JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author J.L. CHEATHAM

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR J.L. CHEATHAM

  

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

I started writing children's literature in 2013, and what inspired it was a trip to a bookstore with my daughter. In the children's book section, there weren't a lot of books with black characters on the cover, which inspired me to pursue writing books.

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

Fredrick Douglass said, "It's easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." This explains my mission as a writer. In my community, I want to create stories that show us in quality, positive storylines.

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

What I remember about the children books I grew up reading (The Giver, Goosebumps series) was how powerful the creativity was with the story-telling. As well as the relatability of the characters. My hope to present the same opportunity of involvement for my readers. I want them to desire to join the world, which are created with my books.

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

My favorite author is R.L. Stine because of the originality of his work and the creativity of his books.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

Learn how you want to see the world and write about how it can be created.

CONTACT

EMAIL: jlcheatham2@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: @jay_elcheatham2

FACEBOOK: Jeffrey Lee Cheatham II

PHONE: 204-646-8268

JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author ADRIAN STERLING

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR ADRIAN STERLING

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

My name is Adrian Sterling and I mostly write and draw comic books. I have been an artist almost my whole life, but decided to take it serious as a career only about 3 years ago.

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

I was always fascinated with art as a child and even developed my own style with influences from urban art and Japanese manga.

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

What I remember about children's books while growing up is that they could be silly, funny but also be used to teach children valuable lessons. I once read a children's book about black people and it uplifted me and educated me about the self-worth of all black people. My books incorporate all these things, the comedy, the urban based art and the educational part to teach and to bring about awareness on a variety of issues.

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

Growing up my favorite children's author would have to be Robert Munch. As a child I was always attracted to picture books, or books with bright colors. Robert Munch's books had great art and his stories were usually silly and comedic. His books made me laugh the most, and I didn't realize it back then but humour is a very important thing in life for me.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

For all aspiring children's authors, the only piece of advice I give to them is, if you get stuck, don't give up. Based on my own experience it can be frustrating a demotivating when you get stuck in a particular area. My advice is don't give up, stay positive, keep pushing, and ask questions when you don't know the answers. In my case, I got stuck when I couldn't find out how to get my book published, but I asked questions, and talked to people, and when I least expected it, everything fell into place. The same will happen for all aspiring authors so long as they keep working hard, have perseverance, and stay humble.

CONTACT

EMAIL: newagez959@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: @AgezComics

PHONE: 647-739-8733 

JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author ANGELOT NDONGMO

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR ANGELOT NDONGMO

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

I have written the majority of my life! I was a book addict. Reading and writing stories/ideas that came to my mind is what I did for fun; never once thought to become an author. Sure, I squeezed in time for friends, but I was always carrying my latest read in case there was ever any down time (on the bus, waiting for a friend at the mall, etc.). Publishing my work happened in 2008 when I was part of Knowledge Bookstore's book club. The owner, Sean Liburd, expressed enjoying my reviews I would leave on their website of all the books we covered. He asked me: "When will you write your book?" The rest, as they say, is history! 

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

My culture is one of the main influences as to why I write today. My own lack of cultural exposure growing up (not many options at the time) is the catalyst for my tenacity throughout the process of publishing. Young children need to be exposed to culture early on so they can grow with a love and/or appreciation for it.

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

I remember the various fun, magical, or adventurous journeys they would take me on. I realize now more than ever that the stories we read shape our expectations, teach us how we fit in to the world, and blast open our imaginations! I had great stories growing up, so my goal is to provide something equally enjoyable that features children from the community as the main characters and enrich their experience even more. My goal is to offer stories that educate or offer humour, or intrigue, etc.

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

There are a lot of authors I love, so I will select just one: Itah Sadu ~ Christopher Clean Up Your Room!

Not only do I love the story, I love and admire what she has accomplished with her work! Very inspiring.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

Don't give up no matter what, no matter how long it takes! 

Find your team of believers that will push you to go on and keep climbing the stairs to success...there are no elevators!

CONTACT

WEB: www.lovingmeseries.com

FACEBOOK: Loving Me Series

SOCIAL MEDIA: @AngelotNdongmo

JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author SIMONE DACOSTA

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR SIMONE DACOSTA

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

About 5 years. My inspiration is Dr. Seuss and the many classical books he wrote. I love that some of his books are nonsensical but also very unique, comical, and entertaining. Kids gravitate to stories that are funny and make them laugh—kids love to be entertained. I try to adapt the same policy when writing children's books. I was also inspired to write children's books because growing up as a child I rarely saw a character that looked like me. Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing any....I am sure if there were characters that resembled me, I would have enjoyed reading even more so, and I would feel a sense of belonging knowing that the author thought about me by putting a Black character in a book.

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

It has a great deal of influence due to the lack of characters of colour that are being represented in children’s books. I, for one, would love to see more characters that look like myself and other ethnic groups in children’s books. Characters in children's book should represent all races and nationalities, so each child can identify with the character(s).

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

I remember racing to the library after school, and spending most of the late afternoon there engulfed in reading a funny, entertaining, and delighted children's book. I was entertained and intrigued every time I picked up a book and read it. Such books had me hooked, wanting more. Most of the time, I lost track of time being at the library so long. I often raced home (good thing I did not live too far from the library) just so I would not get in trouble for going home late! I prefer not to change my experience...my experience and relationship with books was a good one. I actually hope to continue on with this experience. I also hope that when I write a children's book, my book(s) will have that effect on a child, and if it does that would mean I have done something right and exactly what a book should do: make a child interested, wanting more!

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

I don't know if I have one, but if I had to pick I would say Dr. Seuss and Judy Blume. I have a thing for Judy Blume's books...and her books have a thing for me (smile)!

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

Hmmmm…the children's writing business is not an easy one. Writing for kids lit takes a lot of work, time, and patience. If writing for children is what you love and aspire to do, then that should be enough. It makes your writing journey all the merrier if you become successful!

CONTACT

EMAIL: simonedacosta86ca@yahoo.com

PHONE: 416-998-7770

WEB: www.simonedacosta.com

FACEBOOK: DepictingTheWriterInYou

SOCIAL MEDIA: @simonesblognet

BLOG: www.simonesblog.com

JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author JADEN AMBER TAYLOR

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, and their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR JADEN AMBER TAYLOR

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

I started writing cartoon children's books when I was in first grade, instead of doing my homework. I've always enjoyed telling funny stories; making a book was a fun way to tell those stories to everyone. Instead of retelling the same thing over and over again to people, I can just say: "Here, read this!" and that was very exciting. I started Prissy Little Chloe two years ago, and ever since then I've been writing books for the series.

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

Personally, my influence comes from my love of puppies! I have a rambunctious little terrier and I write about all the trouble she gets herself into.

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

My favorite children's book series is the Robert Munsch books. I love the illustrations and mostly how funny they were to me (my favorite is Moira's Birthday).

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

My favorite children's author is Jeff Kinney of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I love his cartoon style and his sense of humor (my favorite is The Long Haul).

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

My advice to aspiring authors is to just get your book out there! Today, anyone can publish a book on Amazon; the first thing I tell aspiring authors is to open up a Word document and just start writing. If there's anyone wants to know how to publish their books on Amazon.com, feel free to email me at jadenambertaylor@gmail.com. I'm always happy to help!

CONTACT JADEN

EMAIL: jadenambertaylor@gmail.com 

JCUF VOL 3 NO 1 (2016) – Children’s Author ANGELA WALCOTT

This edition of the Journal of Canadian Urban Fiction is dedicated to the writers who have committed themselves to sharing diverse stories and celebrating children from all backgrounds through literature. We take a brief look at their history, their inspiration, and their favourite children’s titles, and ask them to share some advice for aspiring authors.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN’S AUTHOR ANGELA WALCOTT

1) How long have you been writing children's literature, and what first inspired you to write this genre of books?

About three years now. I was first inspired to write children's literature after taking a writing course—many ideas started to come forth. I knew I had to document them somehow, and children's literature became a natural pathway for me.

2) How does your personal culture influence your writing?

I try to write what I know from a cultural perspective while incorporating a broader world view into the storyline.

3) What do you remember about children's books when you were growing up, and how to you hope to change the experience with your audience?

I found it difficult to locate characters that resembled me. Literature that focused on young Black girls navigating through life in urban Toronto was virtually non-existent as well, so I hope to expand the scope of children's literature from that perspective so that is more representative of Black Canadians.

4) Who is your favourite children's author, and why?

That's a tough one…it's a tie between Dennis Lee (author of Alligator Pie) and Maurice Sendak (Where The Wild Things Are) because their bodies of work are so imaginative.

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring children's author, based on your experiences thus far?

Write honestly and with confidence. Believe in yourself but above all believe in your story and remember that there is a storyteller that exists in each and every one of us.

CONTACT ANGELA:

EMAIL: northwordpublishing@gmail.com 

PHONE: 416 476-8305

WEB: www.northwordpublishing.com

FACEBOOK: NorthwordPublishing

SOCIAL MEDIA: @northwordpub