Adra Young Interview Part 2

Welcome everyone to a brand new edition of the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today I want to bring you an update on one of our previous guests, Adra Young.

Time for a little fun.

As a writer we paint a picture with our words to capture the reader’s attention and make them feel like they’re in the story watching the events unfold. Can you paint us a picture of what you’d consider a perfect day? 

A perfect day for me is when my student’s at school understand the lesson I’m teaching and they shout out 100 times “Miss Young…I got it.” Despite of the fact that I have told them that I am proud of them and that they don’t have to shout it out anymore.  Lastly today, I attended a professional development today for teachers.  One of the instructors came up to me and said, “Ms. Young, I just want to introduce myself to you. I am following what you’re doing with your books on Facebook.”  You have no idea what a comment like that can do for an independent author’s morale.   The simple moments in life are what I define as a perfect day.

Which vacation spot would be best suited for you; a nice romantic getaway to an island, a sightseeing European vacation, an exhilarating ski trip to a mountain resort, or a spiritual getaway to a secluded location?  

Andrew…I must see Spain.  I am going to make it happen.  I just renewed my passport.

Any questions for me? 

Yes Andrew, how are you doing?   Remember Andrew, all obstacles in ones’ life make us stronger.  What are your plans for the summer of 2014?  After-all this winter of 2014 has demonstrated its seasonal capability to its fullest potential. 

As of the moment I am in the midst of planning a wedding with my incredible fiancé while working on getting the sequel to The Phoenix Blade out along with my first detective novel.

Where can our readers find you?  

Readers can find me on www.ardannyl.me, Google, LinkedIn , Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, Wordpress.com, and the trailers for both my e-book The Misfits and my forth coming Cooks and Books segment on Urban Nation Radio are listed below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDEbDDOt06I  Trailer for the Misfits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD2khXTleEE  Trailer for the Cooks & Books Show  

Adra Young Interview Part 1

Welcome everyone to a brand new edition of the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today I want to bring you an update on one of our previous guests, Adra Young.

Welcome back to the Writer’s Revolution. I’d like to start off with a little recap for our readers and introduce you to our new ones.

Tell us a little about yourself.  Hello Andrew.  My name is Adra Young.  I am an author, and educator for the Detroit Public school system.

Can you give us an update on your book since you were last on the Writer’s Revolution? (How’s it been doing, any promotions coming up, book tours, any sequels in the works)

The Misfits, my middle school e-book on bullying; sales wise is on the up and up.  Publicity thus so far has been amazing.  Since the last time we had dialogue, I was nominated for Detroit’s 2013 Who’s Who’s Black in Detroit.  I’ve had the privilege of being featured on the listed internet radio, radio, and blog talk shows as follows; The Koffey Brown Show on Detroit’s 107.5, Nana Donsoa Show, The Quincy L. Lewis Straight from the Block Show, The State of The Black Parent’s with Shaness Richardson, The Les Jackson show, The Yolanda Johnson- Bryant Literary Lady show, and The Chris Lee Show. In February 2014, I was nominated as one of John T Wills featured authors of the month his Thought Provoking Perspective Blog.   On March 11th, 2014, I was featured on the Schmidt Law Service blog at schmidtlawservices.com by Attorney Lisa Schmidt.  On March 8th 2014, Attorney Schmidt and I had the privilege to serve as panel members for a bullying seminar at Hope United Methodist Church in Michigan which was hosted by WXYZ’s News Anchor Alicia Smith.  On March 27th 2014, I will conduct a literary workshop at Pulaski Elementary School in Detroit.  Geoffrey of Modern Tribe TV of Detroit conducted a terrific interview segment on my contributions to Detroit as an educator, author, and artist.  It will be uploaded on You Tube soon for viewers to see. 

Recently, my book reviewing skills have stepped my accreditation up a notch.  I now have “International Book Reviewer Status.”  Currently, I am conducting culinary critiques for restaurants within the south-east region of Michigan and lastly, I am officially a host for Urban Nation radio owned by Jason Dixon of Detroit. My segment titled, “The Cooks and Books Show” is now in the works. 

Can you tell us a little about your book?

Sure… Chelsea, a middle school student along with her friends, Brandon, Megan, and Josh all have one thing in common. All four of these students were bullied as sixth graders attending Vernon Middle School. Dreading the fact that the first day of school is soon upon them, follow The Misfits on their journey to discover if life gets any better for them as seventh graders before it gets worse
.

What do you have in store for your readers? (upcoming books, blogs, etc)

The Misfits Part II is in the works.  Through Gods will, I intend on using the book to create a short play for youngsters to attend and see prior to school starting back the fall of 2014.

What has been the most interesting book you’ve read lately?

It’s funny you would say that.  I just conducted a review on Joel Osteen’s Every Day A Friday. His books are food to my soul.  Check it out at bookreviewsbyadra.blogspot.com

Do you have any tips or advice for potential writers?

Yes…persistence.  Keep doing it.   Remember to continue to write about what you are passionate about.  Don’t switch your genre or preface of writing because you feel like it isn’t bringing in the amount of money you want it to bring in now!  Hold steady and eventually you will get the recognition for what you love writing about.  Everyone does not become a “New York Best Seller” overnight.  I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with switching your style of writing or genre.  Just make sure that if you decide to do so that you are doing it because you want to and not because of an insecurity factor or “low writers moment.”  Believe me I know, we all have them. 

Preview: Adra Young

Welcome everyone to a brand new edition of the Writer's Revolution. I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess. Today I want to bring you an update on one of our previous guests, Adra Young.

Adra Young, a native of Gary Indiana, is not your typical teacher.  This educator has over eighteen years of experience under her belt with the Detroit Public School system.

In 2005, Young published her book titled, The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues. In 2006, she launched and established Ardannyl…an after school program promoting the arts placing a direct emphasis on appropriate socialization skills. Her second book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume II was released in 2008.

On a mission to ensure that youngsters within the Detroit region have a voice, Young partnered up with the Detroit Impact Center in 2010 to serve as a socialization skills provider.   In May of 2013, her third book, The Misfits, a fictional read based upon middle school bullying, was released in e-book version.  Currently, Young blogs about educational concerns that pertain to the youth and recently achieved international book reviewer status due to conducting over 100 book reviews for both traditional and self-published authors.  In the fall of 2013, Young added yet another credential to her list of areas and expertise.  Having a love for great cuisine, she currently conducts culinary critiques for restaurants within the South East region of Michigan. For further information about Young, log on to www.ardannyl.me

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young

Now for a little fun.

If you could only bring three items with you to a deserted island (non-writing items or people) what would they be and why?

Having low blood, I would bring a blanket to keep me warm, a picture of my family, and plenty of my favorite Reiner cherries.

The world is going to end tomorrow.  How do you live out your remaining time?

I would want to be around all the people I love. 

Someone wants to make a movie based on your life.  Who would you pick to play you?

It would definitely be Taraji P. Henson, or Halle Berry.

Alive or dead, who is the one person you would want to interview and why?

I would have loved to interview Bruce Lee.

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

In five years I see myself retired from teaching as a public educator.  I envisioned myself in love and happily married to a wonderful great guy. I see myself running a productive business promoting youth advocacy whether through socialization skills, performing arts, or both.  As far as writing, I see my blogs becoming highly recognized worldwide  for  simply for sharing my expertise on education regarding today’s youngsters, and eventually becoming the “it girl” when it comes providing a honest book review period.

Any questions you would like to ask me?

I have two for you.  What made you want to become a writer?  Who is your favorite author and why?

When I first started writing, it was just because I had a unique concept of a book that I wanted to write and then wanted to challenge myself to write.  But after a while, my stories became a part of who I am.  I was able to take my poetry and convert them into books with each one contributing to the overall story of the book.  I realized everyone had a story to tell or a favorite one they would always remember.  I wanted to be a part of that and help other writers find their way to do the same.

As for my favorite author, I would have two.  Edgar Allen Poe, because he had an incredible and creative style that captured readers’ attention and made them feel the intensity of each story.  The other is James Patterson, due to his way of making his readers form an emotional attachment to his characters and gripping mystery novels.

Any final words for our readers?

Yes. First, don’t let anything or anyone tare you from accomplishing your goals and dreams. Always remember that the true character and measure of a person is not shown nor displayed when life presumes to be a bowl of peaches.  The true measure of a person is revealed through life’s challenges, tribulations, while recognizing it’s putting its foot up your tail, you being a true champion simply chooses to not let it to break you.

Where can we find you?

I’m so glad you asked that. My list of social media contacts and web site is listed below. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured on your site.

Personal Web site: www.ardannyl.me

Twitter: http://www.twiter.com/ardannyl

Word Press: http://adraly.wordpress.com

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/pub/adra-young

Good Reads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/867940/.Adra_Young

Blogger: http://bookreviewsbyadra.blogspot.com

Google:   Adra Young on google

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ardannyl

Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/109019439199839

Amazon: www.amazon.com/adra-young/e/B002FYZCOW

Instagram: /instagram.com/adralynn

Adra Young Interview Part 1

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young.

Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Adra Young.  I am an author, blogger, book reviewer, (1/2 Live Lady of Literature), teacher, world’s greatest auntie of five amazing nephews, and youth advocate for the Detroit Impact Center.

Wow, five nephews and a teacher.  You must really love working with kids. 

What inspired you to write?

 My students.   

What type of genre do you write?

My first two books are non-fictional reads for youngsters.  My latest contribution to the literary world is a fictional read for middle school aged kids regarding bullying.  

I think the topic of bullying is something a lot of people can understand.  Whether they are currently being bullied as a child, an adult, or faced it in the past.

Tell us more about your book.

My book is based upon four good friends coming together due to having a dreadful dilemma in common.  Being bullied that is.

Tell us about the main character, what makes them unique and what makes them tick.

The main character is Chelsea.  She’s a meek and mild mannered young lady who does a great job of not allowing her spirit to be broken despite of being a victim of bullying.

A strong spirit helps to get through some of the toughest times. 

What inspired you to write this book? 

Again, what I see and am exposed to as a teacher inspires me to both observe and write.  Teaching as long as I have, I’ve seen and witnessed a lot regarding students.

I can’t imagine being a teacher and having to see kids going through this. 

What other books or blogs have you written? 

My first book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues was released in 2005.  The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume ll, the sequel to the first was written in 2008.  My blog on “wordpress”, adraly.wordpress.com, mostly addresses my educational concerns and experiences as a teacher.  My  blog on ‘blogger”, bookreviewsbyadra.blog, is where I place write and conduct book reviews for individuals interested in me reading and providing my personal opinion on their book.

Were your other books self-published or traditionally published?

I’ve only written three and they were all self- published. My first book was published with the assistance of a vintage press company.     

Who is your greatest writing inspiration?

 LOL…LOL my students.  I know I sound repetitive here but, I love them so much.  They keep me motivated.

They inspire you to have a purpose, and it seems like your purpose can help so many others out there.  I think more people out there need to stand up for causes like this to try and make a difference.

Misfits: Description and Reviews

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young.

Misfits

Chelsea, your typical everyday student, would love to get the most out of her middle school experience. Unfortunately, Chelsea and her three friends Brandon, Meagan, and Josh all have one major dilemma standing in their way from accomplishing this goal. Linda,a seventh grade student from the previous school year, along with her crew, took it upon themselves to bully, and torment the four of them as sixth graders. Blair, Linda's younger sister of the two,refused to play any role in her sisters cruel tactics. As a result of it all, Blair becomes friends with Chelsea.

The first day of school for Chelsea and her friends as seventh graders approaches soon. All four of these youngsters experience back to school anxiety the night before. Riding the bus together the morning of the first day of school, they encourage and motivate one another to have a great first day. Although Chelsea and her friends have one amazing bond, does this pact have what it takes to have an productive school year as seventh graders at Vernon middle or,will they succumb once again to Linda's cruel and vicious acts of bullying




Reviews

Review by: Tracie E. Christian on July 08, 2013 :      
An entertaining and intriguing look into the affects of bullying on our youth. Adra Young has created a good read with a dual purpose. First, to inform youth that they are not alone in dealing with being the object ridicule. Second, this book provides a means for parents to re-connect with their children and allows them to live "a day in the life" of a modern day pre-teen. This book is funny, realistic and pro-active in providing logical ways to deal with bullying personally, as well as, at large via schools, community centers, churches and the like. Kudos on the first fictional literary effort for Children's Author, Adra Young! I recommend this book for Parents and Teens to read TOGETHER! It's Book for building better communities through empowering our youth!

Review by: WL Bush on May 27, 2013 :      
A great quick read from someone who has worked in the education field for most of her adult life! An excellent insider's view and reference source for the terrors your child faces when the schoolhouse door swings shut behind them!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read to understand the dangers of bullying and how to stop it July 29, 2013

By Carolina

The Author, Adra Young, engages us about bullying in a simple and straightforward way. The Misfits got me thinking how many times shy kids tolerate so much bullying to the point they just want to kill themselves, how parents must focus on having good and open communication with their children to know the truth about what is going on at School.

It reminded me that the power of good friends, all working as a team, can change a whole School, a whole city and even the whole world.

Thank you Adra Young for this master piece! I recommend this book to everyone, particularly if you are at School or a parent.

Week 10 Preview: Adra Young

Welcome everyone to another great week of the Writer's Revolution.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Our guest this week is author and teacher Adra Young

Adra Young is a native of Gary, Indiana. She is a Acting Coach, Actress, and Educator. Ms. Young graduated from the prestigious Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Making a conscious decision to further her education, she received her Masters Degree from the University of Detroit. In 2005, Ms. Young wrote her first acting and socialization guide for the youth titled, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues. Her second book The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume II is a sequel to the first. " Her third and very first fictional read- The Misfits was released via e-book version May of 2013. Based upon tweens attending Vernon Middle School in Michigan, The Misfits takes us into the lives of four great friends that have one terrible thing in common. They were all bullied their sixth-grade year of school and fear that the torment will continue on through out the seventh-grade as well



http://youtu.be/lDEbDDOt06I