Black History Month Author Spotlight: Micheal Anderson
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.
Micheal, thanks for stepping into the Black History Month Author Spotlight! Please introduce your book to our audience.
Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou is my debut book and it is the first in a series of three books. Zoey is a science loving fourth grader whose family has just moved from Philadelphia to St. Louis. She is apprehensive about starting her new school and anxious about making new friends and being able to fit in. It is Zoey's love for science that begin to tip the scales in her favor. She learns to navigate fourth grade and ends up making some pretty amazing friends along the way. This book is perfect for readers age 8-12 and encourages STEM.
Why was it important for you to write this story?
I noticed that when my daughters were younger, they were avid readers of several different popular book series. The problem was that none of the main characters in any of those books looked like my daughters. It was important for me to write a book that Black and Brown girls could relate to and easily see themselves in.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule.
Because I also work full-time, I tend to write in the evenings and on the weekends. I will write down a loose outline of what I want in my story and go from there. Every story has a beginning, middle, and an end, but as long as I know at least two of the three parts, I will begin to write my story. I love discovering how the story will unfold.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey?
I have several black authors that I love. I have been a fan of Beverly Jenkins for almost 30 years and it is because she understands that representation matters. She writes historical romance, but she also give you a history lesson in her books. I've learned so much about the Buffalo Soldiers, the Black Seminole, and so much of our rich Black History that was never taught in school.
She inspires me to write relevant stories that our children can see themselves in and feel excited about reading my books.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
No one can tell your story better than you. If you enjoy writing, keep at it and never stop. the world is waiting on you to share your story as only you can.
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
This has been an amazing journey and I am constantly learning. Marketing and determining how to best promote my book has been my biggest challenge. Everyone does something a little different and that is okay. Ultimately, I have to determine what works for me and not so much about what may be working for someone else.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
I just completed the second book in the Zoey Lyndon series and I look forward to it's release. You can best support me by purchasing a copy of Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou, by purchasing a copy of for the young reader in your life. If you are a teacher, introduce your students to Zoey. I am grateful for your support. You can get your copy here https://amzn.to/2Hj8bql
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.
