Meet Janae Washington | Children’s Book Author & Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janae Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janae, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I started writing children’s books for the little girl in me. I remember growing up and not having the best self-esteem because I didn’t see myself in media or books. Representation in literature matters. Children’s literature should reflect the diversity of the world. When children see characters who look like them, come from similar backgrounds, or have similar experiences, it validates their own identities and helps them feel seen and understood. Additionally, exposure to diverse characters fosters empathy and understanding towards others who may be different from them. I write diverse children’s books to promote equity, representation, and understanding in literature and society as a whole. I hope to ensure that every child has access to books that reflect their own experiences and identities while also exposing them to the richness and diversity of the world around them. Introducing young readers to cultures, traditions, and perspectives that may be different from their own, exposes them and helps broaden their worldview and promotes cultural understanding and acceptance. It is world changing. This means a child that does not have the means to leave their neighborhood will be able to learn what someone else’s experience is, by just picking up a book. The more diversity and inclusion in children’s literation, the more generations of children will become empowered and enlightened.

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.
What sets my art apart as a children’s book writer is my dedication to authentic representation, inclusive storytelling, engaging language, empowering messages, innovative storytelling techniques, educational value, and unwavering commitment to quality. Through my books, I aspire to not only entertain and inspire but also to make a positive impact on the lives of young readers around the world. I got to where I am today by the continued pursuit of children’s books that represented every child and that is not easy. Diverse children’s literature represents less than 24% of the current market. It is hard to get publishing houses to publish your book to the masses because the stories are not “traditional” or they go against the storylines of the “acceptable” books. I had to self-publish and get my books to the stores with groundwork and word of mouth. There was no marketing budget or publicity, I just created my own lane and spoke to people that understood why my books were so important to children’s literature. My journey as a diverse children’s book writer has been filled with lessons about the power of representation, the importance of listening and learning, navigating challenges, building community, resilience, embracing responsibility, and celebrating progress. These lessons continue to shape my writing, advocacy, and vision for a more inclusive literary landscape for all children. I want the world to know representation matters and my brand is committed to diversity in children’s literature. I’ve learned firsthand the profound impact that seeing oneself represented positively in literature can have on a child’s sense of identity and self-worth. This has reinforced my commitment to creating diverse characters and narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Los Angeles and of course everyone wants to do the tourist thing; hiking to the Hollywood Sign and star sightings on Rodeo Drive. The hidden gems are hiking the Temescal Trail and looking at the awesome view of the coastline, having the best cup of coffee at Hilltop Cafe in Windsor Hills or Menotti’s in Venice, checking out the city’s night vibes at E.P. & L.P., having herb roasted branzino on the rooftop at Catch LA. These are some of the best experiences Los Angeles has to offer. There are “Chocolate City” Sundays if you’re looking for a good laugh, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a wonderful evolution of motion pictures and has beautiful views of the city. Looking for great people, try one of our L.A. Times Food Festivals or the beer Festival that happens in October. You can also hang out in the daytime at “Art District” of Downtown LA or enjoy more night life at Hollywood and Cahuenga. Manhattan Beach is the better beach opposed to Venice and Santa Monica and we all know why, but definitely check them all out if you can and see for yourself. The Edison is a good time as far as night life too. Poppy & Rose, in Downtown LA, has amazing Bottomless Mimosas and brunch. The Nickel Diner in Downtown LA has delicious donuts and breakfast. I would say my best advice for exploring all Los Angeles has to offer would be, don’t go landmarks and tourist sites, try the places I mentioned or ask the locals. The landmarks are great, however when you are on limited time, they can become a bit time consuming. THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, trust me.

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?
As a diverse children’s book author, my inspiration stems from a multitude of sources, but perhaps most profoundly from my own journey and the experiences of those around me. Growing up, I often found a lack of characters in books who looked like me or shared similar cultural backgrounds. This absence sparked a desire within me to write stories that not only reflected my own identity but also celebrated the rich diversity of the world.

The person that compelled me to write about my experiences and the types of children’s books I needed as a child, was Brenda Daniels, she was my mentor and accountability partner for completing my first book from beginning to end. She kept me engaged and encouraged. I appreciate her and thank her for being a part of my journey.

Moreover, I’m inspired by the stories of resilience and triumph within marginalized communities. Each tale of overcoming adversity, embracing one’s identity, or standing up for what is right fuels my passion to amplify these voices and experiences through literature. I believe that every child deserves to see themselves reflected positively in the stories they read, and it’s this belief that drives me to create inclusive narratives that resonate with readers from all backgrounds.

Beyond personal experiences, I’m also inspired by the pressing social issues of our time. Whether it’s addressing issues of racial inequality, gender diversity, or environmental stewardship, I see storytelling as a powerful tool for sparking conversations and fostering empathy and understanding among young readers.

In essence, my inspiration as a diverse children’s book author is rooted in a commitment to amplifying diverse voices, celebrating cultural heritage, and advocating for inclusivity and social justice. Through my stories, I hope to empower children to embrace their identities, embrace diversity, and become agents of positive change in the world.

Website: www.rockireed.com

Instagram: @whatevershefancies

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janae-washington-0808b243

Facebook: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/message/48:notes/1709482218911?context=%7B%22contextType%22%3A%22chat%22%7D

Youtube: @whatevershefancies