Interview With Author Rishawna Gould
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rishawna Gould. I was born and raised in Washington, DC. I currently live in Laurel, MD – pretty equidistant between Baltimore and DC where you can have the best seafood and crabs around or take a tour of the White House or the Washington Monument. By profession, I’m a graphic designer but I’ve recently added new author to my resume. I published my very first book in February 2024 .
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is the Adventures of Joanie and Juliet. Growing up, I’ve always dabbled with writing but really discovered the author in me after the death(s) of my mother, Joan, and aunt, Juliet. Originally, the book started out as a passion project to help me navigate the grieving process. However, over the years, I have personally met children and adults of color, who have never left more than 10 miles away from where they grew up. Studies suggest that as many as 70% of children in these environments grow up without the opportunity to travel outside their neighborhoods. This lack of exposure to new places and cultures often lead to an enduring cycle: many of these children grow into adults who, due to financial constraints or lack of curiosity sparked by early exploration, never travel beyond their city or state. Children who lack exposure to diverse experiences are more likely to struggle with social skills and social awareness as adults, a problem that stems from the inability to see beyond their immediate surroundings and understand the broader world. I want to change that. I really want to change that dynamic and provide hope. My book, The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet, takes children places they thought they could never go through imagination. And who knows, when they become adults, that dream could manifest into reality where they could make real trips happen.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t label this as unusual, but I take a brisk walk (20 minutes or more) before I begin writing. It gets my thoughts flowing and boosts my energy levels in order to focus and concentrate.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a story that is catchy yet fun and educational. Back in the day, I was a Cat in the Hat fan. I loved Cat in the Hat as well as the Sweet Pickles Series.
The Sweet Pickles is a series of about 40 children’s books by Ruth Lerner Perle, Jacquelyn Reinach, and Richard Hefter are set in the fictional town of Sweet Pickles and are about these personified animals with different personalities and behaviors. Each book’s theme revolved around an animal in a “pickle-like” situation that learns a valuable lesson at the end.
I wanted to tap into the same energy for The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet. I wanted my book to be catchy, yet educational. Now my main characters don’t find themselves in pickle-like or problematic situations per se, but they must use problem solving, critical thinking and social skills to navigate a foreign country, learn a new language, and meet new people
What are you working on now?
I am working on the next book in the series The Adventures of Joanie and Juliet. With the help of my readers, I am reaching out to the public with this question, “Where do you think the sisters should travel next?” Please go to RishawnaWrites.net and vote for their next adventure.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
RishawnaWrites.net
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s funny, I never saw myself as an author. People have told me on several occasions that I naturally speak in story form. But I never saw myself as writing anything. However, honestly, that’s where it starts. Write it out. Read it and read it again. Have someone else read it. Because after writing, there is quite a process you need to go through in order to turn your manuscript into an actual book. Once you’ve had it read and edited, seek individuals to assist you on your journey who have already taken the necessary steps you want to take. Seek authors, seek illustrators, seek publishers who will help get you to your goal. That is key. Place yourself in environments where people are doing what you want to do.
What are you reading now?
A Journal For Jordan
Dear John
A Penpal for Christmas
[Not children’s books at all]
What’s next for you as a writer?
Wow. What’s next? I’d like to turn this single story into a series. I am in the thought process of figuring out where Joanie and Juliet will go next. I would love to see my book evolve and branch off into various avenues such as a cartoon series, audiobook, and create a platform where I am able to facilitate educational literacy programs, promote family travel and more.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
Green Eggs and Ham
The Notebook
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