Taja Maynie

“I prefer to identify as black, because my identity transcends, or goes beyond, being American. When I say I am black, I find that I can relate to more people of color across the diaspora. It also is of no particular importance, to me, to be politically correct in naming myself- which the term “African-American” attempts. Since I am visibly of color or “black,” I do think that even plainly identifying as “American” (when traveling abroad, for instance) does suffice. I would consider “African-American” to be a dangling modifier, in any case.“
 
I am Taja Maynie, a 21 year old, newly self-published author from Chicago with interest in developing a wider audience. My fictional novel, “Prelude to King” emphasizes motifs of travel and intersectional relationships. The story is written in rotating perspectives, from Nanita, Sigmund, Blaqueran, and an omniscient point of view. The short fiction compacts race dynamics, fluidity in love, and American millennial culture into a 90 page read for a crisp and refreshing peek into young, limitless love. Nani, a professional twenty-something-year-old writer, is met with a monotonous presence that propels her to take a spontaneous trip overseas to fall back into an old lover, and meet some people who serves as mirrors along the way. “Prelude to King” by Taja Maynie is a dedication to the millennial youth, God, and finding your own relation to both, as the first invitation into Black, Nani, and Zig’s life of travel and personal deliverance.  I am happy to send more info, such as images, excerpts, and other details. I look forward to a response. I have also attached an image of the 5x8in Trade Book below as well as photos of myself. The cover art for “Prelude to King” is designed to enhance the stark contrast between stereotypical depictions of people of color commonly used in 20th Century American media, and that of which the story attempts to recreate. 
 
My social media is:
@bellhue on Instagram 
Taja Marie on Facebook
 
The novel is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble and has sold over 100 copies in less than 4 weeks of being publicly available.
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prelude-to-king-taja-maynie/1127579888
 
https://www.amazon.com/Prelude-King-Taja-Maynie/dp/1389243567