Embrace Magazine: Premiere Year 2021

"John Sotomayor's writing is the kind that makes you feel immersed in a story, the kind you get lost in and want more of when you're done reading. Excellent storytelling painting a picture of the frontlines of the pandemic, while also exploring COVID-19's impact on the LGBTQ community."

"A wonderful use of storytelling to illustrate and alert readers to dangers of the virus and the particular risks for the readership while giving voice to those on the front lines. Quality reporting and writing and an informative package and a good visual presentation."

"2020 was a trying year for all--emotionally, physically, and mentally. The article, "Refresh Your Space to Recharge Your Life in 2021," provided manageable, lucid, and "aha" tips that I wish I had in my back pocket almost a year ago. The article read as if you were talking to an old pal who reminded you of something that you may already know in the back of your mind but still needed a gentle push in the right direction."

"Quality profile writing and eye-catching designs make this a department worth looking forward to reading each issue. The blending of current and historic entertainment figures especially is pleasing."

"Sara has done an amazing, enlightening job of reporting on an often shunned topic. It is informative about the issue, but also informative to those who may have or currently are suffering abuse. The two sidebars were brilliant, thoughtful additions."

"This commentaries offer clear expression of issues and experiences within the broad community served by the publication. Engagingly and enjoyably written."

"Stories such as this deserve to be told time and time again. The descriptiveness and strong quotes make reading them an absolute pleasure. They leave you feeling uplifted and positive, and rooting for the characters as you would when watching your favorite film."

"An engagingly told and designed piece that appears to reflect the client's personality with lighthearted and playful text and witty photos. This would be a winning introduction to Alan's musical services."

"There are few publications in the region that would be able to devote this much space to often overlooked heroes, and Embrace does it beautifully, with its typically sophisticated design sense and editorial professionalism."

"This may be a new publication, but it obviously is a product developed by experienced, capable hands. The consistently high-quality storytelling makes it a pleasure to read, cover to cover. The bold layouts reflect the care given to the full publication. The broad diversity of voices and topics are delightful and bode well for continuing as a strong influence into the future."

"Embrace's digital editions look fantastic, and it's great to see a new magazine engaging with its audience through audio platforms."

"There is something to be said of an LGBTQ+ magazine hailing from Ocala--a small city, with a sort of off-the-grid atmosphere to it. Almost off-the-grid city. These three issues of Embrace Magazine not only give Ocala a name but also the people in it, through compelling, emotional, and raw stories that would never imagine coming from Ocala. From the front-of-the-book pieces to the long-form feature stories, Embrace brings the narratives of the community to life and positively highlights individuals who've faced adversity for most of their lives. You can feel the emotions jump off the page, but you also are moved and inspired by the anecdotes, no matter how short or long. The articles stay with you and each individual's words stay with you, too."

"Beautiful, elegant design and art direction (as well as good photography and an interesting size) help to make this publication engaging. And its diverse coverage of an underserved niche makes it a truly important voice in the region."