My mom was a high school English teacher and also served as the sponsor of the high school cheerleading squad. I was their mascot – not a “giant anthropomorphic animal costume wearing” type of mascot, but a smaller “that’s Ms. Strickland’s daughter” cheerleader skirt and pom-poms mascot, even though I was already as tall as most of her students. I got to cheer at all of the basketball and football games and I loooved the halftime shows. When I got to high school, after an unsuccessful two-year stint playing basketball, I tried out for our auxiliary dance team – the Northstarettes. We danced in the halftime shows, marched in parades near the Atlanta University Center, and traveled with the football team. It was the time of my life.
A couple of years ago, I sat with my agent at a bar during ALA. A football game was on, and it happened to be halftime. It struck me then that I couldn’t recall any books about black marching bands. Lori and I exchanged knowing looks, and I said, “I’m gonna write one.” Similarly to JUMP IN, the inspiration struck, and I came home and pushed the manuscript out in about a week. Another week or so of editing and polishing, and it was ready for submission.
As an author, I am still exploring subject matter. JUMP IN was a surprise, as it was not intended to be my first author/illustrated project. But now that I have some distance from the story, I do recognize that I was writing about my younger self all along. I played hard as a kid – still do. As a Gen X kid, I broke bones, threw up from heat exhaustion, blistered my toes in the pool, etc. I waited until my 40s to finally fall violently enough to need stitches – though I do have a gnarly gash on my knee from playing basketball that probably could have used a few. My writing voice is undeniably southern. Rhythical, lyrical, and humorous…I think. Reviewers will help unpack that over time.
I knew I wouldn’t be able to illustrate this story. I also envisioned the art being more fluid than what I’m accustomed to drawing. Fortunately, one of my favorite artists was available to take on the story! So, stay tuned for HERE COMES THE BAND, published by Denene Milner Books, illustrated by the incredible John Holyfield and written by yours truly!
And for a bit of bonus content, check me out dancing with the mighty Astros in 1993. I’m the tall girl running out to dance with James Brown. lol