Hi everybody,

Welcome to signs + wonders, a monthly newsletter where I’ll be taking questions from the community about Deaf culture and the writing life, and sharing a bit of author news, too. I’m really glad you’re here.

The sign on my mind this month is “together”—for a few reasons. I’ve been thinking about starting a letter for a while, and I’ve hesitated until now because I didn’t know what it should be. Should I write about Deaf issues and identity? Or should it be all about books, craft, teaching? Some days the Deaf and literary worlds feel very far away from one another. And yet, I don’t think I’m fully myself with out both parts. So that’s how I got here: signs plus wonders (or mostly wondering, really), two of my worlds together in one place.

These days, being together can feel a little weird. It’s awkward and exhausting to socialize after all that time spent fearing one another’s breath. It’s frustrating to watch our country divided continue to struggle because of those fault lines. And it can feel a little hopeless knowing that, even if we as a nation magically got our shit together, truly securing our future means thinking beyond human-made borders.

On the flip side, being together with friends again has been exhilarating! Hugging! Eating out at restaurants is like being reborn! I’m know I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. Well, except maybe the how to sign it bit. I guess I’m just sending this wish-via-email for all of us—for more togetherness. And small potatoes, I know, but I’d really like to see you all on book tour next year.

Speaking of which…