How old are you and where are you from?
I am 32 years old, and I was born in Evanston, Illinois.
Tell us more about your book!
“The Butterfly & The Bully”, was placed on my heart after experiencing the tragic death of my brother. When I was approached in early 2019 by Author Samantha Harris (Co-Author of “Think, Plan & Prevail” & Owner of “1st Book Club Publishing”) to write a book, I wanted to ensure that the book had a message that would impact but inspire many to overcome any obstacle set! During my brainstorming phase, I took many pieces of my life and combined them into one story. It was important to include the cultural references of healthy bonds with peers and family structures, to the urban scenery, and African decor embedded within the book. I also wanted to ensure that the world understood that pain comes in many forms, but what you do with that pain is how you build resilience! As an adult is was extremely hard to cope with the death of my brother. Understanding how traumatic situations could easily damage your psyche I remembered tools such as Affirmations and journaling that allowed me to navigate through society a lot easier with the pain that was endured. I knew that writing this book would speak to those who may have been bullied, experienced grief or loss of a loved one whether through separation or death. Or a child that simply may be experiencing a hard time adapting or gaining self-confidence based on the vast change of environments. Listening to how TB&TB has truly helped children see their authentic selves and to reiterate parts of the book with such intent has left my heart full many times over. This book reminds me that anything is possible and that with just a thought you can attain anything! It will always be my gift from the heart.
You’re sharing an elevator with a big name publisher. Pitch your book using 20 words or less!
The Butterfly & The Bully is a guide with positive reinforcements to help children cope with trauma or stressors within society.
What does your ideal writing space look like?
My ideal writing space is well lit, comfy, clean, and a little noisy. I’ve found that I write well with music, and sometimes my favorite Thai food!
If your book was turned into a movie, who would play your main characters?
Marsai Martin would definitely play “Rylei Angelou”- she would master the role nonetheless. “Etana Alicia” would be played by Storm Reid, and Angela Bassett would play Rylei’s Mother “Iya”- as Angie could do no wrong!
You’re stranded on an island, and only one character from any book can save you. Who are you picking?
Because I would need a magician to get me off a stranded island quickly, I would choose Hermione Granger from Harry Potter!
Besides being a writer, what else do you enjoy?
I most enjoy time with family, my dog “Heart”, watching movies, writing, brainstorming new projects to help the world, finding new indie music to listen to, binging on NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, and the beach! Nothing brings more peace to my heart than being at the water.
Do you have any upcoming book promotions?
I sure do! I will be headed on a virtual book tour this upcoming July, and I also have something special coming out for our readers with the curriculum that I created based off of the book!
Where can readers buy your book? Post a link!
https://www.thebutterflyandthebully.com/ HOME WEBSITE (Paperback)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083HJQK49/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=The+butterfly+and+the+bully&qid=1578255563&sr=8-3 AMAZON (E-book and Paperback Version)
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