Since I was a child, I’ve always been driven by curiosity—especially toward cultures and traditions different from my own. When I saw films that featured Native American characters, I wasn’t drawn to the cowboys. I was captivated by the Native people—their connection to land, community, and identity. That early curiosity led me to learn as much as I could: I followed Native voices on social media, read about different Indigenous cultures, and tried to listen more than I spoke.

Over time, that curiosity deepened into a genuine admiration and appreciation—perhaps even more than I feel for the culture I was born into. That connection, however distant, has always stayed with me. It’s from this place of respect and love that I chose to include Native characters—especially from the Houma Nation—in my writing.

These characters are not tokens, plot devices, or background flavor. They are, I hope, full people, with interiority, complexity, and strength. Their inclusion in Ravenbrook is my love letter to the Native people who inspired me—written with care, and the humility to know it is not mine, but shared.

It is my hope that Native readers, particularly those from the Houma community, will find something meaningful in these pages. I welcome feedback, conversation, and continued learning—and I remain open to correction, always.