Hello Beautiful People,
We’re pleased to announce that our newest participant in the School Time Author Q&A Series is the absolutely, positively, ever so amazing, Tayari Jones. Our founder first reached out to Tayari via twitter, trying to see if maybe, just maybe she’d do us the honor of participating in our series. She said yes. And we are so grateful. Not only did she participate in our Q&A series this month, but she was able to give us, (and the masterminds behind Close Reads Cafe), copies of Silver Sparrow to give to all of you. She is gracious. She is funny. She is giving. Her stories will weave their way into your heart & soul & bloodstream. They are the type of stories that stay with you long after you turn the last page, and for that we are grateful. Check out our exclusive Q&A with Tayari, and check back December 14th for the next author Q&A in this series!
TWT: What is your biggest inspiration for your novels?
TJ: For me, every novel starts out as a question to which I really don’t have a good answer. For example, when I wrote my first novel, LEAVING ATLANTA, I driven by a desire to figure out how I had been affected by growing up in Atlanta when there was a serial child murderer on the loose. Then I wondered how this affected an entire generation. So I write to try and find the answer. So I guess I am inspired by an honest need to understand the world.
TWT: Of all the characters that you have created, do you have one particular favorite?
TJ: I don’t know if I have a clear favorite, but there are some that are dear to me– usually the ones that take a lot of criticism from readers. I feel like I have to take up for my babies! Aria, the main character from my second novel may be the one that I an especially protective of. She has terrible judgement, but she also has a big heart. I love that girl.
TWT: In today’s day in age, arts education is taking quite a hit when it comes to budget cuts. What would you say to school boards and elected officials who are putting the ax to arts in education programs?
TJ: I would remind them that a nation’s creativity is its true wealth. If you don’t nurture the creative and artistic spirit in every child, we will kill the innovative spirit that defines our nation.
TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
TJ: Stop calling yourself “aspiring.” You may be unpublished, but you are not “aspiring.” If you honor your practice and make your writing a real part of your life, you are a WRITER. Claim it.
TWT: Any words of wisdom for the teachers of today?
TJ: Bless you.
TWT: If you had to choose a profession other than writing and teaching, what would it be?
TJ: I’ve always wanted to be a hair dresser and own a salon. It’s a fantasy I had since I was a little girl.
TWT: And finally, who is/was your greatest teacher?
TJ: I’ve been influenced by many great teachers who offered different gifts. Ron Carlson, Pearl Cleage, Maxine Claire, Demetria Martinez.. I can go on and on. Sometimes you come to understand the gift when you are sitting in the classroom, but other times you come to see later on what you have learned. The key to learning is to have a great teacher, but also to learn to be a great student. You have to be open to grow.
Go. Get. Silver. Sparrow. Now.
Or better yet, LIKE The Write Teacher on Facebook, and you could win your very own copy!
Live, Love, Learn,
The Write Teacher(s)