Since I started writing professionally in 2016, I have used parts of my life in my work. Personal essays were the place I found my footing as a writer. It came at a time when I really needed it — I was a single mom to a toddler, had just ended a six year relationship, and was living with my parents. I wrote through everything: my parenting struggles, my financial woes, my relationship with my mom, my friendships.

I’m pretty unashamed about what I write about. Writing is my way of processing things in my life. Whether I’m writing through an experience or sharing an experience I’ve already been through, I can go back and remember where I was at and how far I’ve come since. Some would question why I need to publish my writing if I’m using i...