My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie is a bi-lingual coloring book for ages three and up. The 20-page story offers 10 illustrations with its 10 Spanish translations making it a delicious treat. Grab your crayons and discover how mama makes a sweet potato pie for her son.
Rekaya Gibson is an author of three fiction titles: “The Food Temptress” and the sequel, “The Food Enchantress.” The latest is “Mama Don’t Like Ugly” by NCM Publishing Company. She started her writing career in 2005 by writing for magazines such as Cabo Living Magazine and Lake of the Ozarks Second Home Living Magazine. Currently, she writes cookbook reviews for Cuisine Noir Magazine, a foodies and wine magazine for African Americans. Ms. Gibson lives in Newport News, Virginia.
Get to Know Rekaya:
1) Describe My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie/El Pay de Camote de mi Mama? It is a bi-lingual coloring book for ages three and up. The 20-page story offers 10 illustrations with its 10 Spanish translations, making it a delicious treat. Grab your crayons and discover how mama makes a sweet potato pie for her son.
2) Where did you get the inspiration to write My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie?
I got my inspiration from watching family members make sweet potato pie. I wanted to share the story and a loose version of the recipe with the world. Bon Appétit!
3) Did you translate the book in Spanish yourself?
No, one of my best friends translated it for me and I had a virtual assistant proofread it. My friend did an excellent job. I hope to use her again in the near future – hint, hint.
4) What is the biggest challenge you face with your writing career?
My biggest challenge is figuring out the ingredients that will catapult my writing career into a full-time venture. I am still in search of balance between marketing versus being a spammer, a stalker, or a social networking junkie. The good news, I am getting closer to my goal each day.
5) What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
I would suggest that they free write and write often. They should keep improving their craft and learn how the publishing industry works. Most importantly, authors should not approach publishers without defining and knowing their target audience. In addition, I encourage aspiring authors to have a written marketing plan with specific details and timelines.
6) You have written several titles, how would you describe your writing style?
I write – on the computer – when I have something to say. Then, I let it all out until I am done. This can mean five minutes or several hours. I am not good at writing during a slotted time; it is the rebel in me. However, sometimes I have to write on paper first to get the juices flowing.
7) What’s next for you?
I am preparing for the July 13, 2012, release of my children’s book, “Are There French Fries in Heaven?” I am working on my latest fiction novel, “Deadly Undercover,” and revising my nonfiction book, “Wow Them With Your Grant Proposal.” Finally, I am adding new recipes to my upcoming cookbooks.