Oct. 6, 2020
I was privileged to invite Author Tymeka Coney for an interview to discuss her latest book I Don't Like Racism and the inspiration behind it. Enjoy!
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This story will teach all ages, genders and nationalities about racism and it seeks to inspire us all to unite and love one another despite the color of our skin.
I was inspired to write this book because I have experienced police brutality first hand and having survived it, it is my mission to keep the conversation going to eradicate racism as it affects all races, genders and ages. I saw how it affected George Floyd's six-year-old daughter as she quoted, "My Daddy changed the world." I further realized that it affects a child as young as six years old and I need them to get this message to recognize their value even at six years old.
Who is your target
audience, and why do you think this book will appeal to them?
My target audience is ages
5-18 years old. It is also for grandparents, parents and teachers to share with
their grandchildren and children and students and read the book with them. It
is also for anyone to read that supports positive change against racism. I
believe it will appeal to these audiences as they will be able to relate to the
words and illustrations on every page.
What message do you wish to
pass across to your readers with this book?
The message I wish to pass on
to readers is to not judge someone by the color of their skin but by the
content of their character. I would like children to recognize their value
despite the color of their skin and I would like to see more unity amongst the
human race with a better understanding of different cultures and races.
What was the hardest thing
about writing your latest book?
There
wasn't anything really hard about writing my latest book. The only challenging
experience was sharing my vision with the illustrator. There were many times
that I had to be very detailed. I had to always make sure
that my specific vision for the story aligned with the interpreted vision of
the illustrator.
As a writer, is there
anything you've learned about yourself while writing this book?
As a writer, I just learned
that no experience in life has been wasted rather good or bad. We experience
things often so that we can share those experiences to educate, empower and
even entertain others. I learned that in writing this book that my experiences
gave me insight to write this book.
For your own reading, do
you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books, and why?
I am a traditional reader in
the sense that I enjoy having a paperback or hardcover book. I have several
book shelves at home as I am an avid reader and collector of books in all
genres. I like being able to flip through the pages, carry a book on the plane
with me and just be able to read the book at my leisure and put a book mark in
it to be able to refer back to the last page I read. There is something about
having that book in my hand.
What is your niche genre,
and if you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?
My niche is just to inspire
and motivate people. So far I have a poetry book and a children's picture book.
If I were to write in a different genre it would be self-help. I enjoy helping
people and inspiring them to become better versions of themselves through my
words and sharing my experiences.
What books and authors have
most influenced you?
I love reading poetry books
and other children's books. I have enjoyed reading poetry books by Maya
Angelou, Alicia Keys, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes and Shel Silverstein. I
have also enjoyed reading children's books by Grace Byers, Matthew Cherry, and
Dr. Seuss to name a few.
Is there anything you'd
like readers to know about you?
I'd like the readers to know
that I write in other genres as well. I am a Spoken Word Artist and I have a
Spoken Word Album on iTunes and other music platforms, "Life, Love &
The Pursuit of Dreams." I also write songs, TV & Film scripts and I am
a playwright.
Do you have any more books
in the works?
I do have more books in the
works. My first book was called, "Words Unspoken:Volume I-Deeper Than Eyes
Can See," so I do have a Volume II to follow. I definitely want to do
another children's book as I really enjoyed the process. I also have a book of
wisdom to come as well.
Do you read your book
reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read my book reviews. So
far I've been blessed to get good reviews. In the event that there would be a
bad review of some sort, I would question if they really understood what they
read or if they were really in agreement with positive change against racism.
As much as I would like to believe that what I write is Universal and for all
audiences, I do realize that there may be a specific audience that may not
fully understand the message presented in the story. Interviews like this help
to clarify a lot of questions for those that may read and review.
How can readers get in
touch with or follow you (website, personal blog, social media handle,
Goodreads)?
Facebook: TymekaConey
Instagram: TymekaTymeLashae
Twitter: AuthorTymeka
Facebook: Idon'tlikeracism book
Instagram: Idontlikeracism1
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55440940-i-don-t-like-racism
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