We recently had the chance to connect with Rebecca Proenza and have shared our conversation below.
Rebecca, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe most people struggle with communication and speaking up but never say it. Most people want to avoid the hard conversations to avoid problems, but that creates problems in the long run. Most people expect the other person to catch a subtle facial expression and stop without saying a word. Then they get upset when the other person doesn’t notice. Expecting someone to do something or behave a certain way without speaking up about it. I call it, “communicating like a neurotypical.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a sci-if and horror author whose stories specialize in mental health awareness and developing positive relationships. I am also writing graphic novels, indie animation, and I do art as well. My stories are Young Adult friendly, since I want to encourage younger people to stray away from too much technology. Growing up with autism, I didn’t have many friends, and I wasn’t taught how to process my emotions. I had to learn how through many years of trial and error, and I had to find my people. My books are my way of saying, “you are not alone,” and “I see you.”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
This one took me a while to realize what a power move I made and how underrated something like doing something on your own can help you feel powerful. I wanted a Wii for my 10th birthday. I didn’t get the Wii. I asked for it for Christmas, but I didn’t get it. I had birthday and Christmas money saved from 2 years, so I decided to buy it myself. My father always made sure I was saving money. At first, I thought, “I can’t believe my parents didn’t get it for me.” Then I thought, “At least I was able to buy it myself.”
When I was 19, I had a toxic friend. She had the wheels for the remotes, but not the game. When asked why, she said, “When someone gets Mario Kart for me, I already have the wheels.” That didn’t sit right with me. Why wouldn’t she get it herself? I thought back to how I wanted the Wii and made my own power move to get it. I did need a ride to Walmart though, I was 10. Not only did I feel powerful, I realized how different my mindset was from my ex friend. If I wanted something, I have the power and ability to obtain it without relying on other people.
That was my earliest memory of a time I felt powerful, and it came full circle.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life… there’s a list. Growing up, I was intelligent, hyper, and autistic. You can imagine that I was an “easy target” for my classmates.
“Freak,” “Waste of space,” “Nobody likes you,” “Weirdo,” “What’s wrong with you?” “Annoying.” “Useless.”
People making fun of my stimming, speech, and ticks. The list goes on.
I honestly thought the world would be better without me, that I would never be loved, and that I had no purpose but to make everything worse. I believed that I was a waste of space.
I needed therapy because of all the bullying I endured.
I have healed my wounds through writing. I have highlighted my differences and made them accepted. I have normalized the unknown. I made the weird girl lovable.
Through writing, I have learned how to advocate for myself. I finally stood up for myself. I kept the good people in my life close. I never would have imagined when I was crying myself to sleep that I could have a great group of people in my life.
Writing helped me heal from my wounds, and I hope that other people who read my stories can heal as well.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that people can be good and do the right thing. Sad to say, there is so much corruption and evil in the world that it can’t be proven. If given the chance, people can be kind and loving and accepting. People get hurt, so they lash out the way society has taught them, and they haven’t fully healed. With enough love, acceptance, and live-and-let-live, we can live in a good world. The bad in the world and weird social norms won’t let that be proven true.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I will probably regret not traveling more before I settle down to start my own family. I will always be writing and drawing, and marketing takes up more time than writing a book. Balancing marketing, writing, making art, being a mom, other life things, it will be hard to hit all the countries on my bucket list. Money is always an issue though, so I have to decide where and when I want to travel, and if I can afford it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Proenzaproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proenzarebecca?igsh=cWRmaGdmajRmZnV2&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/proenzarebecca?s=21&t=jlAIf9qn9Wbj8rqpEWNklQ
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rebeccaproenza1013?si=eUgRlZWxiH_NiN09
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/atwitchinthesystem?igsh=aXpld3M2eWczMjV2&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
-The fanart of A Twitch In The System was drawn by one of my animators, Cess Beltran.
-The animated picture of me was drawn by my friend Keenon Dukes.
-Turtle Tank book cover was drawn by my good friend, Aleena J Valentine-Lopez. I had the idea that she brought to life’s
-The Earth In Gray book cover was drawn by my friend Dyanna Lopez. I had the idea that she brought to life.
-The A Twitch In The System logo was helped drawn by one of my artists Brettney Quinzel.
-Shipper Gonna Ship is an artwork that I have created.
-Other pictures have been taken at conventions.
