I want to give this book to inner-city students here in Michigan — Detroit, Flint and Pontiac. I feel so strongly led to do this. Ever since I wrote this book, I knew it was what I was supposed to do. This message is so meaningful and so powerful, but it’s told in a loving, encouraging way, with characters Black and Brown children can relate to. I think of children who live in challenging, disadvantaged areas where things may not look so promising. Perhaps they don’t hear a lot about hope, and maybe the future may not seem so bright. 

This message is for them. I want them to know that regardless of their ZIP code, there’s a path made for their feet to follow and there are doors just waiting for them to run through! Every child has a purpose. Regardless of the obstacles that may be in their way, I want them to know and believe that they, too, can have a future that is bright. 

So, I am seeking people to join me in supporting these children and helping me get this book into their hands and this message into their hearts and minds. I need people and businesses too, to partner with me and sponsor students, sponsor classrooms, so they can receive this book. I even have lesson plans for the teachers to assist them in presenting the book for learning and classroom activities. Plus, when a class is sponsored, it includes me visiting the class, reading the book to the students, having a book signing and an author Q&A chat with them. I truly want this to be a learning opportunity and a memorable experience for everyone!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

My favorite part of the writing process is when out of nowhere, I’m inspired and the story just seems to be pouring out of me. My fingers are flying across the keyboard, my heart feels happy and full and I know that whatever the result is, this is a gift.

What does your writing workspace look like?

I write in my office, at my desk. I have a lot of family pictures in there. It’s cozy, and it’s personal. Sometimes, I like to take my laptop outside onto the deck and write while I’m listening to nature. I really enjoy that. Unfortunately, though, I may find myself distracted by the hummingbirds or deer, or feeling the breeze on my face. I don’t mind struggling through that, though. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

Reading is my absolute favorite thing to do. Whenever I have the chance to enjoy reading for a long stretch of time, I am very happy. Audiobooks have become precious to me because I can read/listen while I’m doing other things, like gardening or cleaning. I love that!

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

I think my favorite piece of writing advice is to not be so critical of yourself. Just write it! Write it and allow yourself to enjoy your gift before you find everything wrong with it. I tend to be overly critical of myself, and I think a lot of creatives do that because we expect so much from ourselves. However, I am learning to give myself time to appreciate and enjoy what I have to offer, for just a little while, before I start finding fault in it. I will find it, no doubt, but I stopped rushing to do so.

Follow Naomi at @naomibooksllc on Instagram, Facebook and Clubhouse.