Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Scott.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Mona L. Scott – Children’s Book Author Story My becoming a children’s book author began when I worked with the “Go Girl Go” Program the summer of 2008 at the Agape Center in Atlanta, Georgia. I am an Expressive Arts Therapist. I created a workshop program called “The Dream Keeper Me”. It was designed to empower pre-teen and teenage girls to learn how to express themselves in a positive manner and to not only dream about their future but to plant seeds to make their dreams come true.
The theme for that summer session was “Why Not Me?”. The girls were encouraged to think about who they wanted to be when they grew up. My first book is the result of a questionnaire I wrote and distributed. It focused on personal preferences regarding clothing and shoe styles, books, friendships, makeup, and hair.
The group consisted of 10 African American girls and 2 Hispanic 4th-grade girls. When asked about their heritage, the African American girls did not know what that meant. When they shared about their hair, they said that they were often teased or that family members often said unkind things about their hair. Most had perms or extensions, which meant that they rarely wore their own natural hair.
Their story encouraged me to write a simple poem about why we African Americans have the type of hair that we have. It was meant to be used as a handout for future workshops with African American boys and girls. The main character’s name is Sunrae. (Rae represents the sun rays shining from the top of her head) says “I’m so happy to be nappy so the sun won’t burn my scalp”. Her story takes the reader on a journey outlining various ways her hair is done. It is straightened with a straightening comb, and it is curled and permed.
At the end of the book, Sunrae gives a commentary about how and why African American hair is thick, kinky, or curly. Our African ancestors lived and worked in the hot sun. Their thick hair prevented their scalps from sunburn. She says that “nappy” describes the excessively curly texture of African American hair.
Now, 12 years after that first book, I continue to write at the encouragement of a seasoned storyteller, Woody Pearson. I have self-published a book collection focusing on life from a child’s point of view. I have also published books of affirmations for children, including a meditative poem and what to do on an OWE GOWEE day. I published a book written from the perspective of a little boy who is a bully. It has a workbook focusing on how to express feeling appropriately. My most current book was written last year to remind children to be safe and clean during a physical health pandemic. I have also written a Tap Dance Manual for Beginners, a Creative Mindfulness Transformation Workbook for Ages 55 Plus, and a Stress Management Coloring Book for Adults.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was difficult at first because I was not sure how to write a book that came from a poem as well as I did not have a personal computer to type it in. I had no idea about financing the project. It took two years for my brother to be convinced that I needed his help in illustrating the book and that I was going to self-publish it…
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most of the creative work I have done, I fell into it or it found me. I hold a Master’s Degree in Dance Movement Therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy. I attended Antioch/ New England Graduate School located in Keene New Hampshire after attending several information sessions about Dance Therapy. My work title has been listed as Expressive Arts Therapist. I use various modalities to assist either patients, clients, children, and senior citizens explore fun safe, fun ways to express their feelings. They do so either through movement, art, creative mindfulness, or creative writing… I personally express my feelings through writing stories about children, abstract drawings, creative crafts (design surfaces, i.e.; placemats/napkins, puzzles, mugs). I am most proud of myself for not giving in to not having enough finances to support my book project. I feel what sets me apart from others is that I get excited about giving away books that will help children in need. All of what I’ve shared I did not plan. In so doing I really enjoy it.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support me mostly by participating in my soft fundraisers for the books & toiletry giveaways that I do once a month for a local hotel shelter where children live.
Pricing:
- $1,000.0 for book and toiletry giveaways
Contact Info:
- Email: serenityhac3@gmail.com
- Website: www.sunraeandfriends.com
- Instagram: sunraeandfriends
Image Credits
Donovan Dodds
