An Interview with Lynda J. Mubarak
Reprinted with permission from Black Pearls Magazine
Dr. Lynda Mubarak is a native Texan and was raised in Waco and Ft. Worth. She is an Army veteran, retired special education teacher, and college ESL adjunct. Dr. Lynda’s love for reading and books began when she was an elementary student and continued during her teaching years. She is the author of Stations, Carver Park, and Shorty & The Sullivans.
Dr. Lynda loves to travel, live theater and crossword puzzles. She is currently a co-host on “The Author’s Lounge Radio Show”, Fish Bowl Radio Network, Grey Stream, Tuesdays, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, CST, and she is busy writing her fourth book.
BPM: Tell us about your book for young readers, Shorty and The Sullivans.
https://www.amazon.com/Shorty-Sullivans-Lynda-Jones-Mubarak/dp/1626768552
My most recent work is Shorty and The Sullivans. It was created for children ages 6-10 and is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Shorty and The Sullivans is a children’s story that demonstrates how a friendship can develop from some very unusual circumstances. It also teaches young children that one should not make judgements based on appearance including color or size. The message of the story emphasizes that observation over a period of time will often determine the true value of a situation.
BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing your children’s books?
I enjoy writing books for children because it reminds me of the books I read as a child. The imagination of a child is a wonderful thing. If you can create an image in a child’s mind with words, with or without the assistance of an illustration, they will never forget it. Most people never forget the books they read as a young child.
BPM: How much planning goes into writing a book for kids?
I think the planning for writing a book for kids is related to your knowledge or experience with the subject matter. Writing about a topic for a kid’s book can be a challenge because you must be able to relay the concepts without overwhelming the child.
BPM: What advice would you give aspiring writers that would help them finish a project?
Patience and consistency are the toughest issues for new authors. You will need to begin building a fan base before your book is published so that readers will be familiar with your brand and your message. Join writer groups and book clubs to ensure support and counsel for your project. It’s also good to maintain a writing schedule so that you don’t lose focus and momentum. Lastly, spend time with people who can teach you the nuts and bolts of the industry through webinars and workshops online or in person.
BPM: What period of life or topics do you find you write about most often?
I enjoy writing about early literacy, career readiness, community service, global empathy and life long learning. I am also especially interested in stories about adults of all ages who experience a life transition.
BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
I learned that canines and humans have special relationships and they have much in common, especially in the case of rescued animals.
BPM: How has writing impacted your life?
I have a renewed respect for time, deadlines and the human condition.
BPM: What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success occurs when an adult or child tells me that my book was rewarding, inspiring or informative. Your skills as a writer don’t count if no one is reading your work. Literary success is priceless!
BPM: What are the three most effective tools for sharing your book with the world?
Social media, partnering with a community organization, and using the services of a professional internet publicist have been my most effective tools for sharing my books. It is impossible to reach the thousands of readers who may be a possible market for your book without professional assistance. You must be willing to invest in your project.
BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
I am currently working on a project related to community service and young children. My wish is for this project to continue as a series for young readers.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers can visit my website: www.lyndamubarak.com or my FB Author Page: stationsforkids@lyndamubarak
Author website: www.lyndamubarak.com
Instagram: ljmubarakstationsforkids
Facebook for Kids: https://www.facebook.com/ lyndamubarak
Purchase Shorty and The Sullivans by Lynda Jones-Mubarak
https://www.amazon.com/Shorty-Sullivans-Lynda-Jones-Mubarak/dp/1626768552
STATIONS FOR KIDS is dedicated to early literacy and community service. The best way to ensure your child’s personal and career success is to begin the learning process as soon as possible. Academic success is always necessary, but your child also needs to see how he or she fits into the world community. A combination of community service and applicable educational concepts will give your child a balanced view of the world. CARVER PARK provides a view of a young girl’s early learning experiences about the world.
STATIONS: Changing Your Life – Changing Your Career is my book of essays and my way of assisting you in making life decisions now that will affect your quality of life later. The 21st century is very fluid. You and your children are part of it!
If you are caught in the gridlock of making a transition in some area of your life, the first thing you need to consider is: whatever you need to do to reach maximum success in any category is located in two places; your head and your heart. But change also means there are some things you need to begin and some things that you will need to end, and involves both head and heart. Both areas are connected, very powerful, and one will eventually affect the other.
STATIONS will guide you through some areas using common sense suggestions that you have heard from family, friends, associates or even a stranger.
CARVER PARK and STATIONS can be purchased at Melanin Origins, Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Barnes & Noble offers CARVER PARK in NookBook, paperback and hardback format. Amazon provides an Ebook and paperback for STATIONS. I hope you enjoy both! SHORTY and THE SULLIVANS was released on March 5, 2018.
