Read up, the Interview with Ann Thomas, author of 'Who Will I Be?'. What inspired her to write the book, how the book came about,what according to her was different about her book, he most challenging part of her book.
And what she thought was different out her book, her favourite authors, when her next book would be out, what she does on a daily basis, Folks...
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| Ann Thomas |
Who was it that inspired you to write this book? And why?
It truly began as a conversation between my son and me.
For a child like mine, who is a challenge to any adult around him, someone who is constantly struggling to finish anything he starts, someone who is being constantly judged for being too distracted, too uninvolved, too something, self doubt becomes a way of life.
This book was an answer to him in one of those struggling moments, where he, I thought, was beginning to limit himself.
ADHD, Dysgraphia and high intelligence are struggles on their own. The combination makes nothing simple - for him or for me. And when I am not screaming because of my own vulnerabilities in handling him, I turn to write to him, things that he would not believe or listen to, when I tell him. This is one of those notes.
One that I felt every child could hear.
How did 'Who Will I Be' happen? Could you describe the journey?
The book was written, but the words were not enough…I needed illustrations that would really capture anyone - more so children.
I researched so many, reached out to a few and finally Sumouli, from WoodleDoodleDesigns and I decided to work together. I am glad we did, the illustrations really do add life to the book!
What according to you, was different about your book?
What I have been told by so many readers is that it opens up possibilities, it equalises roles. A scientist or a quilt maker, a musician or mathematician, it breaks silos and allows you to dream up a mix of what you can be.
Because that’s who we are right? I am a mother, a teacher, a marketer, a baker, a writer, an editor, an excellent cleaner and an organiser - You are never one thing alone... And everything you do, brings value to your life and those around you.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
It was a letter to my son, yet meant for every parent and every child. I struggled with how my book was gendered — the He vs She battle.
"I have never published a book so this is my journey of learning. It doesn't matter if the words are not out of the world, they mean a lot to me. I hope it does for him too. I want him to know the world is limitless.
Could you help me create it?"
And she did! And It is beautiful, isn’t it?!
When will your next book be out?
I hope soon!
Which books are you reading, currently?
I have a three year old, which means when I pick a book, he wants to either read it (and he does for the next twenty minutes, flipping from page to page) or switch it — so what was supposed to be Manu S Pillai’s, 'Ivory Throne' becomes We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen or Yakkity Yak from Pratham books.
What is it that you enjoy doing on a daily basis?
I recently moved cities so currently my daily is getting my life and home organised. Making the daily to-do lists and checking them off plus keeping the boys fed, healthy and cared for take up most of my time :)
