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Interview with Rayne Moniquè Stewart, author of Perfectly Different

Author’s Bio: Rayne Stewart is a newly self-published author. Stewart is a 15-year-old high school student from Baltimore, Maryland who was inspired to write Perfectly Different after being diagnosed with the skin condition Vitiligo at age 8. After dealing with various life challenges Rayne’s mom intrigued her to write her emotions down. At age 12, Rayne began to write her story. 

In the children’s book Perfectly Different, Rayne shares her story about the challenges she encounters while her appearance is changing in her middle school years. Rayne discusses being different and how she dealt with all the changes that were occurring in her life while maintaining her confidence and acceptance of herself as being Perfectly Different. 

Rayne hopes to reach all the Perfectly Different children of the world with her story. To let them know that being different isn’t a bad thing. It’s actually awesome to be Perfectly Different in your own unique way.

DL: What inspired you to write your book?
RMS: My mother inspired me to write Perfectly Different. She knew that my story would be able to help a lot of people going through similar struggles. She motivated me to write down my feelings about what was happening and supported me through the whole process.

DL: Describe your writing process? Do you use an outline or let it flow organically?
RMS: I let it flow organically. When I first started, I just typed my thoughts and feelings about being diagnosed with Vitiligo. I brainstormed my ideas in my notes on my iPhone. From there my mother and I chose pictures from my childhood based on what I had written about. Using the pictures, I was able to formulate the story I had to tell. 

DL: What do you think makes a good story?
RMS: In my opinion when I read books I like to pick from the fictional section. Good stories to me incorporate a lot of descriptions and details. I like when stories can relate to a person’s daily life. I also like when stories include conflicts or topics that we all struggle with in real life.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way? 
RMS: A book that influenced me when I was a little younger was Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It taught me about resilience because even though he was bullied he still went back to school every day, made friends, and embraced his birth defect. 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests?
RMS: I would invite: Michele Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, and Maya Angelou.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?
RMS: Reach out! Send your bio and website to people. Get family and friends to spread the word. Use any type of social media platform you have access to and advertise it on there.

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?
RMS: Whatever you do while writing never give up. You might feel like the process is taking too long or that you’re wasting your time but you aren’t! Never let anybody tell you that you can’t do it because you can. Just keep pushing and it will be worth it in the end.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Perfectly Different? 
RMS: Here you go:
Out of all the lessons I’ve learned so far, the most important is to always have confidence. No one is going to know how truly beautiful you are until YOU do. Always remember that you are unique and that your differences make you one of a kind. I consider my vitiligo something that makes me who I am.  I am Rayne Monique!

DL: What’s on the horizon for you? 
RMS: Thankfully a lot! I will be vending at events around Maryland. On Saturday, October 5, 2019, I was at the Black Authors Book Expo in Baltimore, MD. On December 8, 2019, I will be at S.N.O.W (Sister’s Now Offering Wisdom) Youth Empowerment Retreat at 323 Sollers Point Road, Dundalk, MD. For more information, please contact www.youngqueensintraining.org

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?
RMS: They can find out more about me and my book here:

·       Website: https://www.perfectlydifferent.net/

·       Facebook: Rayne Moniquè Stewart and Perfectly Different

·       Instagram: @perfectly_different2018

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








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