Daralynn Walker Forges a New Path in Literature for Black Girls

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daralynn Walker .

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?

My mother was a librarian, so I was often in the library. I enjoyed getting lost in fairytales and discovering new places and things. It was all very exciting, but as I grew older, I found that the stories never matched any of my own experiences. There were few black characters in the literature I read, which I believe subconsciously affected me.

I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

I believe that there will always be difficulties when attempting to do something. My most difficult challenge was growing my audience. It took years to build my target demographic and brand. It takes years to build a loyal fan following, but when I release a book, I usually have a pretty good group of individuals that buy! It’s amazing to witness the progress!

Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?

My books are aimed at young black girls. I believe it is critical that we see ourselves in the novels we read, especially in the early phases. My main audience is girls in second through fourth grades, although I’ve had older girls read them as well. It’s encouraging to see characters who walk, talk, and look like them. My stories also explore STEM, and each character focuses on a different aspect. My Science heroine enjoys making lipglosses and nailpolishes, my Technology girl makes websites and flies drones, my Engineer girl disassembles and reassembles rockets, and my Math girl enjoys baking. It is critical to talk with girls about how STEM is applied in everyday life.

What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?

Learn and enjoy the journey. Love what you do everyday

Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

Success is being able to create or work on something that you enjoy everyday. If you can monetize it, it’s a plus.

What’s next for you?

I would love to animate my characters, they need to be on the screen.

Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?

my website is www.madisonmilesandfriends.com
Instagram – @madisonmilesandfriends