Children’s book author Michael Gaulden joins me today to chat about his debut early reader picture book, Hello Neighbor!
Bio:
Michael Gaulden received his Bachelors of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a former qualitative and quantitative researcher for UCLA’s Black Male Institute, a research institution. Gaulden is an advocate for the unhoused, foster care, juvenile courts, and all disadvantaged people. Gaulden is a professional public speaker who has spoken to thousands of audience members and multitudes of service clubs, schools and organizations. He is the author of “My Way Home” a memoir that chronicles growing up homeless in the inner-city. Gaulden wrote a debut picture book regarding homelessness to help spread positivity and empathy throughout the community and to help educate the youth.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
I enjoy being able to educate the youth through hopeful storytelling and imagery. I seek for the next generation to blossom with compassionate equity, value, and to be the hands of change. There are many misconceptions about homelessness and the adolescent have a lot of questions. I enjoy being able to enlighten those who wish to understand. I strive to reach the young person who finds themselves homeless and/or feeling lonely. I seek to uplift them.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
This is my debut picture book. I’m very thrilled, it was a long road. I love cats and I’m glad to share my passion for homeless outreach and my love of cats with the world and hopefully help make an impact in someone’s life.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I love fiction and memoir. Great stories transport you to another realm, I’ve always appreciated that. I also enjoy reading about regular people like you and I who went on to achieve great endeavors and overcame adversity.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m working on some fiction titles, but still in the drafts phase for now. He-he.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I started writing short stories and poems in elementary. However, I hand wrote my first manuscript cover to cover in a three subject notebook, three separate times when I was 14. I’d consider that the launch point for sure. My hand still hurts.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
I identify a societal need that my lived experience and education equips me with knowledge in and then share my wisdom on the subject matter. My advice is the ol’ cliche one: write what you know, and write from the heart, oh yes, and don’t forget to just write in general.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I love to jump rope. It’s a great way to exercise. I also like to star gaze.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A scientist and an author.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I have a memoir entitled My Way Home: Growing Up Homeless in America which details growing up unhoused in the inner city for 10 years. I’m a UCLA Bruin! Go Bruins. Feel free to reach out to me, especially if you have a neighbor in need and are seeking advice.