What is the QDP Heartlight newsletter?
A monthly newsletter that offers accessible immersions into the Deaf-world via shared perspectives, stories and discussions about heartfelt topics that impact our lives.
Why is there a QDP Heartlight newsletter?
This is my migration to a more streamlined newsletter that allows easier and efficient reader engagement. As a Deaf author, leader in the Deaf House Fellowship movement as well as university level American Sign Language teacher, I have found that there are many issues, topics and perspectives which arise and are worthy of attention and discussion in the safe space of a Substack newsletter.
What is the QDP Heartlight community?
As the author of the Resilient Silence Series novels with Deaf characters and the founder of Quintessential Deaf Press(QDP), I have been engaged with a community of readers, artisans, creatives as well as people whose lives and experiences offer a rich smorgasbord of perspectives and wisdom. Discussion, collaboration and engagement with this community can lead to more unity and deeper understandings of what binds us together as well as that which is beyond our world upon which we can hold as our foundational support.
QDP Heartlight specifics: When, where, how and subscriber benefits.
The QDP Heartlight newsletter will be posted the first week of each month. Community members can respond whenever and as often as they desire. Here is an explanation of subscriber benefits:
Free subscriber: Access to the monthly QDP Heartlight newsletter
Paid subscriber: Access to special deals, products, offerings and services related to Quintessential Deaf Press. These offerings include:
The Resilient Silence Series novels and companion study guides
Promotional material and freebies from QDP.
Opportunities to interact with me as an author via presentations, meetings and workshops..
Quintessential Deaf Press (QDP)
2025-2026 launch of the Resilient Silence Series
As an author, I have learned a lot in my publishing journey transition from contracting with a hybrid publisher to the greater empowerment and control made possible with Quintessential Deaf Press (QDP). Being a publishing imprint with assisted self-publishing services, QDP has allowed me to take control of the accessibility I and other Deaf people need within the publishing process. It has also allowed me to become heavily engaged in all required steps toward successful publication of the Resilient Silence Series.
What is the Resilient Silence Series?
A two-novel suspense fiction series with Deaf characters to be released Fall of 2025.
Book one: Resilient Silence; A Deaf-Experience Suspense Novel. 2nd edition (Fall 2026 second edition publication)
The story of the evolving relationship between two brothers. Julius is Deaf and Jeremy is hearing. Communication barriers separate them but they find a common interest in competitive distance running. Are they able to forge a bond or will their differences separate them?
The second edition has revisions in the English representation of Deaf dialogue and impactful, thematic illustrations created by Deaf artist Rebekah Covington. It also contains bolded words and accompanying QR codes which link to signed demonstrations of how certain Deaf characters sign their dialogue.
Book two: Resilient Surrender; A Deaf-Experience Suspense Novel. (2026 Winter/Spring launch)
The story of a Deaf couple and their response to trauma. Amy, a supportive character in book one becomes a main character in book two. There exists deep love between Amy and Julius but is it enough to help them overcome the tremendous difficulties they they face?
This first publication includes the same features as book one with the added aspect of chapter heading line drawings created by Rebekah Covington, depicting the main “point of view” (POV) Deaf character’s name sign.
Companion study guide workbooks to be launched with the series.
Guided questions encouraging reader reflection and response for deeper
understandings and life application of literary elements and Deaf culture themes.
Companion study guides are currently in development with planned integration and alignment with academic study learning management systems (LMS). Great for ASL/Interpreter Training Program classes!
Keep on the lookout for future QDP Heartlight newsletters where I update you about the launch of the Resilient Silence Series. I am excited about the collaboration made possible via this newsletter!