What The Hands Remember

Hi! I'm Albert Scales, an author and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am an African American writer who grew up in the inner cities of Essex County, New Jersey, with family roots that trace back to the plantations of the Carolinas. My work is shaped by that history-by the stories carried through generations, the resilience within our communities, and the quiet truths that often go unspoken. I am the creator of the Brave on the Inside children's book series, which features a young Black girl navigating themes of self-confidence, courage, emotional awareness, and finding her voice. These stories are written for children who may feel unseen or uncertain, while also creating space for meaningful conversations between children, parents, and educators. I also write cozy-horror fiction from an African American perspective, blending elements of the supernatural with cultural memory, family history, and community life. My stories focus less on fear and more on atmosphere-exploring how the past lingers, how places hold memory, and how healing can emerge from the truths we inherit. Across all of my work, I center African American experiences with care, intention, and emotional depth-creating stories that are reflective, grounded, and rooted in both history and humanity.