Workstudy student Apriel Jefferson got a chance to speak with Sonia Hayes, an urban fiction novelist who volunteered and provided signed copies of her books for our Books For Kids Day '08 campaign.

Books For Kids Day (BFKD), Saturday, May 3^rd, 2008 was a phenomenal success. Over 18 thousand books were collected for area youths. Over fifty volunteers came out to show their support for children’s literacy. One notable volunteer was famed author, Sonia Hayes. Ms. Hayes is the author of “Ms. Thang” a three-part trilogy aimed at helping teenage girls make good choices for themselves and for their bodies. Ms. Hayes sat down for a moment with Baltimore Reads to share her inspiration.

BR:      What was your inspiration for this book?

SH:      My teenage daughter. She’s a reluctant reader and I wanted to write something that would speak to her, her peers and encourage them to read. I began to focus on their issues to turn their attention to positive choices. Also I wanted to give teenagers age appropriate material to enjoy.

BR:      How long did it take you write it?

SH:      The story line storyline took two weeks. The entire process of revision, editing and publication took about a year total.

BR:      What has been the response?

SH:            Overwhelming positive response from teenagers all over. I received tons of email from teens thanking me and telling they like to read now. Others say they read the book in a day.

BR:      How long have you been writing?

SH:      I’ve been writing fiction for the past 13 years, but writing in general for the past 20 years.