Azariah Smith, a budding author and creative spirit, co-authored "Brown Girl, Big Dreams" with her mother, LaDonna N. Smith. Azariah's vibrant imagination and love for storytelling shine through in her contributions to the book, which encourages young readers to dream big and believe in themselves. Her enthusiasm for writing and self-expression continues to inspire other children to share their own stories and embrace their creativity.
1. What inspired you to write “Brown Girl, Big Dreams” with your mom?
I've always admired my mom's creativity and storytelling skills, so when she suggested we write a book together, I was really excited. We wanted to create something that would inspire young girls like me to dream big and believe in themselves, no matter what challenges they face.
2. How does it feel to join your mother and older brothers as a published author?
It feels amazing! I’ve always looked up to my mom and brothers for their accomplishments, and now to be able to say that I’m a published author too—it’s so cool. It's like I've joined a special club, and I'm proud to be part of our family's creative legacy.
3. What message do you hope young readers take away from “Brown Girl, Big Dreams”?
I hope they realize that their dreams are valid and achievable. No matter where they come from or what others might say, they have the power to turn their dreams into reality. I want them to feel empowered and motivated to chase after what they believe in.
4. What was the most challenging part of writing the book?
The most challenging part was making sure that our story would resonate with girls my age and younger. We wanted to make it fun and relatable while still delivering a strong message. Balancing those elements was tricky, but with my mom's help, we found the right mix.
5. Can you describe the experience of co-writing with your mom? What was that like?
It was such a cool experience! My mom has so much experience with writing, so I learned a lot from her. We brainstormed together, wrote together, and even disagreed sometimes, but it was all part of the process. In the end, it brought us closer, and I'm really proud of what we created together.
6. Did you have any specific role models or influences while working on this book?
Yes! My mom is my biggest role model, not just in writing but in life. I also looked up to other authors like Maya Angelou and Angie Thomas, who have written powerful books that inspire change and self-belief. Their work motivated me to put my best into this book.
7. How do you balance school, writing, and your other interests?
It's definitely a challenge, but I try to stay organized and manage my time well. My mom always emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what's important, so I make sure to focus on my schoolwork first, then dedicate time to writing and other activities I enjoy like singing, as well as playing the piano and guitar.
8. What was your favorite part about creating the characters and story for “Brown Girl, Big Dreams”?
My favorite part was bringing the characters to life in their future roles. I loved designing the illustrations of young girls doing amazing things.
9. What advice would you give to other young people who want to become authors?
My advice would be to just start writing! Don’t worry about making it perfect at first—just get your ideas down on paper. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Having a mentor, like my mom was for me, can make a big difference in your writing journey.
10. How has this experience of becoming a published author changed your outlook on the future?
It’s shown me that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. Writing this book has opened my eyes to new possibilities for my future, whether in writing or other areas of life. It’s given me the confidence to dream even bigger.
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