Turquoise Maya
Musings on art, books, travel, writing
and finding your place in this world.
"We should choose our books as we
would our companions, for their sterling
and intrinsic merit."
– Charles Caleb Colton, Laçon
“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
― Gustave Flaubert
“August in Florida is God's way of reminding us
who's in charge.”
― Blaize Clement, Raining Cat Sitters and Dogs
Bits and Pieces
Samples of my published work
Passing As An Asian
January, 2009
Excerpt from personal essay, Passing as an Asian, by Maya Fleischmann
I spent the first fifteen years of my life trying to ignore the fact that I am Asian. Ironic, considering I was born and raised on the small island of Hong Kong and its population of 6 million other Asians.
I didn’t mind Asians – other Asians. I minded being Asian, because it meant that I had to confront the fact that I was adopted by Caucasians and sentenced to a life of confusion and mixed identity.
If You Give A Mum A Minute
December, 2018
My illustrator, Jennifer Wilder did a beautiful job capturing the zany chaos in the life of a "Mum" (who represents caregivers in today's busy world) in this little picture book that is perfect for kids and adults alike. A reminder for everyone (including Mum), that Mums need a minute, too.
Chicken Soup for the Working Mom
Relearning How to Say Goodbye
Excerpt from Relearning How to Say Goodbye by Maya Fleischmann
When we got into her room, Natasha smiled as the other chattering children gathered around her. She barely noticed when I kissed her good-bye. I was relieved at how easy it had been for her to part from me. I, on the other hand, was teary; my chest ached.
Neighborhood Watch
Winner of Fiction Category
Gulf Coast Writers Association
2020 Writing Contest
Excerpt from: Neighborhood Watch
by Maya Fleischmann
Tess pulled up to the side entrance of the school. Ten minutes to spare, as usual. A ding trilled in her handbag. She pulled out her cell phone. “Mom,” her son said softly from the back seat. “Yes, Simon,” Tess answered, as she read the message from Laura, co-captain of the Peaceful Palms Neighborhood Watch Team. Another kidnapping yesterday.
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