Black History Month Author Spotlight: Tamera Foley, Ph.D
Dr. Foley, thanks for participating in Autherine Publishing’s Black History Month Author Spotlight! Please introduce your latest book to our audience.
Cassie's Big Change: How COVID-19 Changed The Way We Learn is a book of hope, courage, and support for Cassie and her classmates. It is written from Cassie's perspective as she struggles with being home without friends or family and feels lonely and frustrated. In Cassie's Big Change, Cassie’s school year started as normal until one day, everything changed. All of a sudden, everyone was talking about something new called COVID-19 and Cassie had so many questions. What is coronavirus? What is a vaccine? What will happen to my family? By acknowledging the feelings many children may have in the midst of changes in the school due to COVID-19, this book promotes hope, courage, and support for Cassie and her classmates.
What was it important for you to tell this story?
It was important to write this book because I saw children and adults traumatized and not prepared for the events of COVID-19. We saw children experiencing trauma not feel safe or have anyone to reach out to in their time of crisis at the beginning of the pandemic. Children need to be able to process their feelings and know that this situation is temporary. They needed to feel hope in the midst of the storm.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
I wrote this book for many weeks. I had a business coach that assisted me through the process. I attempted to write daily as it was being tweaked. My process was to write until I felt it was completed. I then went back and reread and made many edits. I then had the business coach, and team read it, sent it to two editors, family, and others for their opinions. Then when I felt it was completed, I began the publishing process by obtaining an illustrator.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
My favorite author is Valerie Wilson Wesley, a mystery writer. I have read all of her books over the years, and she has such an imagination and persuasiveness that draws you into her stories. I am inspired by the way she writes and this helps me to stay on the journey.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
My advice for aspiring authors is to tell your story no matter how long it takes. Keep writing and reading, editing, writing, get feedback but never give up.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
The most challenging part was finding an illustrator I could afford while attempting to publish quality work. Marketing has also been a challenge but with the help of classes, it is getting better.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
I am in the process of writing my third book and second in Cassie's Big Change series. The manuscript will be completed by March 1, 2021. You can support all of my work by posting information on your site as well as encouraging others to buy it, read it, leave a positive review on Amazon, and share it with friends, family, and colleagues.
Dr. Foley’s Website: : education4allnow.org/author. Please support her book! Available on Amazon.
"This book provides guidance for teachers by giving examples of different learning activities that can be used to keep children connected even though they are physically apart and by involving parents and helping them be aware of the child's emotional needs."
_____joyce gillie gossom
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.
