I’m always looking for great new books that help inspire and empower curly kids. I believe our self image is formed early, and any positive messages we receive as children help us accept and embrace what makes us unique. I recently came across author Tiana Bunnell-Mumford, who recently published her debut novel “I Will Not Change My Hair At All.” The book details the story of four friends working through self-image issues. The accompanying journal has quotes, scriptures, and activities to help pre-teens and teens work through similar issues. She is currently in the process of releasing her upcoming ebook entitled “Boys Just Want to Have Fun” geared towards early and beginner readers.
Bunnell-Mumford is the creator of Beauty Beyond the Eyes Mentoring Program, interactive workshops designed to equip young children and teens to believe they can succeed, believe in themselves, be bright in their thinking and be bold in their creativity. She is a freelance writer, teacher and mentor who has worked with children of all ages for the last ten years. She believes empowering children to be their best selves will lead them to success in their future. In addition to her novel, she wrote “Kool Minds Journal for Girls.”
I had the chance to talk to Bunnell-Mumford:
What inspired you to write the book?
I was inspired to write the book myself by tapping into the little girl in me. Growing up all the way until I was an adult I have always been obsessed with my hair to the point I remember not wanting to go to my deceased aunt funeral at the age of 17 years old. Why? Because of my hair.
Reflecting back to starting the journey of writing the book I came up with the conclusion I let my hair shape my character. I wanted my 4 year old daughter and other girls around the world to not allow their hair starting at a young age to shape their character. I wanted the girls to know they can love their hair the way God created it in whatever state it is in whether its curly, french braids, or an afro and not wait until they are well into their 30’s to embrace and love their hair .
How long have you been writing?
I started writing around 15 years ago with life changes such as marriage, school, babies, and a full-time career I put my future writing career on hold until literally a couple years ago. I ended at the time a fulltime job making good money and I had enough time on my hands to pick my writing back up. By doing so I was able to birth out my books which I am so grateful of that decision I made.
What prompted you make a multi-cultural book?
I was prompted to make “ I Will Not Change My Hair At All” a multicultural book for two main reasons. The first reason growing up as a little girl I always had friends who were of different cultural backgrounds. Second I think is important for children to learn about different cultural backgrounds to expand on their knowledge.
How did you come up with the title “I Will Not Change My Hair At All”?
The title actually came from my son who was 5 years old at the time. When I first pitched the book to him his initial response was, ”Mommy you writing a book about God.” My answer was yes however he didn’t get the full take home message of the book.
I didn’t have a title when I approached him so I asked him late at night it was. He burst out “I Will Not Change My Hair At All”. I loved it I thought it went with the story and it was very catchy and I went with it.
The title actually came from my son who was 5 years old at the time.
Where would readers purchase a copy of the book?
Readers could purchase the books several places. Online at Amazon, Bookpatch, Barnes& Nobles, Createsapace, and my online bookstore creativemindswork/bookstore. If the readers ever visit Indianapolis, IN books can be purchased at Indy Reads Books, Overcoming Church, Shodah Spalon, Changes Total Hair Salon, Etc Skin &Body Salon, The Wild bookstore, coming soon to Half Price Books and Eskenazi Health Hospital giftshop. Also “ I Will Not Change My Hair At All” is available at Peyton Manning Hospital for children who are ill to read while staying there or visiting.
Also there is a journal “Kool Minds for Girls” that is available online and at the locations as well.
What could readers expect from you as a children’s author next?
Bunnell-Mumford: Readers could expect more I am currently finishing up on my Ebook coming soon.
April of 2016 look for Chapter book “ Barber Shop Talk” & Kool Minds for Boys Journal
How could readers follow you or get in touch with you as a Children’s Author?
Readers could follow me on Instagram @CreativeMindsWorkPub, Twitter @CreativeMindz01
