JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Adra Young, author of The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues
(Trafford Publishing)
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues?
Adra Young: The idea to write the books evolved from two situations. First, I am educator. I was looking for solutions to reduce the number of suspensions to kids that face and bring overwhelming issues to school. Acting has so many great components. Since each act in my book is based upon real life stories of what kids are faced with, I figured that troubled children could recite the acts and utilize the situations as a positive outlet. The second situation is that I have a background in acting. As an acting coach, I wanted fun and exciting situations for kids to recite, learn, and deliver on stage that would prepare them for various types of auditions.
JP: What was it about Volume 1 of this series that prompted you to write Volume II?
AY: Believe it or not, Volume II was written because of the request of my fans. They kept asking, “Adra, when is Volume II coming?” I felt like it was my duty to complete it and not let my readers down.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues II getting out to the public?
AY: Some of the vital keys I used as a new author were advanced promoting and communicating directly with individuals who my type and style of writing appealed to. As far as promoting, I’m not just talking about two weeks in advance. Volume II was released November 15th. 2008. I started promoting the release of this book in September of 2008.
Another success tactic I used was getting acquainted with parents, teachers, children desiring to become actors, and troubled youth. I asked questions such as, “Could you honestly see your self purchasing my product to help you solve a problem?” and “Could you see yourself purchasing the guide to help increase your child’s performance skills?”
JP: What has been the public’s reaction to your books so far?
AY: I’ve been told everything from “it’s about time an educator started keeping it real” to “keep up the good work!” In addition, I’ve also been told that I made an awesome attempt to tackle two problems and solve them both with a unique approach. This being providing exciting materials for youngsters to improve their dramatization skills, and of-course, providing a positive outlet for today’s troubled youth.
JP: What’s next for Adra Young?
AY: Wild… It’s funny you asked Joey. I am in the process of increasing and expanding my performing arts company titled, Ardannyl through out the South East Region of Michigan. In addition, there is a monologue show that I am writing and producing based strictly upon the concerns some of women I’ve come into contact with. There is a book on hold that I am currently working on as a co-author with Parent Activist Cheryl Lynn Pope, the author of 25 Ways to Make Your Child Feel Special. I am in the process of trying to decide should I conclude the monologue series with a Volume III or should I just move on with my fiction series since both Volumes I and II are both categorized as non-fiction. As you can see, I have irons in the fire.
*In May of 2006, Adra Young was nominated Outstanding Educator for the Detroit Communities In Schools Award
*In April of 2007, Adra Young was presented with Certificate of Appreciation from the Detroit Youth Foundation
*In June of 2008, Adra Young was the featured author for Ronald Brown Academy of Detroit, MI
Adra Young can be reached at 313-729-2573.
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