Black History Month Author Spotlight: Dionne Grayson
Autherine Publishing is committed to creating more diversity in the publishing industry by supporting both emerging and established authors. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of black authors by featuring 28 emerging authors. Please read their stories and continue to follow their writing journey.
Dionne Grayson is the author of the Children's Gift Series and By Design Your 12-Week Goal Setting Journal. Dionne, thanks for stepping into our Author Spotlight. I love that you have a Children's Gift Series Trailer and a By Design - Your 12-Week Goal Setting Journal Trailer that introduces the audience to your books! Let us talk about your journey to becoming an author and how we can support your books.
Why was it important for you to write these stories?
Let me start with the Children's Gift Series. It was important for me to write the Children's Gift Series for two reasons. First, It's no secret that books with black children as main characters are underrepresented. Although diverse characters, the main character in each book is black. It is important to me for children to be able to see themselves as individuals who can accomplish what they set their minds to. Second, I believe that everyone was created to do something very specific to how they were designed. We begin to see those traits in people even as children. This series demonstrates how things that you are good at can translate into a career that you can be excited to be part of. Regarding the Journal, I am often asked, "How did you do that" or "How were you able to get that done"? This journal takes the reader into simple concepts that focus on your mindset as you are accomplishing goals each day. I wrote it because I want people to be successful and to get accomplished those things they think about doing and need a boost with how to do it.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I am a big fan of going away on writing retreats to get the bulk of writing completed. Before I leave for a writing retreat I'll write out general ideas and directions for me to focus so I am not starting from scratch. I get on a plane, go somewhere warm to eat, sleep and write, and of course participate in a spa day. When I leave these retreats I come home and pick a few days during each week to work on edits over a designated amount of time. I of course then step away and come back for final edits after a few weeks.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
Write now I am going to have to say, Crystal Swain Bates. These children's books began as a thought and her willingness to share details about how to publish truly inspired my work and made it possible for me to publish.
Share a quote from your book or your favorite black history quote.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks. I love this quote because fear is one of those things that can be crippling. However, when a black woman's mind is made up! You know the rest...
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
My advice would be that nothing is going to happen until you pick up a pen, begin to write, and follow the necessary steps to publish. You will be very surprised to learn all the individuals that are waiting on you to tell your story. No regrets, you can see it because it is possible and in order for it to manifest, you have to make it happen.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
Combating the fear of what if is probably the most challenging. What if they don't like it.. what if it's not good... I've had to combat those with a knowing that I was designed for this and that there are individuals out there who are waiting on what I have to offer.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
In the last year, I've written 12 books to include in the Children's Gift Series. I am now focusing on celebrating that I am done and sharing this information with my perfect readers. I'd love it if readers would share my videos and books with their networks. My books are available on my website: https://buildingyourdreamsllc.com/store/
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