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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Julie Federico author of Blackness is Creativeness

Author’s Bio: Julie Federico is an award-winning children’s service author who writes books that help parents keep their kids safe.  She has written prevention books on child abuse prevention, domestic violence prevention, school violence prevention, race relations, and elementary friendships.  She takes difficult adult topics and breaks them down in a friendly and non-threatening way that preschoolers can comprehend.  

Julie believes knowledge is power and protecting your children is paramount. Her books are for readers 0-9 years old. All of her books are illustrated in a welcoming fish theme.  Two of her seven books have been translated into Spanish.  

Julie is available for speaking engagements and loves to share the powerful message of prevention.  www.juliefederico.com  and  juliefederico@gmail.com 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? 

Julie Federico: I have worked as a school counselor for 30 years.  I see how domestic violence and child abuse greatly affect children.  I have made it my life work to prevent children from experiencing either of these life changing events. 

DL: How do you overcome the challenges of writer’s block? 

JF: When I have a block, I don’t go to my computer I write in my journal.  A journal is less threatening than a laptop.  I just start writing and I do not re-read anything I wrote.  I do not edit anything.   I write a stream of consciousness thought.  I don’t stop writing until my thoughts are finished.  I have learned too many times that thoughts come only once; they do not reappear.  One has to compose these thoughts or they can be lost forever in the noise of our minds. 

DL: What is your writing process? 

JF: I sit down and write all of my stories in one sitting.  Of course, my books are small so this is doable.  I think about what I am going to write for a long time before I write so the story is already written in my head.  I just transfer it from my mind to text.  When I start writing I don’t stop.  Stopping creates drama.  I just go with the theme. 

DL: What obstacles did you encounter while writing this book?

JF: Many.  My own self was a big obstacle.  I almost talked myself out of it.  I would say to myself, “You have no formal training in race relations.”  I have no training on race relations other than what I have lived and witnessed.  I am not a race expert.  I was willing to put my fears aside to get this message out.  I think it is a good one.  Formal training does not make one a race expert.  Being aware and alert to problems does make one a semi expert.  The voices inside of my head were strong.  I am glad they did not win. Race is such a divisive topic I am very proud of myself that I completed this topic. 

DL: What was the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given?

JF: I heard Alexandra Fuller give a book talk.  She wrote, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood.  She said, “Write what you know.”  This was a huge gift to me. 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers? 

JF: Join a writer’s group.  So much synergy happens in these groups you will learn a lot!  Don’t share your dream of writing with everyone.  Not everyone will be supportive, ignore these people, don't give them the animation to talk you out of your goal.  You don’t have to know everything to start.  You just need to start.  You can start today! 

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself? 

JF: 1. I had never met a vegan until I moved to Colorado.  2. I always see the glass as half full not half empty.  3. Jerry Seinfeld is my soulmate! 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Blackness is Creativeness?

JF: Sure, here you go: 

Because of unfair rules and ideas set by society, government, schools, police departments and the court system, black people and other people of color have been and are currently being mistreated.  This is called discrimination.   Black and brown people have been mistreated just because of the color of their skin.  This is always wrong.  We are all the same on the inside, even though our skin colors may be different.  Certain people should not have life privilege while others receive mistreatment just because of the color of their skin. This needs to change in our society. Remember, the only reason our outsides look different is because God created us in a variety of beautiful skin tones. I think children can start to solve this pervasive problem easier than adults can. Children see these problems as solvable, children as not afraid to talk about race issues. Children by nature do not discriminate; this is why they are the perfect group to help end this problem.  Adults can learn a lot from you if they will stop and listen.  I want to empower you to begin the end of discrimination in our country.  There is no greater work you could be doing.  I encourage you to help end discrimination today and every day.  We need more acceptance of all races to make our world a better place!  Would you like to join me in this important work?  I am so happy you said, "Yes!"  Together, we can end racial discrimination and make positive changes.  

I struggled with the right words for this book, knowing I would encounter criticism for what I did not mention:  Police brutality, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and institutional incarceration, just to name a few.  This was intentional, though.  As a child’s first book on race relations, I wanted to begin the conversation in an age-appropriate manner. I wrote this book for preschoolers and elementary students.  Ideally, you will have many conversations with your child about race over the years.  These conversations will change as your child gets older. When we can teach a community of 2-year-olds to identify and define discrimination, we are onto significant societal change! My goal is to introduce the subject and get the conversation started. 

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?  

JF: I have been so busy that I have not really marketed Blackness is Creativeness.  I want to start working on this as soon as possible.  You are helping me by allowing me to be a part of your blog.  This is the first blog featuring Blackness is Creativeness.  Thank you, thank you. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?

JF: Readers can get more information here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

JF: Thank you!





  

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