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Worth Fighting 4
by Jarold Imes
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During a period of time in the early nineties and even now, it seemed like every great book I’ve ever read had been edited by the one and only Chandra Sparks Taylor. Whether they were independent or signed to a major publishing firm, Chandra was there to make sure we didn’t make a mess or a fool of ourselves.
Many times when we try to publish our own works and edit our own works, we see exactly what we indented to see. We know the story, have told it tour ourselves and perhaps a few others a thousand times, but it take some one like Chandra to step in, fill in the holes (or correct them) and help us make sure we are giving it the best that we got.
When KimaniTru revealed the first twelve books in their line up, I was very shocked, yet pleased to see Chandra Sparks Taylor’s name in the line up. I’m sure she SPIN IT LIKE THAT with a great book for our teens to read.
OTV: When I first think of the name Chandra Sparks Taylor, I think of a great editor who does a fantastic job with whatever assignment she is given. How are you applying those skills as you begin to write books for teens?
CST: Thank you for the wonderful compliment about my editing skills. I never expected writing to be so different from editing. It’s really interesting being on the other side of the page, so to speak. I think because I have been editing for years, I am using those skills to be more aware of how a story flows and how to keep things moving. It’s my hope that SPIN IT LIKE THAT will be an easy read.
OTV: The girl on the cover of your book reminds me a little of me. I’m a big music fan (both secular and Gospel) and started out writing raps for friends to perform for our class projects. What inspired you to talk about the love for music in your debut novel? Where did the idea come from?
CST: The idea to do a book with a female deejay as the main character actually came from my KimaniTru editor, Glenda Howard. We both wanted to do a positive story to which readers can relate, and music is something that’s universal.
OTV: What differences do you see in writing a book and editing a book?
CST: The biggest difference between writing and editing is really focus. With writing, I am focused on making sure I give readers an entertaining read while with editing, I am focused on making sure I help my clients get their message across to readers.
OTV: Have you edited children’s or teen books before? What experiences are the same/different from editing an adult book?
CST: I have edited a few children’s books before, but surprisingly, I haven’t really done any teen stuff. I believe regardless of what you’re editing, it needs to be a good story. The biggest difference between adult and children’s book for me is actually trying to write from a YA point of view. I want my stories to sound like a young adult really wrote them.
OTV: Please tell us about your next book?
CST: My next YA novel, which is scheduled for release in November 2008, is about a young girl in an abusive relationship.
OTV: What books did you enjoy reading as a little girl? What keeps you reading now?
CST: As a little girl, I loved Judy Blume and Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley High series. Now, it’s actually very rare that I read for pleasure, but when I do, I love James Patterson.
OTV: What expectations do you have for the growing interest in young adult genre?
CST: I think the YA genre is going to explode. Our kids have shown us they read, and if the books are available, I believe they will devour them.
OTV: Tell us something your readers or your clients' don’t know.
CST: I have wanted to write books since I was fourteen years old. I was so obsessed with being an author that I would actually practice signing my name in class. I actually got into editing because my mom told me that writers didn’t make any money, so I needed a career to fall back on. After I had my daughter in 2004, I realized I hadn’t fulfilled my dream, so I challenged myself to make it come true and it did. I just want readers to know that I am no different than anyone. If my dream can come true, yours can too.
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