First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do?
So using writing, the written word
What is it about being a writer that you love the most?
Having the characters come alive on the page is exciting and seeing people’s comments and reactions is my favorite part of the process. Also working with her illustrator, who was also a childhood friend, was one of the most exciting parts for Dr. Tee-Tee. She explained that
What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
The process of publishing a book is not as easy as it may seem. Creating a book can be expensive. The process of copywriting your work is filled with time-consuming obstacles
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
The books in the book series are inspired by my childhood experiences
Do you have a schedule for when you write?
Yes and No. I do have to schedule a day and time when I do need to write, but there are times when I am inspired and I just need to sit down and let the words flow on the paper or MS Word document.
Do you outline your books?
Because these children’s books are short, I don’t usually need to outline the book.
How long does it generally take you to finish a children’s book?
Approximately two hours.
What projects are you currently working on?
There are several new books I am hoping to publish soon: Ife, Chinye and the Girls in the Mirror; Ife and the Attack of the Asthma, Ife and the Sound Heard around the School, Ife and the Missing Grandparents, Ife Goes to Nigeria and many, many more.
What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?
: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
Who is your favorite author to read?
God (the Bible) and William Shakespeare
What book are you currently reading?
Yellowface with R. H. Huang
What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far?
The American Academy of Pediatrics publisher to write a positive review of my first book:
“Together til’ the End: Ife’s Incredible Friends is a wonderful story that encourages empathy, learning, and understanding. As Ife meets children from a variety of cultures during her school day, she learns to embrace and celebrate their differences, while making new friends. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations plus educational information at the end, this book will delight and bring awareness to children of all ages.”
-Peter Lynch
Senior Manager
American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) Publishing
Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
I would like to have 5 more of my books published and I do school visits. I also see myself as an advocate for literacy so would like to do some advocacy projects in that area.
How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
I let myself be disappointed and I will re-evaluate to see what I did wrong or what I could have done better but I don’t let it stop me and I continue to look for opportunities to get my book out there. No one but God and me can stop me, so I don’t let rejection stop me.
Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature?
Yes; I like the creativity aspect of being a writer more. Also; balancing my job with the business of writing has been a struggle that I am working on. However my friends and family have been a great support to me.
How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
It is hard especially since I am a fairly introverted person but slowly I’m getting the hang of it.
What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?
Because I put a little bit of myself into my main character (Ife) or a little bit of my life into the stories; I believe makes the stories special. Also, I purposely don’t give my characters the stereotypical happy ending, perfect life, perfect characters that never make a mistake. I think also sets the books apart. The endings are realistic which makes the stories and characters relatable and engaging, in my opinion.
How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
I believe that the purpose of this writing is to share my life experiences and show others how to love themselves and love others. That is the goal of this book series. As a Christian, I believe anything and everything I do is to share God’s love with all which is what I try to do with this series.
Author Page: Tee-Tee’s Ife Books
Instagram: @drteetee89
Blog: Ife’s Insights (ifesinsightsandadventures.blogspot.com)
Author Name: Dr. Tee-Tee Books
