We’re excited to introduce you to our December Author of the Month, Josiah!

What is your favorite thing you’ve written recently? Tell us a bit about it!

My novel! I’ve been working on it since June, it’s about a tree in the backyard of a psychiatric hospital. How there’s different patients over the years but the tree is the one constant. It follows four main characters—but you’ll have to learn more about them by reading the book.

What are three words you would use to describe 826NYC? How would you describe 826NYC?

Well-rounded, thriving, and diligent. It’s a place where you can learn about and experience reading and writing in different genres. You collaborate with others by creating stories and sharing with the community.

If someone was considering joining 826NYC, what would you tell them?

It’s the one after school activity that I can be in without regretting staying home! When I go to other programs, “This is so boring, I just want to go home”, but when I’m at 826NYC, I don’t feel that way in the slightest.

What advice would you give someone writing for the first time?

Be true to yourself, open your mind to feedback, and make sure that the voice that you’re writing in is yours.

You’ve been part of 826NYC for so many years—what’s one moment that stuck out to you?

The one moment that comes to mind is when my brother Mekhi graduated from here. It felt really good to watch him graduate, plus he and I were in the same book. There’s a four year difference between us, so there aren’t a lot of chances to be together in that way. It was really special for my family too.

How do you hope writing will continue to be a part of your life after graduating?

Besides working with others in the career I want to pursue, I’d like to keep writing in my spare time—writing books or short stories. 826NYC really helped me explore how I can do that.

Discover opportunities for the young writers in your life with our upcoming programs!