We were thrilled to have Samantha Guzman-Roman join us at the Latinx Voices Retreat, supported by the Latinx Storyteller Scholarship.

Samantha’s Story

Samantha is the author of several published short stories capturing the experiences of Black and Latinx people through a fictional, and sometimes fantastical, lens. A graphic designer by day, and a writer by subway commute, lunch, and night, she received a Bachelor of Technology in design from CUNY and a Master of Arts in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University. A proud New York native, AfroLatina, and nerd, she is a lover of all things superhero, supernatural, and superstition related.

Of the scholarship, Samantha says: “I am endlessly grateful for receiving the scholarship. I always dreamt of attending a writer’s retreat to fully concentrate on my work. With this scholarship, I was able to attend the most fitting retreat for who I am as a Latinx writer and connect with other Latinx writers at different points of their journeys. Bonding and sharing with the other writers and having my own personal space to focus in a calming atmosphere was everything I ever wanted. It boosted my creativity, productivity, and confidence. I am ready to do another one.”

“Honestly, the best thing I learned was that I am doing everything right as a writer. I came in with questions and thoughts about not being able to obtain an agent but after discussing with the others and participating in our workshops, I left in a better headspace and with more confidence.”

In the future, Samantha says, “I plan to keep writing, dedicating any bit of time I have, and taking all the (good) opportunities that come my way, like this scholarship. Many kids aren’t given such a chance to nurture their creative talents. I want kids like me to read my stories, see my books, love them, and connect with them in a way that will inspire them to want to write, or just create.”

For more about Samantha:
sammygeewrites.com
Twitter – @sammygeewrites
Instagram- @bipolargravity