My novel, As Gray As Black & White, won an IAP award in the category of historical fiction. The award is given by a committee of librarians from across the US and Canada and is designed to find the besti indie books available for inclusion in libraries.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself.
- Faith Knight is a former TV news reporter who writes historical fiction from an African American perspective. She won the African American Literary Award in 2013 and is the cousin of legendary children’s book author Virginia Hamilton.
- Tell us a little bit about your winning book.
- As Gray As Black & White follows Mark Lawson, a 14-year-old boy with blond hair and blue eyes who was raised to believe that he, like his mother, is white. But when his father dies and his mother moves the family to Montgomery, Alabama, the board of education discovers his African American roots (his father was mulatto) and expels him from his segregated school. This begins Mark’s journey of self-discovery, which is fraught with challenges, fears, and hatred. But Mark also gets an education in love, respect, and acceptance that changes his perspective and teaches him a life lesson about prejudice and those who practice it.
- What made you want to be an author?
- My cousin, Virginia Hamilton, influenced me at an early age, and my father gave me the confidence to pursue my talent despite what others may think about my abilities. Personally, I’ve always felt as Virginia did, that “each book must speak: ‘This is what I have to say,’ in the hopes that each reader will answer, ‘This is what I wanted to know.’”
- How have libraries played a role in your indie author journey?
- My mother was a librarian during my childhood, so I’ve always loved and respected the work they do to get books into the hands of readers. I spent hours poring over books while I waited for her after school. Libraries also play a part in my life now for research as well as enjoyment.
- Do you have any advice for aspiring indie authors?
- Be patient with yourself and the process. Learn your craft. Continue to grow into your talent.
- What does winning this award mean to you?
- For me, recognition from the library community is the highlight of this award. It tells me that I’m on the right track, that my work is meaningful, and that it’s accomplishing my purpose to enlighten as well as entertain.
