If you haven’t heard of Nikki Carter, this is your lucky day! With novels ranging from adult fiction to young adult drama, she’s proven her writing skills are top notch and we are thrilled to spotlight her during our 28 Days Program.

Becoming Nikki Carter: The Journey

When I started my writing journey, Nikki Carter wasn’t even a twinkle in my eye. I mean, I write serious adult fiction with real-life drama, spiritual lessons and faith. Well, that’s what Tiffany L. Warren writes. Are you confused yet? Ha!

Nikki Carter is my pen name, my alter-ego, my Sascha Fierce, the fun teenagery person that still lives inside of me. See, teenagers totally make up their own words. When I write as Nikki, not only do I make up words, but I create drama-filled almost steamy capers with plenty of teen angst.

Honestly, I never intended to pursue writing young adult fiction. I was between adult book deals, and my agent thought it would be a good idea to expand my brand and reach out to write in other genres. When I sat down to write my first young adult novel, I traveled back in time to my middle school years. It started off as the diary of a sarcastic, nerdy, skinny teenage girl, and ended up being my very first teen novel Step to This.

Who or What Inspires You?

I love authors who push the envelope and come up with original takes on classic tales. When I was a teen I read Madeline L’Engle, Judy Blume, Octavia E. Butler, Stephen King and all one million of the Sweet Valley High books. Now, my teen daughters and I love Paula Chase, Stephanie Perry Moore, ReShonda Tate Billingsley and Stephanie Meyer. Since I am a mother of five (holy smokes) I love teen authors who can bring the drama plus a lesson at the same time!

The Back Story

I’ve been with Kensington Publishing since 2009, and they have been really great with thinking ahead of the curve! My latest book deal is a continuation of the Fab Life series, where the main character starts college life. I thought it would be fun to do a tie in with the So For Real series and have the heroine from that series, Gia, meet up as a college roommate to the heroine of the Fab Life series, Sunday. We ended the So For Real series somewhat abruptly, and left the readers without a senior year for Sunday, Hope, Ricky and Gia. I appreciate that Kensington is allowing me to give the readers of that series some closure while introducing them to my new characters! That’s the exciting thing about the industry. Some ideas work, some don’t, and you always have to be willing to roll with the punches if you want any longevity.

The Buzz

Here are some reviews and quotes about my work!

Harriet Klausner on COOL LIKE THAT

“This is an engaging young adult romance starring a teen drama queen and the two hunks in her life.”

Booklist on COOL LIKE THAT

“…so much fun.”

Romantic Times on DOING MY OWN THING

“Ooo-wee does this novel have plenty of reality show-type drama…Edgy, but fun. Readers will look forward to the next installment of Sunday’s life on campus.” 

APOOO BookClub

“It Is What It Is by Nikki Carter is a fun, hip read with tons of laugh-out-loud moments.”

Kirkus on IT’S ALL GOOD

“Carter portrays a rounded picture of African-American teen life anchored by school, church and  family.”

Urban Reviews

“Step To This is a fun, fast read by Nikki Carter.”

Kirkus on NOT A GOOD LOOK

“…this series is poised to “blow up”…”

Kirkus on DOING MY OWN THING

“Juicy drama with constant twists, turns and bons mots and plenty of room for additional episodes.”

Booklist on STEP TO THIS

“…the story is told with energy and humor and will appeal to those seeking a softer side to urban fiction.”

ReShonda Tate Billingsley, author of The Good Girlz series

“Nikki Carter is a fresh, new voice in teen fiction! Step to This has it all –drama, humor, and a lesson that everyone can learn from. Full of fun-loving, unforgettable characters that readers will love, Nikki has written a page-turner that will leave the reader wanting more!” 

Monica McKayhan, Essence bestselling author of Indigo Summer –

“Step to This is hot, it’s new, it’s now…with characters that leap from the pages, it’s absolutely a must-read.”

Chandra Sparks Taylor, author of Spin It Like That and The Pledge

“Nikki Carter steps up and delivers a home run with her debut novel, Step to This. It’s a real winner.”

Victoria Christopher Murray, National bestselling author of the Divine Divas series

“Step to This is a wonderful, witty tale that is full of laugh-out-loud moments and great lessons.”

Ni-Ni Simone, author of A Girl Like Me

“Filled with smart and witty characters, Step to This is a fun, fast-paced read teens will love.”

Shelley Adina, author of the All About Us series

“Fun, honest, and so for real … I loved Gia and cheered for her as she struggled to find where she fits with friends, family, and  faith. Debut author Nikki Carter is now on my must-read list!” 

Melody Carlson, author of The Carter House Girls, Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors and The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series  

“Gia Stokes might be a Hi-Stepper, but this teen role model has both feet on the ground as she meets life’s challenges with style and grace. Kudos to Nikki Carter for a great start in this  fun and relevant teen series!”

Thank you, Nikki!

It seems being the youngest of seven children would give Pansie Hart Flood plenty of adventures to write about.  But it was the memories from summer visits with her Grandmother that penned her first trilogy.  The Brown Bookshelf is honored to spotlight Pansie Hart Flood during our 28 Days Later Program.

Tell Us About Your Path to Publication 

The journey to having my first novel,Sylvia & Miz Lula Maye published was surprisingly short. It was less than six months. I followed a traditional path of first researching publishers interested in receiving and reading manuscripts in my genre. Following submission guidelines was a “must.” I mailed submission packages to around thirty publishers and waited.  While waiting, I continued to write.

I ended up not signing with the first publisher that showed interest in my story because they wanted to make too many changes to my authentic voice. Carolrhoda Books (a division of Lerner Publishing), liked my story and my voice. They actually suggested the trilogy idea which allowed me to divide and elaborate one longer story into three.  Therefore, my first book deal ended up being three books: Sylvia & Miz Lula Maye (2002), Secret Holes (2003), and Sometimey Friend (2005).

 Where Did Your Inspiration Come From?   

The inspiration to write came from many different writers and people in my life. In middle school Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Gwendolyn Brooks and Maya Angelou captured my attention.  As for children’s books, authors like Jacqueline Woodson, Walter Dean Myers, Bill Cosby, Christopher Paul Curtis, etc…just to name a few, allowed me to believe that I could become a children’s author just like them.  These authors write realistic fiction about African Americans and what it was like experiencing life during a particular time and place. 

 Creating characters that can jump off the page, grab its readers by the hand and drag them into the plot of the story is one of many goals I aim to achieve.  A little, then sometimes a lot of humor, family matters and friendship are other important elements that I include in my stories.  Memories of my grandmother inspired me to write the initial story for Sylvia & Miz Lula Maye. A visit to the public library with my so (who at the time was around six years old), sprouted ideas for a young reader series called Tiger Turcotte.

 Let Us In On “The Back Story.” 

 The back story of how I signed a contract for a young reader series with the same publisher Carolrhoda Books, proves a very important lesson. Shortly after editors from Carolrhoda Books contacted me expressing interest in my Sylvia & Miz Lula Maye manuscript, the following question was asked, “What else have you written that we might be interested in reading?”  I am so glad that I continued creating stories and writing material while I was waiting to hear back from publishers about my submissions.  I answered, “Yes, I have written several stories that cater to young readers. The main character is a young boy named Tiger who is multi-racial.”

 The editors asked me to prepare and submit summaries about each story.  I did and they suggested the idea of creating a young reader’s series called Tiger Turcotte. Book one of this series is called, It’s Test Day! Tiger Turcotte (2004).  Book two is called, Tiger Turcotte and the Know-It-All (2005). Other books were in the making, however due to the economy and the children’s book market, they were killed.

The Buzz 

School Library Journal; Dec2005, Vol. 51 Issue 12, p146

…Flood’s characters are likable, and the realistic dialogue lends an appealing ethnicity to this charming story about a loving African-American family.

 The buzz regarding reviews is that I do not make a list or keep tabs on reviews.  Having a school system select any of my books for summer reading lists, or recommended as required reading is a fantastic honor that I hold in high regard.  I was thrilled to learned that some of my books have AR tests and are e-books.

Thank you, Pansie!

Bil Wright is an award winning novelist, playwright, and director. His latest award was announced last month at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting– The Stonewall Book Award -Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award for Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy.

“Carlos Duarte knows who he is and isn’t trying to be anyone else—in fact, Carlos is waiting for the world to catch up to him,” said Stonewall Book Awards Committee Chair Lewis Day. Congratulations, Bil!

Bil has three other novels and his plays include Bloodsummer Rituals, Leave Me a Message, and This One Girl’s Story. He directed Yasmin Rana’s The War Zone Is My Bed, New World Theatre Dance Festival, and The Man Who came to Dinner. His work has also appeared in anthologies. Bil says he has always loved to read and write. “I just like to write, to put words together to create images or tell stories.” His goal is to stimulate an impact in his readers, something two of his favorite authors did for him; J. D. Salinger and James Baldwin. Bil’s work portrays what’s on the minds of young people—things they really want to happen in their lives. He speaks to their conflicts and struggles and hopes they realize that even though their life may be hard right now, you can be who you are in the long run. Today, the 18^th day of our annual 28 Days Later campaign, we’re honoring Bil Wright for his writing successes and his contributions to the world of children’s publishing.

The Journey

I’ve always written. I was always a kid with a piece of paper scribbling down thoughts or mages. I’m still that kid. When I was much younger, it was a way of escaping. I loved and was fascinated by fairy tales; the way one story could have elements of longing and fulfillment, evil and cruelty, curses of eternal damnation and lives to be lived happily forever. I began to create my own fairytales, writing about the good and the wicked I knew, the people who made my life feel heavenly or like a never-ending hell. I learned that I too could have my stories published for others to read and that the readers of my stories might be carried to other worlds that either made them laugh out loud or touched a place of sadness deep within them. It was perhaps the first time I fell in love with the idea that there was a continuing circle of images and characters being created and passed along to others to know, in stories, in books, in plays.  There were characters to love or hate, or become friends with for a time until their story ended and you wished them well, knowing your friendship had ended with the last page of their story.

My first stories were published in anthologies. I wrote poems and sent them out and had them included in books of poetry. When I heard a writer suggest that short stories were for sprinters and novelists were long-distance runners, I took it as a challenge to see if I could indeed run for a long distance, carrying my characters and their stories with them. My first book was SUNDAY YOU LEARN HOW TO BOX which attracted adults and young adults and was received favorably in publications for both. My next two books for young adults were WHEN THE BLACK GIRL SINGS and PUTTING MAKE-UP ON THE FAT BOY. I’m thankful that both young adults and adults have responded to all of my books.

The Inspiration

One of my first inspirations was James Baldwin. As a very young person, I’d never read work that transported me to the world of Harlem, which I knew well, but not from another, earlier time. I’d read about late 18^th century England and the early 19^th century and also of America in earlier times, but never had I read a book that clearly and sympathetically portrayed people I knew so intimately. And I knew I could trust Baldwin because of his honesty. Black people, in his writing, could be brutal, but they could have great dignity and emotional breadth and stature as well. I am so thankful that he existed and cared so much about his work and the stories he told. In college, I had the honor to meet Gwendolyn Brooks and share some of my poetry with her. She was very complimentary and made it clear to me that writing was an important part of my life that I should invest in. Alice Walker and Toni Morrison can never be acknowledged enough. I still celebrate the royalty of literature as I know them to be. They provided me with inspiration when inspiration was sorely needed.

Now, though, I’m most inspired by the people around me, both young and old. I think these are pretty challenging times and when I see certain people struggle to keep going toward any productive goal, I’m truly inspired. There are so many people who are going without some pretty basic things like decent education and decent food and decent shelter, I can’t help but be inspired by their struggle to keep moving toward the light. I want so much for young people to challenge themselves and the older people around them to be the best that they can be, to have the courage to truly love themselves and each other. I know it may sound like a Christmas card, but that’s the point. Whether we believe in a Christian God or not, the principles of love and respect and honesty go a long way toward making our individual and collective lives better.

 The Back Story

My editor for PUTTING MAKE-UP ON THE FAT BOY first read my book, SUNDAY YOU LEARN HOW TO BOX.  The protagonist, Louis Bowman, is a young kid and it’s his pretty perilous journey (although he has a great sense of humor), that the books centers on. David, my editor, read the book and suggested to the editor of SUNDAY that I had a great “voice” for young adult readers. When I finished WHEN THE BLACK GIRL SINGS, my agent sent it to him and he published BLACK GIRL and PUTTING MAKE-UP ON THE FAT BOY.

The Buzz

One of Barnes and Noble Reviews Best Books for Young Adults of 2011

Wright (When the Black Girl Sings) gives voice, complexity, and heart to the kind of character often relegated to a cliché sidekick role. Sixteen-year-old Carlos Duarte’s dream is to become a famous makeup artist (“I’ve had subscriptions to Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar since I was fourteen… so I knew what I was doing was beyond genius”). Carlos’s mother has lost her job, and his older sister is getting abused by her boyfriend, who is also harassing Carlos for being gay. Carlos’s single-minded drive for success leaves some casualties in his wake (as when a $300 borrowed pair of “beyond incredible” boots are damaged when he’s assaulted), but his big heart, optimism, and powers of persuasion are infectious. And given the very realistic harassment Carlos regularly suffers, those attributes are a survival skill, too. He’s a walking example of the inner strength teens need–regardless of their sexuality.   Publishers Weekly.

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy, by Bil Wright, is a new YA novel whose main character Carlos Duarte, “knows that he’s fabulous. He’s got a better sense of style than half the fashionistas in New York City, and he can definitely apply makeup like nobody’s business. He may only be in high school, but when he lands the job of his dreams–makeup artist at the Feature Face counter in Macy’s–he’s sure that he’s finally on his way to great things…”      Lambda Lliterary Review
Carlos, 16 and fabulous, just knows he’s going to be famous. Cocky but playful—”I had just the slightest touch of color in my cheeks. I’d given myself a manicure. I looked beyond excellent!”—Carlos strides purposefully toward his goal: Makeup artist to the stars. Zipping around Manhattan, he obtains employment with a hip, prestigious cosmetics company in Macy’s and nabs a position working for the star of a Saturday Night Live equivalent. His campy voice (“seriously gorgeous bootay. Tight and round and perched, honey, perched!”) turns bitchy sometimes. He also needs to learn accountability for his actions: Macy’s makeup really can’t leave the store before being paid for, no matter how famous the star requesting it, and Stella McCartney boots begged from a friend must be returned pristine. Carlos loses that friend but narrowly saves his job; he also fights his sister’s abuser (who calls Carlos “maricón”) and strains for dignity when a kind but clueless straight boy tells Carlos to his face that he doesn’t return his crush. Wright’s occasionally flashy but mostly straightforward  prose should work equally well for bookish and non-bookish readers; the excellent treatment of a gay, Latino teen. He may step on some toes along the way, but this fat boy’s going places.  Kirkus Reviews

“What an amazing time in which we live, where a book like this could be
conceived, written, published, and put in the hands of young people who are struggling to become themselves in a world that may not understand them. How I wish such a shining light was available to me at that age; in my time, I had to search for it. In this wonderful, fun, insightful, and astonishing book, that light is shining from the first page to the last, showing us all the way through the darkness to our own truth. I am heartened that the world is changing to accept each of us for our beautiful gifts…this book is proof of it.”  Chris March, Star of BRAVO TV’s MAD FASHION

(Video) http://www.simonandschuster.com/multimedia?video=1067908378001

Find out more about Bil Wright at www.bilwright.com

More than a decade ago, L. Divine dreamed of creating books that would inspire young adults to read for pleasure. The teacher and scholar came up with a main character, Jayd Jackson, a teen from Compton, California who attends a predominantly white school and navigates the world of classes, boys, friendships and family.  “DRAMA HIGH,”  she shared on one site, “is about coming into one’s power through yourself and through your identity.”

Her vision sparked a sensation. Hailed for being  a fresh voice with the power to keep teens coming back for more, L. Divine now has 14 novels in print and is planning her second series, Drama U, which will spotlight  Jayd’s college years. She is a mother, mentor, teacher, sought-after speaker and volunteer who remains committed to writing books that young people love to read.

We’re proud to celebrate the work of L. Divine on Day 16 of our campaign:

The  Journey

As a tutor and student teacher I noticed a lack of available literature that interested my students in junior high and high school. I self-published my first novel Drama High, The Fight as an answer to what I saw was a serious gap in the literary world. The literature my students—in particular my girls—were interested in was inappropriate for their young adult minds, and I felt stuck as an educator in more ways than one. I started working on the first volume in graduate school and completed it while teaching junior high school in Carson, California, which is a small city adjacent to my hometown, Compton. The Fight was inspired by an actual fight between two girls in my classroom—best friends—over a boy. The altercation upset me so much that I went home and wrote about it, incorporating it into my first novel.

After the completion of the self-published edition, I studied the writing industry’s textbooks—such as Writer’s Market—and sent out dozens of query letters and proposals, all the while polishing my still in-process manuscript. After about a year of trying, I was finally in the right place at the right time, met my first agent, and the rest is herstory.

The Inspiration

I have always loved reading and am still an avid reader. Octavia Butler, Alice Walker, Maryse Conde, Gloria Naylor and Derrick Bell are just a few of the writers who have inspired me for most of my life. I love science fiction and these writers weave stories of race, fiction, fantasy and social commentary into captivating tales with unforgettable characters. I wanted to write just like them when I grew up and I continuously strive to master the craft. When I was a child I also read all of Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley books, which inspired me to write a series with a similar premise but characters based off of people in my environment. I also read what my mother read, which were novels mostly by Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steele.

The Back Story

Volume fourteen of the Drama High Series, So, So Hood, was published in June, 2011. The series was initially acquired by HarperCollins/Amistad. I followed my then editor to Dafina/Kensington and have been there ever since. Being a published novelist has been an invaluable learning experience and I am enjoying the journey.

The Buzz

The series has had excellent reviews in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Essence and Ebony magazines as well as several national newspapers. The public has shown special interest in the series and it’s growing in popularity. There are currently 14 volumes in publication, which debuted October 2006. Most recently I served as a sub-committee member for the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature and had the honor of being a selected author for the American Library Association’s Quick Pick List for Reluctant Young Adult Readers for the past four years. I was nominated for Georgia Author of the Year in 2010, had the pleasure of being a selected author at the NAACP Author’s Pavilion in both 2009 & 2011, and was a featured author at the Book Expo America in 2008 & 2009.

The State of the Industry

The “teen years” are a unique time for all young adults, and I think the genre of African American YA literature should reflect that. The first thing we need to do is recognize that African American YA/Teen lit is in a category all of its own. Solely race, supernatural occurrences or hood issues do not define it. Like other YA literature, African American YA is a mixture of these themes and more. Most importantly it is not children’s literature, which it’s often miscategorized as, nor is it completely adult. Junior high and high school are such unique times in our lives, where we have lost some of the innocence of childhood yet maintain a belief in all things being possible. This is why I love writing for teens: because there are no limitations to the merging of reality with imagination. That’s why I believe we’ve yet to see the full potential of this relatively new literary niche.

Find out more about L. Divine here.

Calvin Alexander Ramseyis a man of numerous talents. Not only does he write award winning picture books for children, he is a photographer, a folk art painter, and a playwright.  His plays have won awards as they traveled across the country to Washington, D.C., Atlanta; Omaha, Nebraska; San Francisco; and Alaska. That schedule surely agrees with Calvin because he has called many cities home: Martha’s Vineyard; New York City; Santa Monica, California; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix and St. John. Now he lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

His first picture book, Ruth and the Green Book tells the story of an African American family as they travel across a “Jim Crow” United States.

Today, the 15th day of our fifth annual 28 Days Later campaign, we’re honoring Calvin Alexander Ramsey for his writing successes and contributions to the world of children’s publishing.

The Journey

My journey to publishing came by way of playwriting. Later the need to publish was inspired by my desire to reach a younger public. I wanted to find a creative, engaging way to share some of the fascinating stories of Black History with the youth of the 21^st century.

The Inspiration

I am inspired by the work of Floyd Cooper, Shadra Strickland, Kadir Nelson, Evelyn Coleman, and Andrea Davis Pickney. All of these writers and illustrators bring a depth of power to a story  that elevates the art of children’s book literature.

The Back Story

My projects seem to fall on me. Much of my work is informed by my love of history, art, and the art of storytelling. I have spent many hours in the archives and special collections  of academic libraries immersing myself before starting a project.

The Buzz

ALA Notable Book Award

Jane Addams Peace Award for Children’s Literature

Blue Bonnet Master List

Powell’s Bookstore Staff Choice

Busboys and Poets Bookstore Staff Choice

School Library Journal (Star Reviewed).

“This story touches on a little-known moment in American history with elegance, compassion and humanity.” –Kirkus Reviews

Center for Puppetry ARTS –  Atlanta, GA 

Adapted and Directed by Jon Ludwig

Based on the book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey,
with illustrations by Floyd Cooper
Produced by special arrangement with Lerner Publishing Group

Performances
Feb 7 – 26, 2012

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Chronicling a relatively-unknown chapter in Civil Rights history, Ruth and the Green Book follows an African American family as they travel from Chicago to Alabama in the Jim Crow South of the 1950s. After being turned away from hotels, gas stations and restaurants, 8-year-old Ruth and her parents are introduced to “The Green Book,” a travel guide for black motorists conceived as a response to the humiliation and violence experienced by African Americans while traveling. Using an innovative combination of puppetry and animated projections that are inspired by the book’s evocative illustrations, this collaboration between Artistic Director Jon Ludwig and author Calvin Alexander Ramsey celebrates this great guidebook that  helped Ruth’s family, like many others, find safe routes to welcoming places and people. As part of the Teen & Adult performance series, Ruth and the Green Book is

The State of the Industry

Certainly children’s literature has taken great leaps in the past tewnty years and yet there is still an under representation of people of color writing and illustrating children’s books. I would like to hear more of their voices.

Find out more about Calvin Alexander Ramsey at http://www.lernerbooks.com/contacts/2450/Calvin-Alexander-Ramsey. 

Lynda Jones was destined to be an author.  Her story breathes that truth.  A love for writing shines through her responses and  that’s why on this Valentine’s Day, we’re delighted to spotlight  her during our 28 Days Program.

Tell us about your Journey

Raised in the gritty urban landscape that is East Harlem (aka Spanish Harlem or El Barrio), I lived for the exciting adventures I read in books. They played out like movies in my mind. I loved fairy tales and mysteries; stories set in exotic, faraway places; and family dramas. When I started high school, I began poring over my parents’ extensive and eclectic library. I read everything from Shakespeare to Iceberg Slim. Meanwhile, I wrote moody poems and short stories about my neighborhood, my dysfunctional family, and my myriad adolescent anxieties. I knew that I wanted to write, and I excelled at English and writing in school, but I had no idea if it was something that I could—or would—do for a living.  

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, I experimented with a variety of professions, from medical technology to fashion to advertising to, finally, publishing. I landed my first editorial job at Details, a lifestyle and fashion magazine for men. It was so exciting, and a great training ground for a beginning editor and writer. After Details, I worked at a variety of publications, from The Village Voice to Nickelodeon.  

My career as an author began at Scholastic, where I was an editor on a science magazine for middle and high school students. I was finally putting my degree to good use! Perhaps my articles and interviews would inspire kids to consider a career in science or journalism. Besides publishing classroom magazines, Scholastic also publishes exceptional books. I was eager to write one of my own—even though I had zero experience. I was very fortunate that Bernette Ford, the then-Editorial Director of Cartwheel Books—a Scholastic imprint—agreed to meet with me. I talked to her about my interests and ideas. She was extremely kind, insightful, and enthusiastic. Then she asked me to write a story, which would serve as a writing sample. I chose to write a biography about cave explorer Stephen Bishop. She must have liked it because, about a year later, she offered me my first book assignment: to write a biography about Abraham Lincoln. She took a chance on me, and for that I’ll always be grateful. After I completed Abe Lincoln, more assignments followed, including Great Black Heroes: Five Brilliant Scientists and Great Black Heroes: Five Famous Writers. I still write for Scholastic today. So far, I’ve published eight books, including Kids Around the World Celebrate! The Best Feasts and Festivals From Many Lands (John Wiley & Sons), which won a Parents’ Choice Award.

 Who Inspires you?

I’m inspired by authors who write about African American history and our heroes and “sheroes.” Kids are bombarded with so many negative images about our culture, it’s important that they learn about the positive and important contributions African Americans have made. I’m also inspired by authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, Walter Dean Myers, Angela Johnson, Sharon Flake, and Sharon Draper, who tackle the difficult subjects that kids deal with every day. And, finally, I’m inspired by every writer who has made the commitment to tell their stories and get them published—by any means necessary. It can be a very challenging process—especially when you have a day job, like most of us do— but it’s a grand achievement and extremely rewarding. It’s great that there are so many routes writers can take to get their stories to the masses—from posting them on a blog to raising funds through crowdsourcing to publish their work.

What about the Back Story

While my most recent books have been writer-for-hire assignments, which just means editors provide the story ideas and I provide the words, my most recent book idea was for Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker: The Unlikely Friendship of Elizabeth Keckley and Mary Todd Lincoln. The book came about because Sue Macy, who wrote for me when I worked at Nickelodeon and who publishes with National Geographic, suggested that I send ideas to her editor, Jennifer Emmett. So I did. Jennifer thought the story about Mary and her seamstress Elizabeth—a former slave—was a great idea because of their intriguing relationship and disparate backgrounds. And the subject was timely; Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday would be celebrated in February 2009, when the book was published.

 The Buzz

The Children’s Book Council and the National Council for the Social Studies

selected Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker as a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for

Young People 2010.

 Kirkus, Starred Review

Using period photographs and illustrations to expand the interest level, this account provides brief, strongly contrasting biographies of Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley. Lincoln, often maligned, grew up in a family of wealth and privilege. She arrived at adulthood with few coping skills to deal with the tragedies she faced—the loss of three of her beloved children in their youth and the assassination of Abraham, her primary source of emotional support. Keckley needed strength from early childhood, growing up as a slave and oftentimes physically abused. A talented seamstress, she not only supported her owner’s family at one point with profits from her sewing, eventually she purchased her freedom. In Washington, she became Lincoln’s seamstress—and one of her few friends. Lincoln’s life has been well documented; it was a stroke of genius to contrast it with the less well-known story of this talented former slave. Including many anecdotes that provide insight into the pair and featuring impeccable research, this volume is an excellent, fascinating addition to literature on the Civil War era.

 Booklist

Although it’s difficult to find a fresh angle for a book in this year of Lincoln, Jones manages smartly with the story of Elizabeth Keckley, born into slavery, and her friendship with Mary Todd Lincoln…. Readers may be familiar with the ups and downs of Lincoln’s life, but details of Keckley’s story…will give them new insights into the life of a slave, in this case, one who was educated and had a profession.

Thank you, Lynda!  Happy Valentine’s Day!

You know how it goes, “If you build it . . .” That’s just what happened for Earl Sewell. When publishers didn’t give him a break, he created his own opportunity by starting Katie Books, a publishing company named for his late mother.

Sewell published his first novel and worked hard for two years selling it. Then, guess what? New York publishers came knocking.

Today, he is the author of more than 17 novels that have won accolades and been featured in publications including The Washington Post and Publishers Weekly. We are proud to salute young adult novelist Earl Sewell on Day 12 of our campaign:

The Journey

In the beginning, I think I was like every other would be writer. I felt I had a knack for storytelling, and I wanted to see my work in print. As a student at Columbia College, I studied fiction writing and thought for sure I’d graduate and suddenly become a world renowned author. Unfortunately, that did not happen, at least not at that time. For the next seven years, I attempted to attract the attention of a New York Publisher. After receiving over forty rejection letters, I gave up on the idea. In 1999, after the death of my mother, I decided to self-publish a book I’d written called, Taken For Granted. I successfully hand sold several thousand copies of the title throughout the Midwest. In 2001, the book landed in the hands of an editor in New York. She liked the story and offered to publish the book for national distribution. From that point forward, I’ve been fortunate enough to continually acquire book deals.

The Inspiration

I worked for a public library in my early twenties, which is where I first encountered the works of Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright and James Baldwin. Up until that time, I did not realize that African American writers even existed. My unawareness was a result of my suburban upbringing. After reading the works of those writers, I searched the book shelves for more authors. I found Alice Walker, Terry McMillian and a host of other authors who inspired me. One of the highlights of my career took place in 2009. While on a book tour, in St. Louis, I had an opportunity to share the spotlight with Terry McMillan whose works I’d always admired.

The Back Story

I currently have contracts with two publishers. One contract is for my young adult series, and the other is for my adult titles. Both book deals are the result of the hard work of myself and my literary agent. I wish there was some terrific back story to tell, but there is not. I am currently writing my nineteenth book, which in these difficult times is a real blessing.

The Buzz
My most recent book, Maya’s Choice, was submitted for an award to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Keysha’s Drama, which is the first in a five book series, has been selected as a quick pick for reluctant readers by the American Library Association. The other books in the series have enjoyed an equal amount of praise. In the November 2010 edition of Jet Magazine, my novel titled, Myself and I is featured.

Here’s a review of Myself and I:

“Sewell addresses some major social issues that confront young adults in a way that is both satisfying and nonthreatening. Readers are treated to nicely veiled and fully integrated lessons on the dangers of unprotected sex, teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and alcoholism, all woven into a story of romance, adventure, and yes, a little mystery.”

– School Library Journal

Find out more about Earl Sewell at www.earlsewell.com and www.earlsewell.net.

After reading T.L.. Clarke’s story of hard work and endurance, we’re so very proud to honor her in the spotlight of The Brown Bookshelf’s 28 Day Program. For every writer dreaming of the day when they’ll see their work published, here’s a story for you.

Tell Us About Your Journey

I started writing my debut Young Adult/Middle Grade novel “The Secret of the Scarlet Stone” a couple of years ago after looking around and not seeing a lot of paranormal and fantasy novels that had characters that were diverse, that’s when the seed for the concept of my novel was firmly planted in my mind.

After that, I just started writing the draft then stopped, then started again, really writing in spurts when I had some spare time. Everything restarted when I decided to take on the completion of my novel as a NaNo project, I wanted to challenge myself, expand my creativity and yes that’s right, finally complete my book. With my writing engine restarted and with the encouragement and support of my husband, before I knew it, finally I had my draft novel completed.

I was exhilarated with the momentous completion, but then I asked myself well, what’s next? Well publishing of course. I absolutely knew that I did not want to go through the finding a publisher route, frankly I never even entertained the thought and knew that being an independent author was definitely for me so I started doing some research and was excited to find the wealth of good information out there on successful independent authors like J.A. Konrath who has a list of what you need to become a successful independent author: “Write good books, with good descriptions, good formatting, and good cover art, sell them cheap, and keep at it until you get lucky.”

This list was my starting point; I hired an editor, got my book professionally formatted and hired a cover artist. I don’t have to add but I think I will that there was a lot of other things to consider along my journey like learning how to market my book, reaching out to book bloggers and diving into the whole social networking scene, all of which was (and will continue to be) integral to getting the word out about my book.

What or Who Inspired You?

First and foremost, I am a big fan of paranormal and fantasy novels that’s why I read it (lots of it) and that’s why I write it (Book #2, “Blood Oath” scheduled for release March 6, 2012). A few of the many young adult writers that inspire me are Richelle Mead, Samantha Young (independent author), and Andrea Cremer. I just love their creative play on the paranormal and fantasy theme and their knack for reaching their young adult target audience.

The Back Story

As I stated in my journey to publication, I definitely knew that I didn’t want to go through the finding a publisher route, I knew that being an independent author was definitely for me. I did a lot of research on publishing, marketing and found a lot of good information out there about successful independent authors.

I love being an independent author and every time I hear from readers saying that they love the fact that my book includes character diversity, something that’s sorely missing in the young adult paranormal and fantasy genre, it brings me joy. 

 The Buzz

Book Trailer – The Secret of the Scarlet Stone (Book #1): http://youtu.be/nsk-ofw9ico

Blog: http://tlclarke.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TLClarke_TLC

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/TL-Clarke-Young-Adult-and-Fantasy-Author/140113606002155

Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4056244.T_L_Clarke

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/T.-L.-Clarke/e/B003OWNAIA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1278885431&sr=1-2-ent

Thanks, T.L.!

Tracey Baptiste loves fairy tales, science fiction, and eating her mom’s saltfish fritters—accra. She also loves writing and has written both nonfiction and fiction. Her nonfiction includes biographies about authors: Stephanie Meyers, Jerry Spinelli, Sharon Creech, and Madeleine L’Engle and conservationist Al Gore. She also wrote two books about character education: Being a Leader and Making Decisions and Overcoming Prejudice.

Tracey is a hard working author and it’s hard to believe she had time to write her novel Angel’s Grace. Although born in Trinidad, Tracey now lives in New York. Her love of the island comes through in her novel.

Today, the 8th day of our fifth annual 28 Days Later campaign, we’re honoring Tracey Baptiste  for her writing successes and her contributions to the world of children’s publishing.

The Journey

I grew up in Trinidad, the last island of the Caribbean, where folktale creatures were as alive as the fish in the sea, and just as likely to jump out and bite you. My house was filled with books and paper, and pens and pencils. By the time I was three years old, I was reading. By the time I was five, I was sure I could write books. At age thirteen, I confessed my intention to be a writer to my best friend. She laughed and said, “But you’re failing English.” True. I was not a good student. But I would sit in the back of my classes and weave tales in whispered tones to my friends, who leaned in to hear them. So I knew that despite the bad grades, I was well equipped to write.

I wrote my first novel that year. It was twelve chapters of the worst prose imaginable. Fortunately, it got lost by the time I moved from Trinidad to Brooklyn at the age of fifteen. But by then, I was also writing steadily, and getting slowly better. I read THE FRIEND by Rosa Guy, and it so mirrored my own experience as a young girl, new to New York, and new to the anguish of falling in and out of love, that I immediately started writing for a younger audience. All that time I had been trying to write like an adult! No wonder I was struggling.

I got a degree in Elementary Education and my writing slanted toward picture books. One of my best stories, about one of my uncles in Trinidad, was sent to Lee and Low Publishers, because they specialized in books by and for minorities, and I felt it would be a perfect fit. They liked the writing, but not enough to publish it, but they asked me to send them something else. In my haste to get out another book to them as quickly as possible, I sent them something that wasn’t quite ready, which they promptly (and rightly) turned down. I decided that dealing with publishers on my own was too tough, so many query letters and a few months later, I had signed on with Barbara S. Kouts, an agent in Connecticut, who had been in the business for a long time, and believed in my work. I was happy to have a partner, and to feel that I was a legitimate writer.

The Inspiration

We live in a great age for literature. There is so much to choose from. I am inspired every day by writers, both well established and brand new, who seem to speak so directly to me that I think they’ve crawled right into my head and wrote what I was thinking when I wasn’t paying attention to myself. As a kid, I loved Paul Zindel, especially The Pigman, and My Darling, My Hamburger. I didn’t know that stories existed that were funny while still being touching and very real. Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, was another lesson in hilarity coupled with what I felt was shocking realism. By the time I was fifteen and read The Friend, I had figured out that I could be both funny and deal with serious subjects. These days, I read anything I can get my hands on. I have a particular fondness for non-fiction, and I’ve had several non-fiction books of my own published, but I also love fantasy. Among my favorites are popular titles like Harry Potter, and quirkier ones like Lips Touch. In the last year, two books have made a lasting impact on me: Kathryn Erskine’s Mockingbird and Jewell Parker Rhodes’ Ninth Ward. Both deal with harsh realities without the usual buoyance of humor, but with higher levels of hope written into every line. It’s gorgeous writing. It’s what I strive for.

The Back Story

Barbara was not able to sell the first few picture books I sent to her, but I had an idea for a novel. My first, since the awful one I had written at thirteen. I wrote the entire draft in two months, and then started to work on revisions. That was when I discovered that my husband and I were pregnant with our first child. I was working in the city for an educational publisher, and the pregnancy was not an easy one, so between working full time and worrying about my health, I shelved the book. But after my daughter was born, I began to worry that my agent would think I was a slacker. So I sent her the first two chapters, promising to get back to work.

She called a few days later, a rarity, since most of our communications were over email, and asked if I had anything more. I didn’t. But I was certain that my two-week old was a sleeper, and that would give me plenty of time to write. Barbara said that she had someone in mind to send the work to. She called back a week later to say that the editor was interested, and did I have anything more. I still didn’t. Plus, my baby was not a sleeper as I had originally believed. She woke with alarming frequency, and enjoyed exercising her lungs at the maximum decibel level. If there was a deal about to be made, I was sure that I was going to blow it. But after another week, Barbara called and asked, “Are you sitting down?” I was permanently exhausted, so yes, I was. Then she told me that Paula Wiseman at Simon & Schuster made an offer on the book, even though she only had the first two chapters, and Barbara wanted to know if I was willing to accept.

Uh, yeah!

But then came the task of actually finishing the novel. With only two chapters ready, the bulk of the book had to be polished up and finished in the next three months, because after that I would be returning to work, and work + a baby did not = time for writing. So I stuck my firstborn in a mechanical swing and wrote the rest of the book. I delivered it via email on New Year’s Eve 2001 just before the stroke of midnight. And a short three years and one month later, in February 2005, my debut novel, ANGEL’S GRACE was on the bookshelves.

The Buzz

ANGEL’S GRACE was honored by New York City librarians as one of the 100 best books for reading and sharing in 2005.

ANGEL’S GRACE continues to get rave reviews from fans who discover it every year, and letters to Grace continue to come in via email.

School Library Journal called it “A fine first novel with the added bonus of the island setting.”

Booklist said, “Grace tells her own story with words and sketches (drawn by the author) in a moving debut that is as frank and authentic about sibling rivalry and family anger as it is about the earthy, fruit-scented tropical setting.”

Find out more about Tracey Baptiste at www.traceybaptise.com and Facebook author’s page: http://www.facebook.com/traceybaptistewrites