"Believe you're here for a purpose. Believe and follow your calling. God will see you through."
Well said, "My Sister." Thank you so very much for your posting. As this blog grows I look forward to your sharing more of the insight and wisdom Our Father, God has given you. Single parents! Single women with or with out children for encouragement I humbly urge you to partake of the knowledge that these two Authors, my friends Kelly Starlings-Lyons, & Toya L. Evans have to offer. I tell you this not just to help them sell their books but to help them shine the "Light of Encouragement" to us all.
Blessings in Christ,
Brother Le'Troy, chief servant leader
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Author Testimony
It's amazing where God leads you. Ten years ago, I read a book that changed my path: Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. That picture book sent me through so many emotions -- wonder, sadness, hope. And the author took me on that journey with just 506 words. It was a story that spoke to today's children, but also the girl I used to be.
I decided right then I wanted to be a children's book author. This was my chance to help African-American young people see themselves in literature. This was my chance to let them know that their stories and images matter. I started my journey by studying. I read picture books for the beauty of their stories, but also for the lessons I could find in how the authors created the magic. Writers like Jacqueline Woodson, Angela Johnson and Eve Bunting inspired and schooled me as I marveled at their words.
I wrote a couple of picture book stories back then and sent them out. They were turned down, but one of them landed me an amazing opportunity. An editor at Just Us Books, an award-winning African-American children's book publisher, gave me a shot at trying out as a writer for their chapter book series. I never thought of writing chapter books, but I won the assignment. In 2004, my first children's book, NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal, came out. God gives you what you need.
Writing that book taught me so much. I learned how I could use memories, history and every-day moments to create and give back. I met children who told me how much the story meant to them. I became even more committed to my mission.
Becoming a children's book author took work -- still does. I became part of the Society of Children's Book Authors & Illustrators, took online classes, cultivated mentors, prayed and wrote, wrote and prayed. Last year, my first picture book -- One Million Men and Me, debuted. I have two more under contract with Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons.
I am so grateful for all of my blessings. I am a children's book author because of God's grace. Here's what I've learned:
Believe you're here for a purpose. Believe and follow your calling. God will see you through.
Thank you, Brother Le'Troy for the gift of this blog. Keep empowering.
Sisterly,
Kelly
Kelly Starling Lyons
I decided right then I wanted to be a children's book author. This was my chance to help African-American young people see themselves in literature. This was my chance to let them know that their stories and images matter. I started my journey by studying. I read picture books for the beauty of their stories, but also for the lessons I could find in how the authors created the magic. Writers like Jacqueline Woodson, Angela Johnson and Eve Bunting inspired and schooled me as I marveled at their words.
I wrote a couple of picture book stories back then and sent them out. They were turned down, but one of them landed me an amazing opportunity. An editor at Just Us Books, an award-winning African-American children's book publisher, gave me a shot at trying out as a writer for their chapter book series. I never thought of writing chapter books, but I won the assignment. In 2004, my first children's book, NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal, came out. God gives you what you need.
Writing that book taught me so much. I learned how I could use memories, history and every-day moments to create and give back. I met children who told me how much the story meant to them. I became even more committed to my mission.
Becoming a children's book author took work -- still does. I became part of the Society of Children's Book Authors & Illustrators, took online classes, cultivated mentors, prayed and wrote, wrote and prayed. Last year, my first picture book -- One Million Men and Me, debuted. I have two more under contract with Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons.
I am so grateful for all of my blessings. I am a children's book author because of God's grace. Here's what I've learned:
Believe you're here for a purpose. Believe and follow your calling. God will see you through.
Thank you, Brother Le'Troy for the gift of this blog. Keep empowering.
Sisterly,
Kelly
Kelly Starling Lyons
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