Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Romero.
Hi Jamila, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a wife, mother, award winning educator, and a California native. I attended the University of Southern California for undergrad, earning Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Sociology and George Mason University and George Washington University for graduate school. There I earned degrees in Elementary Education Curriculum Instruction and Educational Leadership and Administration.
In school I always enjoyed writing, it was the subject that I thrived in. Writing came naturally to me. I wrote my first winning essay in the 6th grade titled “What Black History Means to Me?” It afforded me the opportunity to meet Guion Bluford, the first African American in space. I wrote my first book in middle school during a class assignment. Since that time my mother, has always encouraged me to write books. Within the past five or so years, my younger brother also began encouraging me to write books. While each of them pushed for book creation it was not until the Pandemic did I actually begin writing my first of two recently published children’s books.
Can you tell us about your published children’s books?
I initially began writing children’s books to provide a voice to the underrepresented. As an elementary educator, I’ve witnessed first-hand that Black and Brown Children are underrepresented in children’s literature. The selection of text representing them is limited, and although it has grown in recent years it is still significantly behind. I wanted to assist in helping to change that narrative by providing texts and diverse characters that Black and Brown Children could see themselves within. I am a firm believer that representation matters. Representation allows boys and girls to see that they can be and achieve anything they set their minds to.
During the Pandemic A to Z Black Girl Affirmations was born. Through A to Z Black Girl Affirmations, I sought to not only teach children the alphabet but also extend vocabulary through complex words which may not always be heard and or spoken. In addition, the book was created to allow the opportunity for self-reflection. Children are able to interact with the content by answering a series of questions that relate to each of the words learned depicting the alphabet. This allows children to express themselves while also enabling parents and families to learn more about their little ones through guided questions with responses that can progress with age.
What started as a single book to serve Black and Brown Girls, particularly my nieces, evolved into a series. While writing A to Z Black Girl Affirmations I learned that I was pregnant with a baby boy. I was ecstatic! However, I knew right then and there that I could not only have a book for Black and Brown Girls. I also needed one that represented Black and Brown Boys, serving as a positive representation for my son. I could not have a girl’s book without a boy’s book. And so the A to Z Affirmation Series was created. So although I finished my first book nearly a year before A to Z Black Boy Affirmations I waited to release both A to Z Black Girl Affirmations and A to Z Black Boy Affirmations together, allowing everyone to be represented at once!
While I started with one book that turned into two, I have many more books within me. I am currently working on my third book within my A to Z Series. This book also continues to include diverse characters inclusive of all demographics and ability levels. I have a few short poems that I would also like to publish.
I have no limits and I am so excited to see where this authoring adventure takes me!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an Indie Author, the biggest challenge was simply learning how to navigate the ropes of being a self-published author. For instance determining how to select an illustrator, editing, publishing, and marketing. Another challenge faced was that of completing the first book pregnant and the second with an infant, after experiencing post-pregnancy delivery complications.
Finding a children’s book illustrator was the first challenge faced. I designed each and every page with specific details and learning nuggets embedded and I wanted to ensure I found someone who could bring my vision to life. It took reaching out to and obtaining samples from multiple illustrators before finally selecting one that conveyed my designs appropriately.
After writing the book and acquiring illustrations my next set of challenges consisted of editing and publishing the book. The book had to be developed and shaped into the final product which is now in the hands of many. Editing was not something that was easy, but a learning process. Thankfully I had an amazing editor. Nonetheless, editing was accomplished and publishing resulted. Finally, after completing and obtaining a final product, marketing presented itself. Marketing is an ongoing process to ensure A to Z Black Girl Affirmations and A to Z Black Boy Affirmations reach as many children, households, schools, offices, etc. as possible.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lofty Stories LLC, was developed in Spring of 2022 to provide diverse and inclusive stories. Lofty Stories aims to provide empowering and inspiring books that the readers can relate to allowing everyone to Read. Learn. Grow. Together. A to Z Black Girl Affirmations and A to Z Black Boy Affirmations are Lofty Stories first two books.
You may learn more about me and my company Lofty Stories LLC by visiting LoftyStories.com or following me on Instagram at @Lofty.Stories. My books can also be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Ingram Spark.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love reading a variety of books. I enjoy books of all genres which include children’s books read to my son, non-fiction, to adult fiction such as supernatural suspense novels. Reading in itself is simply amazing. It broadens your horizon and keeps the imagination active!
Some of the apps and websites that I currently enjoy include Adobe, Kindle, Amazon KDP, and Ingram Spark. I also like Sirius XM, Amazon Music, YouTube TV, and Netflix.
Pricing:
- Hardcover Copies $24.99
- Paperback Copies $16.99
Contact Info:
- Website:com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lofty.stories
