Today we’d like to introduce you to Keidra McGriff.
Hi Keidra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I always wanted to write a children’s book with African American characters but didn’t have a story idea. I strongly believe representation matters, and Black children need to see book characters that look like them.
When my father unexpectedly passed in 2018, my oldest son was only 4. My husband and I printed pictures of my dad and son to show my son while explaining to him that Papa had died. In my process of grieving their relationship, this book idea came to me, to cherish their memories together. This book is for young children to recall their special memories with their loved ones, specifically grandparents.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a smooth road from writing to publishing. I wrote out the manuscript before typing it up. Then once I typed it, got it to a small Black woman-owned publishing company who guided me from there on.
I found a freelance illustrator, that did an amazing job incorporating actual photos I wanted in the book.
The not-so-smooth road comes from the imposter syndrome. I’m still getting used to being a children’s book author and realizing that my book is a business. Daily, I say wow, I really did it, and I’m proud. But then I have moments of wondering if it’s that big of a deal. And it is!!! I wrote a book that is making its way to too many libraries and spaces, big and small. That’s a big deal and something I’m very proud of!!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Full time, I’m an attorney, my dream career. I have been licensed and practicing law for 7 years come November. I work for a firm that assists and represents the underserved and impoverished community. I handle a variety of civil law cases and I am proud of the work I do. A substantial amount of my job is preventing families from being unhoused and at risk for homelessness.
When it comes to the work of Adventures with Papa, we’re participating in as many vendor markets and book fairs as possible. I also have some other spin off projects in my mind, but not ready to discuss just yet.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I always have to shout out the fact that I’m a wife, boy mom, 2-time HBCU Alumna- Prairie View A&M University and Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/adventureswithpapa_?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keidra.burgin?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Angela Webb Photography
