We had the good fortune of connecting with Vontavia J. Heard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vontavia J., why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always enjoyed expressing myself through writing. I used to write screenplays, poetry, and short stories, but I’ve found what I truly enjoy is writing for children. I love being able to shape young minds and inspire them to read more. 

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.
In total, I have published 21 children’s books, and that is more than I could have ever hoped to accomplish. It was not easy to get where I am today. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and I still experience it from time to time. My advice is that if you believe it, you can achieve it. I created Reader, Writer, Storyteller to give Indie authors a chance to reach a broader audience and to inspire young readers to become writers. The best writers are readers, and that is where the name “Reader, Writer, Storyteller” comes from. I want to show kids that becoming a writer is possible. Their dreams, no matter how big or small, are within reach.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food Spots: Johnson Brothers BBQ, Ramona’s, Din Tai Fung, Tao, Stinkin Crawfish, Chicken Maison, Stuff I Eat

Dessert Spots: Fun Diggity Funnel Cakes, Cafe Sheera, The Dolly Llama

Places we’d go: The Last Bookstore, Malik Books, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, The Broad, The Grove, Dodger’s Stadium, Universal City Walk

After Dark Ideas: Sit by the fire and have the greatest sweet potato fries with a cheap drink at Sports Lounge & Grill in Torranc, Enjoy the view and an overpriced drink at Perch, bar hop at Redondo Beach Pier

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom was my first teacher. She is my biggest cheerleader. Without the love and support of her and the rest of my lovely family, I would not be where I am today. I would also be nowhere without the support of my friends. Navigating the world of publishing can be tricky, and without people like my friend Adalgisa I’d be completely lost!

Website: www.readerwriterstoryteller.com and www.vontaviajheard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vontaviajheard?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vontaviajheard?mibextid=dGKdO6

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.