Black History Month Author Spotlight: Kimberly Oyedele
Autherine Publishing’s Black History Month Author Spotlight is on Kimberly Oyedele. Kimberly, please introduce your latest book to our audience.
I'm Kimberly Oyedele and I love writing stories! I writes stories about family, kindness, and all things early childhood that children want to read again and again. My new book "I Don't Like Wearing Shoes" is about a a little girl, Lizzie, who follows her toes on a sensory exploration of her back yard and refuses to put on shoes. Will her mom ever understand how different the backyard "looks" to bare feet? Read and find out!
Why was it important for you to write this story?
While I've always loved creating stories, I became inspired to start writing children’s books because I saw a need for books that represent normal every day black people. As an early childhood educator, it was hard to find quality books with characters that look like me. Normal fun stories that weren't history lessons (which are super important) and would touch any reader no matter the race or age.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I see inspiration all around me so I carry a notebook in my pocket always so I can jot down ideas as they come. I haven't really established a set schedule yet. I'm working on becoming more disciplined. I want to be able to write even when I'm not feeling particularly inspired.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
I think my favorite author is determined by my mood so I don't have an all time favorite. Black literature is becoming more diverse and that's wonderful. I've recently been reading this scifi series by Nnedi Okorafor. Such diversity inspired me to believe that ALL of our black stories matter. Brown faces belong genres across the board.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Just do it. Write the stories that you want to write about things that you want to write about.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
The most challenging part of the writing and publishing journey for me has been the "learning as I go." Finding out how to find an editor and illustrator and then figuring out book formatting and deciding which platforms to publish to. It took me 4 years to get my first book out because until I found a certain group on Facebook, I had no clue what to do.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
I am currently working on my next book and hope to publish this March. You can support me by buying my book and sharing my info with all your family, friends, enemies and neighbors (lol), so that they can purchase my book too:)
Kimberly’s beautiful book is now available on Amazon!
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.
