Ask the Author: Alicia Keys
Answered Questions (7)
Alicia Keys
It depends what music I’m listening to. Sometimes I’m listening to classic songs that have inspired me through the years. Sometimes I’m discovering new music that may inspire me to think about things in different ways. Sometimes I’m not listening to anything at all and I’m just being quiet.
If I don’t have anything that’s really striking me to write about, I’ll just start to do other things: I’ll read, I’ll go see a really interesting exhibit at a gallery, I’ll just meditate and get more internal and quiet so that I can hear more clearly. Sometimes, I’ll just journal about my day. Even if it seems mundane and boring, there are always interesting ways to look at things. Sometimes, it’s also good to just back away from things, and let them breathe, give them space.
If I don’t have anything that’s really striking me to write about, I’ll just start to do other things: I’ll read, I’ll go see a really interesting exhibit at a gallery, I’ll just meditate and get more internal and quiet so that I can hear more clearly. Sometimes, I’ll just journal about my day. Even if it seems mundane and boring, there are always interesting ways to look at things. Sometimes, it’s also good to just back away from things, and let them breathe, give them space.
Alicia Keys
My relationship with my grandmother has been one of the most impactful relationships of my life. The grandmother/grandchild relationship is so unique, and when writing this book, I wanted to display the specialness of that intergeneration connection. There is something magical about grandparents. They have such wisdom and knowledge and they know the perfect things to say or do, when you need it the most!
The Mama Mae character in the series really represents that magical, grandmotherly spirit. One hundred percent of the book was inspired by the relationship between my grandmother and me.
The Mama Mae character in the series really represents that magical, grandmotherly spirit. One hundred percent of the book was inspired by the relationship between my grandmother and me.
Alicia Keys
Blue Moon’s message is about following your heart. Each book in The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee series will have a different message but that is the overall meaning. When you follow your heart, it opens up all the magic that we have inside of each of us!
Alicia Keys
Music had a ton of influence on this book because the book started as an app!
When we created the app, I wanted to tell a story that introduced children to different cultures and native instruments. An app is so great because you can infuse visuals, sound and words into that interactive experience. There is a cute little journal in the app and a piano where children can start learning about how to express themselves.
And the app is available! You should try it out ;-)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alici...
Music was really one of the main reasons we created The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee series. Whether the app or the book, Blue Moon, it’s a very musical, poetic experience. I love the interactivity of the app, but it’s also really cool to be able to hold onto the physical book with a child and see the magic in their eyes when reading!
When we created the app, I wanted to tell a story that introduced children to different cultures and native instruments. An app is so great because you can infuse visuals, sound and words into that interactive experience. There is a cute little journal in the app and a piano where children can start learning about how to express themselves.
And the app is available! You should try it out ;-)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/alici...
Music was really one of the main reasons we created The Journals of Mama Mae and LeeLee series. Whether the app or the book, Blue Moon, it’s a very musical, poetic experience. I love the interactivity of the app, but it’s also really cool to be able to hold onto the physical book with a child and see the magic in their eyes when reading!
Alicia Keys
LOL…I ask myself that question a lot! With such a jam-packed, go go go schedule, being able to read at any time is actually one of the things I miss the most…but I do find my moments! Long flights are good! I think to myself, “Oh my God, look at me!! I’m reading a book!!” ;-)
When I am choosing books to read, I love great recommendations from friends. I’ll make a list of books containing ones I’ve come across or ones that friends suggest to me, and try to make my way through them all.
And my mother is the best book–recommender of all time!! If I’m looking for a quality book, I ask her what she’s read lately. Two books that I really want to read right now are Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid by Samantha Nutt. The authors both run organizations that are part of my We Are Here Movement (weareheremovement.com). I’m incredibly inspired by the work they do to make the world a more just, kind place for all of us, but especially those who have been mistreated, condemned or forgotten.
When I am choosing books to read, I love great recommendations from friends. I’ll make a list of books containing ones I’ve come across or ones that friends suggest to me, and try to make my way through them all.
And my mother is the best book–recommender of all time!! If I’m looking for a quality book, I ask her what she’s read lately. Two books that I really want to read right now are Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid by Samantha Nutt. The authors both run organizations that are part of my We Are Here Movement (weareheremovement.com). I’m incredibly inspired by the work they do to make the world a more just, kind place for all of us, but especially those who have been mistreated, condemned or forgotten.
Alicia Keys
I first started singing at about four years old. My kindergarten teacher, who was vibrant and outgoing, inspired me. She led by example and encouraged us to not be afraid to express ourselves. Many different people inspired me to chase my dreams, but I would say the most important one is my mother. She is also very creative and loves acting. To support us, she had to work a 9 to 5 job, but she still followed her creative passions elsewhere in her time. Simply observing her example to make the things you love a part of your life - no matter your circumstances, encouraged me to truly value my creative passions... and pursue them too!
Alicia Keys
The first book I wrote was called Tears for Water, which was inspired by my life experiences at that time and my love for poetry. The inspiration
behind all of my writing comes from my need for self-expression. When I create - whether a poem, a song, or a book - it makes me feel alive to what is happening around me and enables me to connect with others in a more honest, soulful way.
My children's book, Blue Moon, was inspired by becoming a mother and wanting to explore how to introduce new cultures, styles, faces and sounds to a child's world. I think diversity is so important and that’s why each book in The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee series will focus on different parts of the world and their cultures. I want to explore what those worlds sound and look like for children, and illustrate how we all have the same fears, concerns and worries - no matter where we live, what we look like, or if we are seven years old or 70 years old. Children's books are a beautiful thing because they allow you to not only tell a story, but also visually illustrate a new world for the reader.
behind all of my writing comes from my need for self-expression. When I create - whether a poem, a song, or a book - it makes me feel alive to what is happening around me and enables me to connect with others in a more honest, soulful way.
My children's book, Blue Moon, was inspired by becoming a mother and wanting to explore how to introduce new cultures, styles, faces and sounds to a child's world. I think diversity is so important and that’s why each book in The Journals of Mama Mae & LeeLee series will focus on different parts of the world and their cultures. I want to explore what those worlds sound and look like for children, and illustrate how we all have the same fears, concerns and worries - no matter where we live, what we look like, or if we are seven years old or 70 years old. Children's books are a beautiful thing because they allow you to not only tell a story, but also visually illustrate a new world for the reader.
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Nov 25, 2014 04:40PM · flag
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