past. There's a lot of baggage there, but sometimes it's helpful for me to unpack my fears to really examine what's triggering me and why. There are so many stereotypes about being a Black Gen X nerd: You're trying to be white. You sound white. You can't possibly be that smart. Doesn't that bore you? Who can listen to that? Who would read the encyclopedia for fun?
But there it is for me in a nutshell, I read the Dictionary and the Encyclopedia from cover to cover because I loved words. In one of my childhood fantasies I became a Lexiographer.
The Birth of the Oya Lore Book
Why am I talking about this?
I'm working on the Oya Warrior Goddess Lore Book, and I'm totally geeking out over the content. I enjoy learning so much about mythology, especially goddesses that look like me. The research does it for me in a way I can't explain. I have a curious mind that likes to question and enjoy the puzzle. Finding out and processing information makes me feel excited. In fact, as the Lore Book begins to take shape, I'm feeling a certain pride. I love the imagery, the concept, and sharing my research on the Goddess of Storms in this way.
Nerding Out on Mythology
When I released the Chosen By Storm Prequel teaser, that was what was expected of me as an author. But it felt incomplete to me. It felt like it needed more. Chosen By Storm was what it was, a prequel to the series, but the Black Nerd, the curious one, wanted to explain to people why this series is unique. What is it about Oya that fascinates me? When I got the idea that a lore book was possible, I jumped at the chance.
I remember when I was writing the African Elementals series and people were asking me about Mawu. I was trying to write a story about the goddess, but it never quite panned out. In fact, the basis for the series was a little off. I think it's because I didn't accept who I was as a Black nerd and allow my readers and followers to get nerdy about the mythology with me.
Connecting with My Heritage
That's what's happening now. Creating this lore book is about me sharing my research, what I have learned, and the context that happens as I frame the Sentinel Superhero Vigilante series. It's the place where I share my love of West African mythology and why it fascinates me so much.
I've spent much of my life hiding my love of mythology, scifi, and fantasy. Not sharing what I've learned kind of feels like me going to the Black librarian and putting my knowledge in a brown paper bag so no one will know.
An Invitation to Join My Journey
It's time for a change.
If you're not already on my list, subscribe so you know when the lore book drops, and if you're already on my list, get ready to nerd out with me about the goddess Oya. I had a lot of fun creating the compelling imagery, researching Oya's mythology, and learning more about the Orishas. Did I mention what a profound experience it was for me to travel to Ghana and reconnect with my heritage? It felt like home, but then again, it is in my DNA.
The Oya Warrior Goddess Lore book will be filled with beautiful imagery and will share the research and what I've learned about the goddess Oya and how that knowledge has helped me shape the serial. I'm proud to be a Black GenX Nerd and to be unconventional, original and different. Yes, there will be a fictional Oya mini-season along with the nonfiction research about Oya in the lore book so you can see her in all facets. Stay Tuned!
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