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Blogging by Humans

Explore the writings of our humans that write to us regularly! Beyond a single narrative, poem, or story, these authors share writings on a variety of topics, sometimes in the form of long-term series, about their current lived experiences, opinions, and their histories.

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Da’Shae ‘Summer Breeze’ smiles in front of a blue backdrop with yellow 'LA' and 'MINI' logos.

Da’Shae ‘Summer Breeze’, 44

I am happy I exist. I live in a male institution, but I am a transwoman. I'm thankful that I was able to receive hormone therapy to treat my gender…
July 17, 2026
Jasper stalling

Thank You From Jasper

I just wanted to write you a quick note to say thank you. Your attention to detail and all your hours getting our stories out mean a lot to all…
April 19, 2026
Shaun Moore stands in a light blue sweatsuit and sunglasses, holding a green circuit board, in front of a festive Christmas backdrop with gingerbread men and candy canes.

Shaun, 42

I still have love for my ex wife, and I had to get down on paper how I felt about her. What inspired me to write is my passion for…
February 24, 2026
Two men standing side-by-side in front of a brick wall and a stained-glass window. The man on the left wears a white prison jumpsuit, while the man on the right is dressed in a dark suit with a light blue shirt and an ID badge.

Eighteen Words That Saved My Life by Fabian

I don’t care what people say about you, I know where your heart is, I raised you. Before I ever entered the prison gates, these eighteen words were given to…
October 27, 2025
Two men, one with a long grey beard in a blue shirt and another with a dark beard in a tan shirt, stand together under a tree.

It Takes A Village by Jasper

It’s my birthday and I am enjoying myself, making rounds, feeling good. Yesterday, I saw my niece for the first time in about fifteen or sixteen years. I got arrested…
October 23, 2025
A large group of people, including adults and children of various ages, posing together outdoors in a park.

A Pinprick in His Infinite Kindness

At 18, I believed that whatever I prayed for would come true. I prayed with all my heart that I would go to my murder trial and be found “NOT…
October 13, 2025
A black and white drawing of two women kissing a large skull, with a skeletal hand reaching up from its mouth and candles at the base.

Sensationalize by Tommy Lee

I feel as though my written word proves more eloquent than the way I am prone to speak, pondered and devised through more time to think. A mind full (not…
September 25, 2025
Three men stand in front of a blue backdrop decorated with gold fringe and graduation caps. The man on the right wears blue prison scrubs with 'DCR PRISON' printed on the leg.

“Every Journey is Unique” by Nick Springer

For a large portion of the incarcerated population here at Mule Creek, programming is everything. People would like to believe the rehabilitation process is a one-size-fits-all model and are constantly…
September 19, 2025
Two men in matching grey athletic outfits stand side-by-side with arms around each other's shoulders against a white wall.

Letting Go, Moving Forward

I want to see all inmates go home, especially the guys who have been in prison all their lives like myself. We have been off lockdown and are finally programming…
July 28, 2025
Handwritten journal entry on lined paper reflecting on childhood friends, a past balcony memory in Mazatlan with a loved one, and the emotional impact of a prison sentence.

“Internalizing Things, NOT a Way to Recover” by Taina

How are we, transfolk, supposed to feel safe if we can’t even rely on those paid to keep us safe? Dear friends at HoSQ, Your words are like a soft…
July 28, 2025
A grainy, black-and-white portrait of a man with short hair and a serious expression.

Too Young to Die in Prison: A Tribute to Rock

Everybody liked Rock. He was that kind of guy. Likable. Full of life. Always giving back. Ventura was my best friend. I loved him like a brother. He loved life,…
May 29, 2025
A table laden with food packages and snacks in front of a 'Merry Christmas' banner, with a sign for the 'Ru-Al' giveaway. A person stands behind the table, and graffiti on the wall reads 'about Ru-Al'.

A New Chapter: Adjusting to Life Beyond San Quentin’s Death Row

At the Juneteenth event, I had the chance to share my story from San Quentin’s Death Row and talk about how I was able to write all my books. That…
April 9, 2025

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