We had the good fortune of connecting with LaTosha McCauley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LaTosha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I loved reading as a youth. I enjoyed the way an author could paint written pictures of different realities. I could be a pirate one day and a fairy the next. It’s something so magical about controlling someone’s emotions through words. However, once I got older, I realized people who looked like me weren’t represented in the stories I loved so much growing up. Nearly no cover photo or internal description described what my friends and family looked like. I had to do something about that. I needed to introduce color to the pages of published books.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love writing. I consider myself the Mistress of Fiction. I write books for children, teens and adults. My novels cover most fictional genres. I specialize in stories featuring characters of color. I own a publishing company and an online bookstore. I’m creating a warm and welcoming community for black and brown creatives. It’s time to see more stories written from our perspective. Starting out wasn’t hard. I’m a very determined person, especially about the things I want to accomplish. I’m serious about creating books that depict underrepresented communities. I strongly encourage others to do the same.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in a field dominated by the Euro-centric perspective is finding readers interested in POC experiences. My book covers, which proudly display people of color, stick out like sore thumbs amongst the sea of white faces that litter every other work of literature.
I’ve learned that patience is the key. No one can rush greatness, so why try? I’m pushing forward at a slow and steady pace while continuing to learn vital information about my craft that will help catapult me to the next level.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my city, Detroit, Michigan. Since we are known as the Motor City, I would start our adventures off at the Henry Ford Museum, which houses the bus that Rosa Parks famously boarded and changed the trajectory of the Civil Rights Movement. Afterwards, since we are also known as Motown, I would visit the Motown Museum and relive the days when Berry Gordy built his musical empire. Perhaps, if it’s a warmer time of year, we would go to Hart Plaza to enjoy one of the many festivals that come to town every year. We would also eat at one of the many eateries that are positioned all around our beautiful and stroll-friendly downtown, or eat at The Whitney, which is a mansion from the 1890’s that was built by David Whitney. We could visit the Michigan Science Center for a very fun and interactive scientific experience or visit the Charles H. Wright Museum to learn about African history. Afterwards, we’d go to Bel-Aisle and enjoy the beautiful view of Canada while standing on the riverbanks of the Detroit River.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my family, The McCauley Clan. They have supported me throughout my entire life. I would also like to thank my high school journalism teacher, Mrs. Moss, who gave me my first writing gig. I would like to thank my friends, Valency and Chanel, who have always supported me from the very beginning. I would also like to thank my children for giving me the motivation I need to get things done.
Website: https://latoshatheauthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latoshatheauthor/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latosha-mccauley-bshca-a03727229/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaToshaDaAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaToshaTheAuthor/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/latosha-the-author-detroit
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIc0_jrm_6j15XyUhRst54A
Other: Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/LaTosha-McCauley/author/B085RKXCL8?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20041121.LaTosha_McCauley
Image Credits
Venus Wright Photography (one image of me sitting at desk) LaTosha The Author LLC (book covers)