Interview with Blaque Diamond, Author of The Stacey F Series of Children’s books which include She Named Me Stacey, A Temporary Home for Stacey, Stacey F. My Forever Mommy and the newly released Stacey F. Coloring and Activity Book

Author’s Bio: Blaque Diamond is the author of the Stacey F. children’s book series, She Named Me Stacey, A Temporary Home for Stacey, and Stacey F., My Forever Mommy as well as a Stacey F. coloring and activity book. Diamond graduated from Morgan State University School of Social Work, where she earned her BSW and MSW degrees and was an all-American Collegiate Scholar. In addition to writing children's books, she is an advocate for children waiting to be reunified with their biological families. Diamond has three biological children and has raised nine nieces and nephews, two of whom she was granted custody and three of whom she adopted from the NYC foster care system. She lives in Maryland with her children.

DL: What inspired you to write your book?

BD: Actually it was my nephew. He asked me why did I want to adopt him and why was he in foster care? After explaining to him; his truth, I realized his younger sibling was sitting nearby and I knew someday I would need to tell her; her truth as well, so I decided to write it down. And in doing so, I realized as a social worker that there are hundreds of children in foster care or adopted who don’t understand their journey, so I decided to write a children’s book series pleasant enough for children to read and easy enough for prospective foster/adoptive parents to understand.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

BD: Yes, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, by Judy Blume. As a young girl, this book has given me first insight to GOD.

DL: Are these your first books? How long did it take to start and finish your book?

BD: No, my first book was my memoir, In My Mother’s House. In My Mother’s House took a few months to begin and nine years to finish, However, the Stacey F series took a few minutes to begin and two years to finish, which resulted in the series being released within the same year.  

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?

BD: I let it flow. The decision to display an outline of events in any order due to the nature of the book and the series is not a priority for me. Letting it flow allows my words to be free and my thought pattern to release.

DL: Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?

BD: I do listen to music sometimes. For the series of Stacey F books, there was no theme song, just life experience.

DL: What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?

BD: Know your target audience, ensure your book(s) are appealing i.e. book cover, fonts, graphics, and designs. Link your book to current topics, advertise, optimize your profile, build your social media platforms and decide when and what you would like to share and most importantly be honest with your audience. 

DL: What advice would you give to new authors?

BD: Document, Document, Document. 

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Stacey F My Forever Mommy?                             

“What is a biological mother?” Stacey asked.

“A biological mother is a Mother who gives birth to you,” said Paige.

“Was Mrs. Penny my biological mother?” Stacey asked.

“No,” said Paige, “she was your Foster Mother.”

“Is Mrs. Grace my biological mother?” Stacey asked.

“No,” said Paige “she will be your Adoptive Mommy”

“What is the difference?” Stacey asked.

“Biological Mothers give birth to you. They love you unconditionally and sometimes have to make hard decisions,” said Paige.

“And Mrs. Penny was your foster mother, and foster mothers make a choice. They love you and want to take care of you temporarily,” said Paige

“And Mrs. Grace is your adoptive Mother, and adoptive mothers choose you. They love you, and they want to take care of you permanently,” said Paige.    

DL: What’s next for you?

BD: What I am most excited about is The 2nd Annual It’s a Family Affair (IAFA) in celebration of National Adoption Month held November 18, 2017, 10am - 2pm at Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center, Dundalk, MD 21222.  IAFA is an incessantly endless passage for individuals and families who would like to gain insight into foster care/adoption. You will speak to a panel of professionals with first-hand knowledge of foster care/adoption, Current foster/adoptive parents who love children unconditionally, and former foster/adoptive youth who has journeyed through the foster care/adoption system.    

DL: Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?

·         Website: www.authorblaquediamond.com

·         Facebook: Author Blaque Diamond

·         Twitter: @BlaqueDiamond03

·         Book buy Links: www.authorblaquediamond.com, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and Xlibris.com

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.