Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Woods.
Hi Alison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Storytelling is my passion. I started out telling stories when I was about 9 years old. Back then, the stories were about things that happened to me at school or riding the bus, or shopping.
Fast forward to motherhood. One night, I decided to make up a story for my two youngest children because they couldn’t decide on what book they wanted me to read. I would do this a lot. Now, with grandchildren, I have changed it up!
I challenge them this way: “Give me two words and I’ll give you a story!” It’s a technique I call Spontaneous Fiction. We have so much fun doing this.
When my oldest granddaughter was 3 years old, I went looking for a series of books with an African American little girl as the lead character. I wanted the books to feature her in ‘real-life’ situations. I couldn’t find that – so I decided to start writing! My Name is Kayla was my first book in the ‘KaylaKay’ series and it tells how a baby girl discovers her name.
The second book in the series – On Sundays We Go to Church – has Kayla telling readers about the summers she spends with her grandmother in Texas. We Are Happy is my first book in the ‘Two Too Terrific’ series. This book features two brothers. Hunter, the oldest brother, narrates as the two boys figure out that they are twins.
In 2022, I will release two more titles: the first book in the ‘KashEEE’ series (in May) and the third book in the ‘KaylaKay’ series – Me and Santa (November).
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road for a first-time author. There was just so much I didn’t know about publishing and formatting. Once I got past that, I thought my books would just sell themselves. WRONG! I needed to do a lot of marketing. I am getting better at marketing – but I still have more to do there.
My initial plan was to do book signings. I started out strong in December 2019 when ‘My Name is Kayla’ was released. But by March 2020 – I shut that down due to COVID and really haven’t gotten back to doing these. It’s very effective for me – so I’m hoping that at some point (I thought that would be 2022) I’ll be able to do that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a late bloomer as far as being creative is concerned. I was a ‘private’ creative and now I’m putting myself out there.
I write children’s books that feature African American children as the lead characters. I am most proud that I have actually published three books. My fourth book is being printed and will be available in April/May of this year.
I believe what sets me apart is that my books are beautifully illustrated and the format (hardcover with a dust jacket) is of outstanding quality.
What matters most to you? Why?
I’d like for your readers to know how important it is to read to the children that are in their lives. I’d also encourage your readers to look for books that feature diverse characters and situations.
Pricing:
- My Name is Kayla $17.99
- We Are Happy $18.99
- On Sundays We Go To Church $18.99
- 10% off with code Voyage
Contact Info:
- Email: alisonwoodswrites@gmail.com
- Website: alisonwoodswrites.com
- Instagram: @alisonwoodswrites
