Essence Bonitaz writes contemporary fiction about complex relationships with compelling female characters, a craft that began in childhood with Barbie® doll play and mediating fights between two older sisters. She describes herself as a chronic multitasker, recovering perfectionist, and lover of all things creative. When she’s not engaged in art, exercise, or connecting with loved ones, she’s a sign language interpreter by another name. Her work has been supported by the Minnesota State Arts Board multiple times and her debut novel, Ajha’s Web: A Series, was featured in Independent Book Review’s “Best Books We Read This Year (2021).†Essence was born and raised in Minnesota where she still resides.