interviewing children's author Nay Low

This is children's author nay low I had the opportunity to interview her for my blog.

Q1, when did you decide you were going to write a book?

A. - the book came to me. I didn’t go in with the mindset, “I’m going to write a book,” but a situation happened with my daughter at the time and I was upset, hurt, shock and couldn’t sleep. 

My daughter who was 6 at the time wanted to play on some tire at her school. However, there were three students, a girl and two boys who wouldn’t allow her to play on it. The girl told my daughter, “you can’t play with us because you’re black.” Of course, that hurt my daughter's feelings. It was the first time I had to sit down and discuss, racism, and hate. I knew I was going to have this conversation with her but didn’t expect it to be so soon. I was hoping to still keep that innocent in her. Our family is so diverse with native Americans, blacks, Italians, Irish, Hispanic, the list goes on, she doesn’t see color. 

At this time I was pregnant on bed rest, having my own complications with my second child. So as you can imagine, stress isn’t good. I was sleeping that night and I dreamt Liah and Otto. My daughter’s situation came to me in a dream. I like to say, “God was telling me something, we’re going to change this negative into a positive,” and I woke up in the middle of the night, 1:30-2am and wrote what I dreamt. Until 8 am that morning. I decided to make the characters siblings instead of friends. I want to teach our youth that we come from different backgrounds, race, religions and that’s great. That’s what makes us, us. But one thing is the same in any religion, race, language, etc., is Love. We can recognize love, kindness, and respect. And in my book, that’s what I want my readers to understand and relate to. 

Q.2 how did you come up with the name of your books 

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A.   Liah is named after my daughter Maliah. Otto was a name my friend mentioned to me and I loved it. 

Q. 3 what are you working on now for 20 18?

A . - right now I’m working on a second children’s book. Geared to a little older group, ages 6-10. 

Q 4. how long have you been writing?

A. - The funny thing is, I always loved writing. Wrote in journals/diaries, and enjoyed storytelling. But never thought to publish anything. 

Q 5. What advice would you give other authors?

A. - Be proud of how far you’ve come, especially if you’re a new author. Enjoy every moment. Learn from other authors and join groups if you can. Listen to feedback and what you’re the audience is telling you. Don’t take everything to heart, you’re not the only one who wants to see you succeed. 

Q 6.  where can people find you online?

A. - you can follow me on my Facebook page Finá Lowman and on Instagram @therealfinalowman

Q7 do you plan on making more books in the future 

A. - yes, I do. I’m in the process of my second on as we speak. 

Q 8 how many books have you written 

A. - This is my first book and I’m working on my second. 

Q 9 did you go to college to be a writer

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A.  no, I went to school for business management.