Today we’d like to introduce you to Areia Cobb.
Areia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
AC Books was founded when I wrote and published my first Children’s book. Although I had written many poems since 8th grade and a started a few short stories, I had many unfinished projects. One day in 2011, my oldest sister called to share a dream that my niece had about me. In her dream, I had written a children’s book and was on someone’s talk show reading it to my son. She said I couldn’t get through a page without ooh’s and aah’s from the audience. We all laughed and I told her that maybe one project I could actually complete.
Month’s later following a rash of hurt from familial to everyday people losing or taking their lives, I was moved to do something. After praying for direction the last page of what became my first children’s book, My Kind of Me, dropped in my spirit. Two days later I pulled up word on my computer and before I knew it, I had a book.
My Kind of Me was released in 2012 with a four-day book tour across MO (hometown), and I released my second book, Real Imagination in 2015. Since 2012 I have used my platform of self-love to speak at various venues and visit many elementary schools reading my books and engaging with the students.
I am currently pitching an Elementary Education Program to various school districts that use My Kind of Me as a text to focus on three main concepts: Bullying, Self-Efficacy and Peer Advocacy. I also recently wrote what will be my third picture book, Preston’s Preschool Blues, and am putting the finishing touches on my first chapter book, The Secret Inside.
In addition to myself, my team consists of my sons (Langston and Preston), who are the main character in my books, and my husband (Kevin) who is my biggest supporter.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. The first thing I had to realize is that your support may not come from the people you think will support you most. I am not saying I haven’t had support, because my family has been great! I am referring to some of those extended family and friend groups who may support verbally, but not financially.
The main struggle I have come face to face with is regaining momentum. Following my book tour I was on a roll, and pretty busy for the next three months. However, I took some time for another baby and nearly fell from existence. You really have to stay top of mind with your audience, because there is always some new thing waiting in the wings to take their attention.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is an online bookstore that sells books I’ve written and merchandise I’ve designed.
I specialize in books, and am known for being a Youth Advocate who writes books for children with a message for EVERYONE!
I am most proud of the lives I have been able to touch with my platform of self-love.
The things that set me apart from other’s is my genuine desire for people to love themselves and succeed.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the baby until I was 15, so I always felt protected. I always had friends, because I could and still can get along with just about anyone. However, I have a terrible habit of holding grudges, so once you burn the bridge, it’s gone. As far as my interest, I loved to write, watch and analyze films, go to church and hang with friends.
Pricing:
- My Kind of Me – $12.95
- Real Imagination Board book – $10.95
- Real Imagination Hardback – $14.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.areiacobb.com
- Phone: 678-632-3943
- Email: author.acbooks@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ac_books
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/author.acbooks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/author_acbooks
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
