We had the good fortune of connecting with A.K. Barr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi A.K., what matters most to you?
One of the principles that matter to me the most is, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” That value means a lot to me because I always believed everyone should be treated with the same respect that they would like in return. It amazes me how awful some people are toward other people…merely because they feel that they can. If the tables were turned, I’m sure they wouldn’t like it. I believe if everyone adhered to this philosophy…the world would be a better place. Not perfect but a little better.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m proud of being an author. It wasn’t an easy road (it still isn’t), yet I’m so incredibly grateful and blessed to have reached my goals and to follow my dreams. I’m so appreciative of my ‘Under the Cover of Darkness’ Series. The plot and character came to me when I was young and has stuck with me for years. I originally wrote the first book for myself then I was encouraged by my mother to publish it. I’ve been blessed so far with how it’s been received. Strangers from different ages and races have messaged me on how much they’ve loved the characters, and storyline, and inquired on the next installment of the series. (The next two books will be released this June!) The lesson I’ve learned when it comes to writing is everyone may not like the way I express myself…and that is okay, it may not be for everyone. Writing is an art, it’s a creative outline everyone may not understand (like a painting). I write what I want to read and choose to share it with others in the hope that they will enjoy it as well. Under the Cover of Darkness is a series with strong, various characters, and a plot with an underline message.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first I’m a vegetarian, I’m not much of a foodie and don’t eat out much—I prefer to cook. So, I would call up my friend Attiyya, because she’s the queen of knowing where all the best places to go. I would go to ‘Jayida Ché Herbal Tea Spot’, and ‘Endulge Cupcake’. Most of my friends have children, and I have two young children also. As a result, I would take them to a more child-friendly place, maybe we could visit the ‘Zoo’. They have cool rides for children, also nice animals to see and learn about. We could hit up a cool spot for the family called ‘Fun Spot America Atlanta’ located in Fayetteville. They have great rides for all ages. If you want a nice historic place to check out the ‘King Center’ is something you and the family can do. I love museums, so we could hit up the children’s museum which is awesome and loads of fun; then we could also visit the ‘High Museum of Art’ (my 22-year-old niece loves it). ‘Legoland Discovery of Atlanta’ in Peachtree is another fun place to go. I love a good movie, ‘Starlight Drive-In Theater’ on Moreland Ave or ‘AMC Theater’ in Morrow (they have recliner seats that are awesome!) Of course, being an Author I just love the bookstore! I would suggest supporting your local Indie bookstore if there’s none in your area, ‘Barnes & Noble’ have a great story-time on Saturday mornings for children. Also, ‘Starlight’ has a great skating place. ‘Pin Strikes’ in Stockbridge is a nice bowling place, or ‘Woody’s Jump In-Play’ in McDonough. If there is a nice play, concert, or anything at the ‘Fox Theater’…I personally love comedy, so if there’s a great comedian like Trevor Noah in town, I would go check it out. I love a good Sip-N-Paint too. Honestly, in Atlanta, there’s so much to do that you would never be bored.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my mother! When I was twelve, my dad died, leaving my mother to take care of my siblings and I. As a single parent, she always worked hard to take care of her five children. (Rather it was through homeschooling, teaching us morals, a strong faith, how to love and respect ourselves, or merely pushing us to do for self.) I’m grateful for my mother’s support, she’s my number one fan! Without her, I would not have been able to publish my ‘Under the Cover of Darkness’ Series. Thanks, Mom!

Website: www.akbarrbooks.com
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