Taylor Darks
About Me
Hi! I'm Taylor Darks, author of the new and upcoming picture book Be Black Girl Be. I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio but now I live in Tallahassee Florida. I am a very proud Florida A&M Alum #GoRattlers! and I am now in graduate school getting my doctoral degree in Sociology. I love hearing what my readers think so please visit the contact page! Even if it's a brief hello, or to tell me how what you thought about my books, I would love to hear from you!
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Fun Facts
My Favorite Food
One of my favorite food from Cincinnati Ohio is Skyline Chili! Better know for their cinnamon flavored chili on spaghetti, my personal favorite are the cheese coneys. If your ever in Cincinnati make sure to try and and don't forget to get a scoop of Greaters Ice Cream too!
My Furry Sidekicks!
I have two furry sidekicks: Nailah and Binx! With my hectic life as a doctoral student and writer, they keep me company most of the time. Their dynamic has definitely been the inspiration for my children's books!
My Favorite Book
My favorite book (right now) is Children of Blood Of Bone! As my writing style and subject have evolved I was immensely inspired by this series! The literal "Black Girl Magic" in this book was amazing and seeing myself as the main character of a fantasy novel was nothing short of surreal. Maybe you'll get a fantasy novel from me sooner than later!
Why Do I Write?
Although I don't consider myself to fit inside of any particular genre, children's books are definitely the most fun. But, I specifically write what I need to hear and what I would have loved as a little girl. I believe that if you write the book you want to read, or need, you'll never be short of ideas and your words will touch those that need it the most.
Write what you want to read!
Building Confidence and SELF Love
I also Write for quirky black girls and those who need a little bit (or a lot) of a push to feel confident in themselves and to see themselves as the main characters of their own stories. The first book I read written by a Black woman was Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison in 11th grade. Before then, I had never understood the depth and layers writing could contain and the endless meanings it could convey. As someone who didn't see themselves in the books they read growing up it is an honor to be a part of this generation of authors who are expanding this genre of black women's joy, black women's representations, and black women's realities. Although, everyone and anyone can enjoy my books, I have a special place in my heart for little girls who look like me, and who will meet similar obstacles along their life journeys.
