Black History Month Author Spotlight: Rachelle Jones Smith
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.
Rachelle, thanks for stepping into our Black History Month author spotlight! Please introduce the Imagine Sinclair series of books to our audience.
Imagine Sinclair is a precocious child who busies herself with make-believe. Her parents are often parties to her play and she loves befriending the neighbors to get them involved, too. Her creativity in repurposing household items and recyclables adds to her fun. In the first book, Imagine At Play, Rian and Gram have just moved in across the street from the Sinclairs. Perhaps Imagine will befriend Rian and introduce him to her unstoppable world.
Why was it important for you to write this story?
Why this series? There's still work to do to include children of all cultures and identities in the literature to which they are exposed. The publishing industry is changing gradually, but we need to keep requesting books that mirror the world's diversity.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I write in between. Between teaching classes and grading papers, and between family activities and reading. I wish I had a dedicated writing time, but I really just write as the mood strikes and on whatever paper or media is near.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
I love a number of authors, among them Toni Morrison, Virginia Euwer Wolff, Octavia Butler, and more recently, Jason Reynolds. Seeing authors of color who publish and promote quality literature lets me know it is possible to be successful in this industry, and that our voices matter.
Share a quote from your book or your favorite black history quote.
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors? Keep writing to hone your voice. Read a lot. Read diverse books. Believe in the power of your words.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
I'm very hands-on. I didn't want to surrender control of my work to a publisher, so I established my own imprint. I've had to learn the whole business while creating.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
Right now, I'm working on a kickstarter to help offset the costs of printing a beautiful book. I envision this one with sparkle and pizazz, and that quality can be expensive. I'd love for you to take a look at the campaign and consider preordering the first book of the Imagine Sinclair series. In our kickstarter, our phenomenal illustrator is also going to add two kickstarter backers into the series in a very limited, exclusive reward tier!
You can assist Rachelle add additional books to the Imagine Sinclair series of books by supporting her kickstarter campaign. Continue to follow her journey on her website.
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
