Angelou had begun to write sketches, songs and short stories, and shows her work to her friend John Killens, who invites her to New York City to develop her writing skills.
Angelou telah memulai menulis sketsa-sketsa, lagu-lagu, cerita pendek, dan mnampilkan karyanya kepada kawannya, John Killens, yang mengundangnya ke New York City dalam rangka mengembangkan bakat menulisnya.