What We Don't Say Out Loud

What We Don’t Say Out Loud is a collection of original short stories that explore themes of identity, race, family, queerness, humor, and emotional vulnerability through the lens of Black and marginalized voices. These narratives blend literary realism with elements of magical realism, satire, and personal essay to reflect the emotional truths and unspoken complexities that shape everyday life. Central to the collection is a commitment to portraying characters in their full humanity, often resisting trauma-centered tropes in favor of layered, internal storytelling. From the raw, personal account of Black fatherhood in “The Best Day and the Worst Night,” to the explosive supernatural retribution in “The Star That Burned,” and the chaotic roommate drama in “Roomies,” each piece offers a unique voice and tone. The stories were crafted and revised during the author’s time in the Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MAPW) program at Kennesaw State University, shaped by coursework in fiction, screenwriting, and narrative theory. The project reflects the author’s growth in voice, structure, and craft, and is a declaration of intent: to tell stories that are both entertaining and emotionally honest, rooted in the things we often carry but rarely say out loud.