Name of Book: Searching for Me
Why did you decide to write it?
This subject has perplexed my sisters and I for a long time growing up with our complexions different from our mothers and as a result would get teased and ridiculed because of it. Growing up in an era where race and lineage weren’t fully discussed in my home, especially on my father’s side, where most of the Caucasian lineage lies, you were silenced when asked. This led to years of questions which led to self-esteem issues and unresolved questions. I wanted other children who face this issue to know that even if they never get the answers to these questions of their whole ancestry like I did, it’s okay, love yourself for the beauty that lies within you that God uniquely gave each of us.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I can write and tell my story my way, unapologetically. Everyone has a story to tell and there is no right or wrong way to tell it. Every story is not for everybody. If you like you do, if you don’t you don’t, no hard feeling had. But if it resonates with you mission accomplished. There is something to be learned in every book written you just must have an open mind in reading it.
What’s the worst part about being an author?
I would have to say when no one buys your book. But being a new author that is to be somewhat expected because you are learning the ropes of exposure, marketing, and getting your name out there. But with God’s timing, I believe it will come.
Who is your favorite character in the book, and why?
I would have to say the main character herself. She showed great courage in wanting to know where she came from and why her hue looked so different from her mother’s, but even more why was treated differently because of it by those she encountered in society. Because she could never get those answers to her true lineage from her family, she cleverly visited her maternal ancestors in her dreams. With that, she found herself and a true message about self-love.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
That is the first book I have ever written, and I never planned to write it. It was inspired in me out of pain but turned into a book of inspiration for others.
What are you currently working on?
I would like to start working on my second book. I have had so much positive feedback on Searching for Me, not only for skin hue but in just self-esteem in general and other issues. I am thinking about writing a series of books that perplex children. Children have a lot to say about issues that bother them they just cannot verbalize it properly. It took me 50-plus years to write this book with years of hurt and suppressed anger that I didn’t know what to do with, so I put it in book form.
Do I have anything else to add?
I would say to anyone not to count yourself out. I never thought I would have written a Children’s book, but God did. He saw the years of my hurt and pain and put them into words to help other children and adults, not only those who look like me but those who have other insecurities as well. It is who you are on the inside that counts, the beauty within.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HaIWSO
