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Interview with Tymeka Coney, Author of 'I Don't Like Racism’

 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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What's the book I Don't Like Racism about, and what inspired you to write it?
This book tells the story of racism through the eyes of a young African-American girl, DaNyla, and her experiences with racism as she witnesses her cousin involved in police brutality and she tries to understand why racism exists. She talks to her Mom, and her History Teacher about racism to better understand where it evolved, then she prays about it and decides to continue to dream and hope for change for a better tomorrow as she still continues to fight for what's right peacefully all while still loving her family and her multicultural friends.

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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Tymeka Coney is an actress, producer, director, playwright, poet, songwriter, voiceover and now activist with the release of her new children's picture book, "I Don't Like Racism," which was inspired by the police brutality she has witnessed in the world and first hand. Tymeka's first book was "Words Unspoken: Volume I-Deeper Than Eyes Can See," poetry book released in 2011. She also has a Spoken Word album, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Dreams," available on Amazon and her recent extended single "COVID 19- Social Distancing," also on Amazon. Tymeka is also an Entertainment Entrepreneur as she is a woman of many talents. She currently runs an Indie production company- Meek Entertainment & PR for TV, Film, Live Stage Events & other media where she stays busy consulting clients in PR & Production along with her producing partner Lemo Coney III and they also run an annual film festival to provide opportunities for other filmmakers called -Mind Film Festival - www.mindfilmfestival.com. Tymeka is also Manager & Co-Founder of a Music Collective for other songwriters, singers and musicians - www.more2morecollective.com. She continues to inspire others through her writing/entertainment bringing awareness to social change as she has done as a playwright with several plays that have brought awareness to domestic violence, breast cancer, suicide, menopause etc. 







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