I always knew I wanted to be a writer. Even as a little girl growing up in Puerto Rico, scribbling stories in my notebook or getting lost in fairy tales and space adventures, I felt something click when words came together.

Writing made me feel seen, like I mattered, like the worlds in my head could become real. But for many years, I was scared to be myself completely. While I had imagination, creativity, and passion, I also was afraid. Fear of judgment, fear of not fitting in, fear that maybe this dream wasn’t enough.

What helped me step into myself were the voices that had always been around me, including my parents, family, my beloved 9th-grade teacher Ms. Nieves, my aunt Ana, and friends who didn’t just accept me, they celebrated me. They saw the writer, the creative spirit, the storyteller. And more importantly, they reminded me that I didn’t have to choose one path. That I didn’t have to stay in a box labeled “journalist” or “teacher.” I could be both. I could be more.

The beautiful truth I’ve learned is that careers can evolve. You can go from a bustling newsroom to a high school classroom and still carry the same fire in your heart. You can write feature stories for magazines by morning, teach journalism students by day, and moderate author panels by night. It’s not about limiting yourself; it’s about letting your passions work together. Reading and writing don’t just open doors; they build entire worlds.

And sometimes, they introduce you to the people you were meant to meet.

I met Taylor at a restaurant and wine bar, overhearing her mention she was a teacher too, as she spoke to my husband and another patron at the tasting bar. That was all it took, a few words exchanged, a spark of shared love for books was discovered, and suddenly we were trading paperbacks and recommendations, reading silently together on the beach while I worked on a travel story. And, it was great to chat with her about romance, romantasy and all the genres that we love. I met Brooke recently at a favorite bar (Mai Tai Mondays for the win!) because I noticed she was sitting alone…and reading. Reading! "A Court of Thorns and Roses," no less. I thought, this is my kind of person. I said hello. And now, she’s one of my closest friends.

Brooke and Aurora. Courtesy photo.

Books are magic like that. They break down barriers. They give us the courage to speak up, to find one another, to feel seen. Taylor and Brooke reminded me how important community is, how the right people will find you when you’re being authentically you. And sometimes, all it takes is saying hello. Especially when they’re deep into a romantasy saga, and it’s amazing when you realize they are like you. And this does include a love of Disney visits and a vibrant energy, one that brings out true smiles.

It’s this energy, this belief in connection, that sparked my two newest literary columns at OutSFL. They were inspired by the magic of book chats, genre love, and the way conversations around fantasy, romance, thrillers, even the books that make us cry, can bring people together. There’s something powerful in realizing that the stories we love aren’t just personal, they’re universal, and I love sharing recommendations in person, so why not do so on this platform, with a column where I share books that I’m excited about, upcoming novels and my classic one, Reading Rainbow, that introduces others to some great books and authors as well.

In a time when social media feels loud and fast, it’s often the quietest moments, such as the tap on the shoulder, the “what are you reading?” that bring the most joy. It’s not just about the genre or the author; it’s about the feeling of belonging. That moment when someone says, "Me too." And you realize you’re not alone.

So, to anyone who feels afraid to start something new, or thinks they’re “too late” to pivot careers, make friends, or rediscover joy, please know this: the universe is full of surprises. The books, the people, the moments, they’re out there waiting. All you must do is be brave enough to say hi.

And if they’re reading fantasy at the bar alone? Even better.