Interview

What book(s) have you written?

• The Library Bus
• A Sky Blue-Bench

Where do you live?

Toronto, Canada

Interview

What book(s) have you written?

A Basketball Game on Wake Street

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I have grown up always loving book and it wasn’t until my junior year of college I began to write out a draft of A Basketball Game on Wake Street

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

2 years  

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I love to write in the morning and feel like that is when my ideas and the freshest in my mind. I also don’t force myself to write and carve out spaces where I feel creative to register and reflect.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I am not sure, I think trying to Capture everyone's perspective. I take a lot of detailed interviews and then try to share that experience through storytelling.
 

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

It was from my journey in sport. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to travel around the world and experience different people. This was my opportunity to share those experiences with the world.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I played professional basketball last year and that has taken up a majority of my time

What does your family think of your writing?

They understand me, and I am reflected in my writing. They say they read it from my voice.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

it is a long process and making sure you are creating a team that will support you is not easy. Every character, sentence, description, and color matter! 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become a better writer? If so, what are they?

I would say continue to read books and write and have people you admire read your writing. This advice can be a risky if you are not firm on who you are because as you are being influenced, your story could change to something no longer yours. If you feel something in your gut, follow through with it.  

What do you think makes a good story?

Authenticity always! The people reading your book picked it up for a reason, and if they can relate and see themselves in your story, that is great!

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be of service. I do not remember any particular job that I wanted to do, but I know I wanted to be around others and serve to the best of my ability.

What is your favorite book?

Matilda  

Where do you live?

New York, USA

Fun Facts

Please share 10 Random facts about yourself for your readers!

1. I am from Guinea, West Africa
2. I speak two languages (Malinke and English)
3. I played basketball at Uconn and also professionally in Spain for a year
4. I am 6’2
5. I love chocolate chip cookies
6. I love Ted Talks & Commencement Speeches
7. I did a Ted x Uconn talk in 2018
8. I have been sky diving
9. I have a great nonprofit called Women and Kids Empowerment (WAKE) that I think everyone should check out!
10. My favorite poem is called “Anyway” by Mother Theresa