We were thrilled to include the captivating debut middle grade book Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson in our subscription box for confident readers recently - it's a moving and heartwarming tale of endurance, determination and courage with a host of engaging characters. Abena is a writer of Ghanaian descent, based in the UK and the stories she creates are centred around children. Abena was longlisted for the Jericho Prize 2021 Picture Book as well as the TLC Pen Factor Writing Prize in 2022. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to ask her a few questions; read on to find out what she shared with us...
What do you hope readers will learn from the story?
I want this book to encourage children to believe in their dreams and have the courage to pursue them despite the obstacles in the way. I hope this book will also encourage empathy, affirmation and a sense of having something in common with someone who may not be like you.
Which came first to you with Running My Own Race, the story or Kofi's character?
Kofi’s character came to me first and unexpectedly. The phrase ‘Kofi loves running’ popped into my head, accompanied by a jolt of excitement. As I typed it quickly down on my laptop, I made a typo and it became ‘Kofi lives running.’ I could suddenly see his family, his community and the challenges he had to overcome. I knew I wanted to write his story.
What do you think is the most important aspect of reading to children?
I think that children being read to and reading for themselves is an important way for them to connect with the world as well as developing a deeper empathy and understanding for people who may not be like them. Reading allows them to discover new communities and other ways of living that may be different from their own. It also helps to fire up their imagination.
Do you have a favourite sport that you enjoy, either watching or playing?
I love watching athletics, even though I’m not much of an athlete. Athletics is, in fact, the only sport I will happily watch for a long time. There is something about the effort, courage and drama of athletes competing that is fascinating.
What inspired you to be an author?
My children inspired me to start creating stories with a Black child at the heart of each one. It was important to me that they and other kids read positive tales about Black British or African children overcoming whatever challenges they faced.
What’s the most challenging part of being an author?
There are lots of challenges to overcome to get your story published like trying to get a literary agent and then a book deal followed by you worrying if anyone will want to read or buy the book. That is why resilience and perseverance are important attributes to have as a writer.
And the most rewarding part?
When readers connect with a story that you have created and can see themselves in it or can relate their real life experiences to it, it is such an amazing feeling.
Do you have any tips for aspiring young writers?
Read a lot! You learn loads about how to write from reading books. Write a lot! Writing is a skill. The more you write, the better you will get at it. Don’t expect the first draft of your story to be perfect. No-one’s first draft ever is. The process of writing a good story requires you to redraft, redraft and redraft some more. That’s how you make your story the best it can be.
