Unmasked

Durant represents the full spectrum of the Black male experience. He is a symbol of Black excellence and Black gay trauma and the result of both. His redemption lies in his ability to become authentic and shed generational curses that come with being a gay Black man in America

Stan represents both privilege and allyship. Although he is an all-American white male who has experienced deep childhood trauma, his relationship with Durant allows him to put things in perspective and learn from life’s hardships that are not related to his personal challenges. Through his new clarity, he emerges an empathtic man who has had to learn things the hard way.

Brick represents loss. As a part of Gen Z, he is socially isolated and enraged when he loses the closet person in his life. Brick learns a lot when drugs, race and stupidity, give him the lessons he deserves.

Amid the 2020 COVID pandemic, with all the unbelievable stories myself and my colleagues were witnessing, I decided the story had to be told. There isn’t much COVID literature out there but 50 years from now, I want my novel to represent a time. An era to be pondered on. A reference for people who weren’t there to better understand everything we went through as a medical community.

I know people are expecting me to say Durant, but a lot of Durant’s character represents the typical Black Male American experience, which is not mine, because I grew up in Canada. I resonate with Brick in many ways when it comes to his struggles with sobriety, image, and deep feelings of loneliness, shame, guilt, loss, and regret. I think that is the authentic human experience we are all afraid to talk about.. I hope that there are things from each character that resonate with every reader.

I feel these careers are very different and cannot be compared. Writing has always been my first love, alongside music. Medicine as a career has had its fair share of ups and downs but has brought me the utmost fulfillment. Saving lives is an ineffable experience. I love telling patients of good outcomes. I also have learned that the families who have to hear bad news, it is a skill to be able to comfort them in their ultimate time of need. COVID gave me a lot of experience. As far as being a writer, I also have the same challenges that all creatives do. Can you say writers block? Writing has its own challenges of actually doing the work and then worrying that it’s no good. I can say, it became much easier when I got a writing coach. Writing is equally rewarding but it feeds a different part of my soul. I don‘t think I have a preference.

Definitely, being a doctor. While writing stories, I am creating worlds that readers can experience and learn from, which is beautiful privilege. Being a doctor takes a special kind of patience and resilience. As a doctor, I am at the mercy of my patients, their families, nurses, administration. It’s a huge team effort but when anything goes wrong it is my responsibility alone. With writing, it is just me and the world I’m building. When it gets to be too much, I can stop. Being a doctor never stops.

Since leaving Montreal for medical school in 2007, I’ve lived in at least 10 different cities. The first place I can honestly call home is Los Angeles. In LA, I have experienced the most growth spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. On the other side of the coin, I’ve met some of my closest friends. In LA, I have experienced great victories. I’m never leaving.

I've been into music since I was young, trained in classical piano. This has shaped my approach to composing and performing. My brother and I create original piano vocal pieces blending genres like pop, R&B, and EDM. We reimagine our compositions to appeal to diverse audiences, experimenting with different styles. This collaboration helps us explore our music's potential and reach a wider audience.

Anything progressive in the realm of hip hop and R&B. Those genres will never die. And, anything Justin Bieber puts out is gold. His latest album, "Swag" is a masterpiece. It showcases his growth as an artist and his ability to connect with his audience. Oh and I can't forget...I truly believe that Bad Bunny is the second coming of Christ.

A tennis question wow! Anyone who knows me, knows how Serena Williams is my moon and my stars. She inspired me to fight for my dreams no matter how many falters or failures. So, although she is now retired, she will always be my favorite. The next big thing is on the men’s side. His name is Jose Fonseca from Brazil, he is about to make some noise. However, my eyes, for the next ten years will be on this Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry, they are levels above the rest right now.