In 1984, I wrote my first novel called “Beneath the Golden Mango Tree.” However, it would take 25 years before I published it in 2009. During this time, I decided to use my American nickname, Trish, and my mother’s maiden name, St.Hill, as my pen name. Thus, in 2009, Trish St.Hill was born, marking a new chapter in my literary journey.

My entry into the publishing world was somewhat serendipitous. When I made the decision to publish my book, I was confronted with the daunting reality of the numerous rip-offs prevalent in the publishing industry. This was a landscape filled with both opportunities and pitfalls, and it was eye-opening to realize how many aspiring writers were misled and exploited. The combination of passion and caution propelled me toward self-publishing my first book, allowing me to retain creative control and credibility.

Shortly after this, my neighbor approached me with a request that would inadvertently shape my future. She sought my assistance in publishing her children’s book, and this collaborative effort laid the foundation for my publishing venture, culminating in the establishment of Ajani Publishing. The experience of expanding into children’s literature opened new avenues for creativity and community engagement, sparking a camaraderie among local writers and artists.

In 2011, I wrote and published my second book, “Beyond The Mango’s Shade.” This book, much like its predecessor, delved deeply into themes that resonated with my background and cultural experiences. Both books later received nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature, an accolade that recognized the effort and emotion poured into my work. Although I didn’t win, the mere nomination was a significant achievement, serving as a testament to the importance of storytelling and cultural expression.

Fast forward to 2015, I completed my third and final book in that series, titled “Tears of Exile.” This work went beyond mere storytelling; it focused on the life and times of the Garifuna people, paying considerable attention to their exile from St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Through extensive research and heartfelt narrative, I sought to portray their struggles and resilience. While it is a historical fictional account of the Garifuna experience, it reflects much of the reality of their Hellocast — being placed on a barren island by the British and subsequently exiled from their beloved Yurumein (St.Vincent and the Grenadines). This narrative sparked conversations about identity, heritage, and the importance of preserving history through literature.

Embarking on this literary journey further fueled my passion for cultural preservation and activism. I later devoted a portion of my life to cultural retrieval activism as the head of the cultural retrieval organization called YUGACURE. This organization became a beacon of hope and a platform for the Garifuna community to connect with its roots. For six years, YUGACURE held summer workshops in SVG, aimed at aiding in retrieving our indigenous Garifuna language. The commitment exhibited during these workshops was truly inspiring, as Garifuna from Central America joined in the effort to help the Garifuna people in their ancestral homeland reclaim their language. Key facilitators in this initiative included James Lovell, Eleanor Bullock, Erica Zuniga, Christine Vernon, and Georgette Lambey, with me as the executive director and coordinator. Their dedication and hard work were integral to the success of this program, which fostered a renewed sense of pride and community amongst participants.

These days, I spend much of my time writing my fourth novel and crafting a screenplay for my first series. My writing process has evolved, and though I don’t write every day, I dedicate significant time during my weekdays to this creative pursuit. I firmly believe in pacing myself and understanding my limits. While I feel capable of pursuing my numerous goals, I’ve learned that I can’t achieve them all at once. Balance is essential, and it is perfectly acceptable to give myself grace if I don’t accomplish everything I set out to do. Sometimes, it’s necessary to pause, take a deep breath, and navigate the juggling act that is life, embracing both the challenges and joys that come along the way.