Markette Sheppard never planned to become a children’s author. She started as a journalist, but over time her work expanded into books, learning materials, and stories for young readers, especially stories that help children see themselves reflected in the world around them.
During the pandemic, Sheppard noticed that the educational materials sent home to her son did not reflect children of color. She responded by creating her own flashcards, worksheets, … Read the rest
In a world where family legacies sometimes fade into obscurity, Jim Coleman symbolizes hope and inspiration. A fourth-generation steward of Coleman Crest Farm, the Kentucky-based landowner not only embodies the essence of generational wealth, but is passionate about imparting his wisdom. Whether it is through his three books, Hang ‘Em in the Middle, Don’t Sell the Goose That Lays the Golden Egg (both illustrated by Trevor Claiborn), and … Read the rest
Many realize they have a talent or skill when someone says so. But as we know, being good at something does not prevent rejection. Actor David Banks (who appears in the new season of the hit Netflix series Never Have I Ever) says in the beginning of his career, there was not much encouragement. “I was hearing more of the ‘What are you thinking? What are you doing? You’re … Read the rest
This past June marks ten years since the passing of the legendary Nora Ephron, whose pen game revolutionized journalism, books, and film. She is the woman behind the classic romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You’ve Got Mail (1998), Bewitched (2005), and Julia & Julia (2009). For the first time, Ephron’s comprehensive life story is told by another woman who is making her mark: … Read the rest
As many of us know, the world has been mourning the loss of the late great Kobe Bryant. Award-winning novelist, writer, and former world-ranked squash player Ivy Claire Pochoda who collaborated with Bryant on their number one New York Times bestselling series Epoca shares her perspective on his passing while working on Book 2, The River of Sand (Granity Studios, December 15, 2020). “It’s been really hard, I mean, … Read the rest
Author and previous ESPN sports content researcher, Jeremy Bhandari, wants to inspire youth with his debut book, Trust the Grind: How World-Class Athletes Got To The Top (Mango Publishing, April 14, 2020), an Amazon Teen and Young Adult Sports multi-category bestseller since its launch. The intention was to create a successful-habit template for children no matter their career path. He also wants young people to understand the importance of … Read the rest
When 20-year-old actress and soon-to-be-published author Liana Ramirez started her acting career, no one cautioned her about some of the struggles that come with the profession. Her answer is thorough when asked to provide insight on what the grind of an actor looks like. “It can look like no money,” the Power Rangers star tells So Booking Cool. She adds that it can look like going on … Read the rest
If you enjoy coming up with ideas and sharing them with your job, you may want to think twice after reading The Anatomy of a Corporate Lynching by Charles Ford. The memoir reveals how Ford’s former job, Con Edison, exploited him by pirating his slogan. It took a while for Ford to overcome his anguish after this experience, but he was able to persevere, and it turns out, … Read the rest
Comedian, Producer, Actress, Improviser and Wild N’ Out star Julia Young has expanded her skills of television writing and rapping into co-writing her newly-released book, Please Don’t Grab My P#$$Y: A Rhyming Presidential Guide. The adult picture book, published by Animal House Media Group, was co-written with comedian and entrepreneur Matt Harkins, and illustrated by Laura Collins. The impetus for the book came after this past presidential … Read the rest
How does one successfully write a book that deals with grief? For psychotherapist and author Megan Devine, the answer is understanding the distinction between early grief and later grief. “There are a lot of great grief books out there that talk about rebuilding your life; that’s a fantastic conversation to have, but not three weeks after your person died…know to which part of life you are speaking, if you … Read the rest
