I am a native New Yorker who also happens to be a writer. I must tell you, my first neighborhood was the ultimate in ethnic diversity. As a child, I ran up and down a picturesque New York street. I did so with small friends who were Latin, Jewish, Russian, Jamaican, Polish and African-American. At each of their homes I observed culture, and beauty. I wrote short stories back then, and was an avid reader. I remember…during the third grade, I had to remain at home for a few days, because I was ill. I was told to rest, and my mom kept checking on me. However, whenever I heard the floorboards creak, suggesting that she’d gone off to do a chore, I would pull out my dad’s flashlight. I needed to read, to find out what the flaxen-haired Bobbsey Twins were up to!

In college, I loved the Creative Writing and Literature electives offered. Later, in Manhattan, I found myself with an exciting business career, and yet I wrote. I also met countless people of various ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures.

Due to its multi-ethnic diversity, New York is sometimes referred to as the ‘Melting Pot.’ Noticing the beauty that often radiated from those that I met, I became grateful for the excitement and experiences that city provided. Although I submitted articles, and wrote for newsletters, yet I longed to become an independent writer. Since at the time I could not, some evenings I tutored middle and high school students, those with reading and writing issues. Through the years, I also volunteered in a community based program, one that equipped young people with the skills needed to attain gainful employment. With those young people I shared my love of all things written, and many blossomed.

Then one day I was offered the chance to publish a novel, the first in a trilogy that I’d authored. I was ecstatic! Now days I write about sultry, savvy, multi-cultural women whose beauty might be considered non-traditional. I write about women whose beauty may be subtle, or it may be a lovely light from within. Therefore, for me, the opportunity, to work as the Ethnic Beauty Editor is so very sweet! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions. I look forward to the interaction that I will most assuredly have, with you, the ethnic beauties of the world.

Feel free to check out my personal website:
www.aprilalisamarquette.com

Submit a Comment - Suggestion - Request to this Editor

Email Address:

NOTE: If you want a response, please make sure to include your email address. Also, make sure that any anti-spam blockers you have are set up to allow mail from bellaonline.com! Otherwise our response won't be able to get to you.