Adra Young At The 2009 You Are The Gift Conference For GirlsTell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release. My third book titled, The Misfits, will be released in November of 2010.
How many years of professional writing experience do you have? I have four years of professional writing.
What have you written? I have written two books. My first book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues, was published in 2005. In 2008, I published my second book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume II (a sequel to the first).
Do you have an occupation in addition to being a writer? I serve on the Board of Directors (along with my literary partner Tracie Christian) for the United Nations Association Detroit Chapter.
What credentials establish you as an expert in your field or have contributed to your success as an author? I have an M.A. degree in Education Administration, a B.A. in Education, with 14 years of teaching experience. My first play, “On the Scene Representing The Red, Black and Green” (a dedication to the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey) was written in 2004. I have over 10 years of acting experience, and 7 years experience as an acting coach. I enjoy working with the youth outside of class room as well. I am a true advocate for the arts.
About the Book
What was your motivation for writing this book? I was simply trying to make people aware of what is going on with our youth. I want the nation as a whole to observe the burdens and dilemmas that todays youth carry on their shoulders.
Tell us some of the factors that make your book unique. My books are both multi usage guides. They may be used for the improvement of both acting and appropriate socialization skills.
What is the single most important thing that readers of your book will be able to do after reading your book that they could not do before? I want readers to know that the majority of the time, when students act out inappropriately in a classroom setting, there is definitely something wrong occurring at home. For the most part, there is no such thing as a “bad kid”. Terrible things happen to children which in turn leads the child to act out and/or display negative behavior in the classroom.
Is there a local or regional relevance for your book? There is no specific local or regional relevance in regards to applying or utilizing my books. Nationally and world-wide, my books can and may be used in schools, churches, and performing arts facilities that place emphasis on training the youth on acting.
What emotions does your book evoke from readers? Empathy and compassion. I would like my readers as they indulge themselves in the various monologues from each of my literary guides to see behind the eyes of a child who simply faces too many multi faceted issues.
Are there any controversial elements in your book? There are no controversial elements in my book. As an educator, I simply wrote the truth about what I have observed with my students in my classroom.
In researching your book, did you come across any surprising facts, figures or statistics? Being a teacher now for over 14 years, I have just about seen it all. There’s not much that surprises me. I’m smacked with facts and the reality of educational norms and statistics on a regular basis.
If your book were for sale in a major bookstore, in what section would it be found? The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues series would be found in the self help section, youth socialization, and acting and performing arts for teens.
What did you learn while writing this book? I learned that writing takes much applied effort and hard work.
What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand? I wish non-writers would respect the craft and talent of literary artist. We work just as hard as music producers, dancers, and actors, yet, the craft of writing is not respected on the same level as other forms and styles of creative expression.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are?
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The true meaning of a vintage press
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The importance of continuous marketing
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How to gain access to a seasoned author who could’ve served as my literary mentor.
How and why does your book differ from books of a similar topic?My books differ from most acting literary monologues guides because the “acts” are non-fiction.
What would you like your readers to take away from your book?
I just want readers to understand why so many children have so much built up anger inside of them.
If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different? I would not change anything. Many lessons – good and bad – were learned as I continue to strive towards the Best Sellers List.
What advice would you give an aspiring author? I would tell any new author to surround oneself with positive and like-minded individuals, and be aggressive and relentless in marketing ones product. Also, always remember to help, motivate, support, and encourage other artists.
Where can readers learn more about you and your books? Readers can log on to Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, and Facebook. My web site is www.ardannyl.me
Please identify five recent books that compete most directly with yours.
- Great Monologues for young actors by Craig Slaight 2009 ISBN 1575254085
- Echo Booming Monologues by Mary Depner 2007 ISBN 1604025298
- 100 Monologues for Girls Mary Depner 2001 ISBN 1424344158
- Acting for young in Hollywood Frederick Levy ISBN 9780823089550
- 2000 The Ultimate Audition book for Teens for ISBN 9781575252360
Literary Partners, Tracie E. Christian & Adra Young (The Wonder Twinz) 
what about the kennedys 
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