**Honeymoon Aljabri: Weaving the Tapestry of African Narratives**Greetings, I'm Honeymoon Aljabri, an author and filmmaker of Tanzanian-American descent with roots tracing back to Yemen. Armed with a degree in Radio Television and Film from Texas Southern University, I'm a storyteller at heart. My journey with words started at the tender age of seven, sparked by a yearning to find reflections of myself in the books I read.**Why I Write:**As a proud African, I felt a void in the narratives about Africa. Often, stories painted a one-dimensional picture of hunger, wars, and diseases. An African proverb echoes in my mind, "till the lions learn to write, the hunter will always be a hero." With this conviction, I set out to alter the narrative. I believe African women, as history secret keepers, can provide a more authentic portrayal of our rich history and culture.**Amani's Journey:**For seven years, I've been on a literary expedition with Amani, a curious girl on a mission to unveil the genuine beauty of Africa. Amani's tales traverse the Serengeti, explore the wonders of Madagascar, and dance with gorillas in Rwanda. These stories, blending information with fantasy, beckon young minds to see Africa beyond stereotypes.**Beyond Amani:**My literary canvas expands beyond Amani, encompassing works like "The Little Seed of Hope," "Rubby's Hoppity-Hooray Showtime," and my first novel "Leila," released in Fall 2023.**Inspirations and Late-Night Musings:**Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is my guiding star, influencing my storytelling with its profound depth. Authors like Florence Onyebuchi, Nadine Gordimer, Bessie Amelia Emery, Laila Lalami, Leila Aboulela, Ama Ata Aidoo Aminatta Forna, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie often awaken me in the middle of the night, inspiring words to flow onto the page. My aspiration is to stand among these incredible African women storytellers.**A Heartfelt Thanks to You:**From the core of my being, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support is not just a casual acknowledgment; it is the driving force that keeps me going. You are not just readers; you are my confidantes, my laughter, and my solace. You're my tears breaker, my smile and laughs keeper. Without you, this challenging yet amazing journey wouldn't be possible and lacks its vibrancy.**A Pledge to Continue Growing:**I promise to nurture this literary journey, learning from each chapter, and ensuring the flame of African storytelling not only survives but flourishes. I'm a proud African, and I want the world to see the beauty, rich history, and diverse culture that Africa holds. I pledge to learn, evolve, and keep the flame of African storytelling burning bright for generations to come. From the depths of my heart, thank you for being a part of this odyssey. I promise to keep growing in this field, learning from mistakes, and keeping the flame of African storytelling alive. Let's unlock the unknown stories together.With sincere gratitude, Honeymoon AljabriRead more about this authorRead less about this author