Boston Public Library 2019-2020 Writer-in-Residence Winner Shawnna Thomas!

Never underestimate a girl who compliments your boots. Keen eyes indeed. Shawnna and I became best friends in high school after she gave me that compliment. Our friendship was deepened when we got into the Crimson Summer Academy, where we spent our high school summers living and studying together. We saw each other every day. And I’ve always admire Shawnna for her writing ability. Her writing is succinct, witty, and captures nuance in an effortless way. She’s a born writer, who also dedicates the time to pursue her passion, in her own pace and style. One can’t hasten a genius right? Nature does not! Our high school history teacher once commented on Shawnna’s recent paper, “it’s better than my writing.” Over the years, anyone who crosses path with Shawnna knows how special and powerful is her voice—not in a blasting loud way, but in a subtle, logical, and persuasive way that has the magic to draw you into her story. One may notice themselves breathing slowly as they take in the vast details, eagerly learning about each character, and making connection to their own world. That’s the magic of Shawnna’s writing.

During the first reading ceremony as a Writer-in-Residence, the entire room was listening attentively. Only Shawnna’s voice lingers as she paints her curated world for the listeners. This is an ongoing step of a young writer gaining her momentum, with enough resource and larger platforms in due time, will live up to the talent of her gifted voice to the wider world.

So bragging. So proud. Cheering you on. FightAA. Always!

Check out Boston Public Library’s announcement of the Sixteenth Writer-in-Residence winner: Shawnna Thomas

Check out Shawnna being selected as the first ever Grubstreet emerging writer