How do you envision your books being used in educational settings, such as schools or libraries, to facilitate discussions on world issues?
Once upon a time, students had to bring in a current event article every Monday when I attended elementary school. Today, that's no longer a priority in most schools. Teachers are scrutinized for what they teach and discuss. I see our books included in classroom discussions based on current events happening in the world. The teacher and students can read about how another child feels or views what's happening in the world. Some students may be able to identify with the reader. Students can open up about their feelings, leading to a great discussion. Since specific topics cannot be discussed in the classroom, books should be available in libraries for students interested in those issues.
What kind of research goes into creating your nonfiction books to ensure accuracy and educational value?
We listen to critical issues on the news and read articles. We don't focus on all matters but on problems that may affect young children. Then we get my granddaughter's perception about it. We want people to understand children's views about things. How often do we ask children what they think or feel about issues? Her books can be an excellent tool for discussions with teachers and parents of young children.
What prompted you to focus on critical world issues from a child's perspective in your books?
In our first book, my four-year-old granddaughter describes what she saw, heard, and felt when she joined family members in a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest. The story ends with a photo of Jaliyah and her mother picketing in the street. Parents and teachers have purchased the book to help children understand why people were protesting at that time.
We focus on more than just critical world events. We write children's fiction books as well. We also look at personal issues children may experience in their lives.
Can you share any anecdotes or memorable moments from your experiences as authors, especially in interacting with your young readers or their families?
We have sold our books at various in-person events. Parents and teachers have told us it is a genius idea to share a child's thoughts about issues that may affect them. People have encouraged us to continue authoring my granddaughter's perception of personal and critical topics about children.
How did the idea for the "My Protest" children's picture book series come about, and what inspired you to write it from a child's perspective?
Several events sparked the idea to begin the "My Protest" book series written from a child's perspective. First, we did not start with a book series in mind. As stated, my 4-year-old granddaughter describes what she saw, heard, and felt when she joined family members in one of the many powerful Black Lives Matter marches. We thought it would be a great book to help young children understand what happens at a protest.
Second, when personal and critical issues happened in my granddaughter's life, she seemed to object to what was taking place, giving us the idea to continue with the phrase My Protest.
Could you tell us about the themes or topics you address in the series and why you chose these subjects?
The first book, My Protest, is about the happenings at a Black Lives Matter protest. It was a first-hand experience for my 4-year-old granddaughter, who shared her story. The second book, My Protest: If I Could Peek Into Heaven...To See What Her Daddy Is Doing centers around my granddaughter's father's death. The message conveys why she protested about his death. She didn't like that God took her father away from her. The third book, My Protest: Please Don't Erase Our History! happened when my granddaughter conveyed to me how much she loves Black History. She was disturbed when she learned that information may be tampered with or erased.
What do you hope young readers will take away from your book, "My Protest: Please Don't Erase Our History!", especially regarding understanding critical social issues?
We hope our readers of all ages, especially parents, will be aware of the potential tampering of Black history and be encouraged to question, challenge, and stand up for their beliefs.
As the owner of MyBessProjects LLC, Linda, please share a bit about the journey of establishing your own publishing company and what motivated you to take this route for your books.
In 2008, I gave a publishing package to my sister, an indie playwriter before I started writing. She refused the gift. In 2020, after I heard my 4-year-old granddaughter's account of what took place at the Black Lives Matter protest she attended, my daughter and I decided to share her story. I used the package myself to write the book. The publishing deal was from a hybrid publishing company. It wasn't what I expected to be doing! After all, I was working, trying to pursue my dream as a singer/songwriter. I had started an independent record label with a holy hip-hop rapper, praise dancers, and, of course, myself, an indie singer/songwriter.
I didn't begin with an LLC. My daughter-in-law, an attorney, suggested that I get an LLC after reading our first book. I understood that LLCs would give me liability protection, tax advantages, and intellectual property protection. I was taking free online courses and some for a fee to learn how to write and submit query letters to editors. After one rejection after another, I was devastated! After speaking to other authors, I learned many authors go through this daunting process. Some give up, and some stop writing. I decided to keep writing and decided to start the LLC. I wanted full ownership of our work and editors to refrain from controlling our writing. Also, I preferred to avoid the pressure to write books on the editor's and publisher's timetable. Similarly, I created an independent record label for total autonomy of our writing and music production. However, it was too soon to get an LLC because I needed to earn more to help cover the expenses, but I started MyBessProjects LLC anyway. I think, "I pulled the cart before the horse!" I still need to figure out how to market better for greater book exposure and increase our financial revenue. I still need the best course of action for me to take to keep all profits from sales. Owning your business is challenging, especially without a professional team to help. Right now, I need the funds to hire a professional team. I am overwhelmed with many people offering to assist for a hefty fee.
What's the process like when you co-author your books with Jaliyah? How do you collaborate to bring a child's perspective to life in your storytelling?
It's an interview. Since the chosen topics are based on the child's experiences with the subject matter, which gives her a perspective already, we interviewed her about what she knows, heard, and her feelings about it. As my granddaughter ages, she suggests how to combat an issue from a child's perspective.
How do you approach the illustrations in your picture books? Do you work with a particular illustrator, and how do you ensure that the visuals complement the text effectively?
I have worked with two different illustrators for our books. I am an artist without an imagination to pull from my inner visual mind. I have to see it to draw it. Because of this talent, I can direct the illustrator on what I envision for each page. The challenge for the illustrator is to do what I'm asking for.
Given your books' social and political nature, have you encountered any challenges or unique opportunities in reaching your target audience?
One elementary school librarian purchased our first book, My Protest. That book is centered around what happens at a black Lives Matter Protest. I was referred to a Book Fair that comes to sell children's books to students at that school. The book was rejected because they felt it dealt with political issues. However, the local libraries in that county accepted our books. We were delighted to know at an in-person event, a woman informed us that the schools in that county had a parent read-to-children day, and she saw the book at a school in the county and read it to the children. She said it was in all the elementary schools in that county.
During COVID, my granddaughter was invited virtually to a Q&A about our first book, My Protest, with a reading class at an elementary school.
A librarian in Miami, Florida, aka 3Kingvisions, did a read-along online with our first book, My Protest. We've been interviewed virtually and in person by several organizations. Recently, we were selected as a special guest on the Writer's Release Podcast on Spotify. Markeyla Henton interviewed us at writersreleasepodcast@gmail.com. On Friday, my granddaughter was invited to read one of our books virtually for students participating in the Sojourner Truth Observational Study Hometel, Inc., a non-profit organization, a Literacy program for children. My granddaughter has been asked to return to read the other two books about her story.
Can you share some advice for aspiring authors, particularly those interested in writing nonfiction children's books with a social message?
Remember to be authentic about the issues.
Try to convey what the child is saying and feeling.
Stay true to the message. It will help young children identify with the message.
How can readers and supporters of "My Protest" connect with your work and stay updated on your latest releases and activities?
You can visit our website at https:MyBessProjects.com and sign up for our blog. You can also visit our page at https://allauthor.com/page/lmbooks15/3.
What's next for the "My Protest" series? Are there any upcoming books or projects you can give us a sneak peek into?
Right now, for our nonfiction books, we follow issues that affect children. Something recently alarming happened at my granddaughter's school. There's a strong possibility it's going to be another book.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?
Honestly, I don't remember. I may have come across information about AllAuthor while researching online. I sit up most days and nights researching online for valuable author resources. I'm still looking for grants for authors.
After completing the illustrations for one of our books, the illustrator offered me a few mockups. I was so excited to get the mockups. I always wondered how authors do that and where they get it. Thanks. Because of AllAuthor, I can create my mockups and have magic tools to do many things to help
