Tamika
asked
Alicia Keys:
What inspired you to start writing a book? Was it dedicated to anyone in particular?
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.
More Answered Questions
Jeffrey
asked
Alicia Keys:
Hi Alicia, Thanks so much for opening yourself and your time to answering reader's questions. In your professional life wearing many hats, when do you find time to read, and since time is so valuable, how do you choose which book to read? Also, what drove you to write a children's book? All best wishes --
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