Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2023, are given six questions to answer about themselves and their books. The questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Charnelle Pinkney Barlow and can offer your support. Go here for past Debut You features.
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Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
I’d describe myself as caring, curious, intuitive, colorful, and studious.
I chose the word curious because ever since I was young, I’ve loved to explore the world through reading and hands-on activities. Books were a way for me to satisfy my curiosity about various topics. It gave me a chance to dive deep into whatever piqued my interest. I’m always researching and taking classes, whether that be illustration or astrology classes, because I love to learn.
Explain your book’s journey—how long did it take—from idea to publication?
From idea to publication, Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar took about two years. It started when my sister mentioned Sister Rosetta Tharpe on the phone one day. It was my first time hearing of her, and she sounded interesting. Then a few days later, I saw a post on Instagram about her (it was the anniversary of her death if I remember correctly), which pushed me to look her up. While researching her, I saw that Sister Rosetta was not only a brilliant musician, but she had learned and MASTERED the acoustic guitar by the age of six. My first thought after reading that was, “Why is no one talking about this?!” From there, the initial story flowed relatively easily. The refinement and overall plot were where the most time was spent while writing.
Belief in oneself is important; besides you, who has been your cheerleader(s) throughout this process?
I’ve had many different cheerleaders throughout my journey as an artist. My family and close friends have offered me loads of support, from attending my art shows to offering advice; they are always involved in one way or another. My high school art teachers were also really big cheerleaders at that time, especially when it came to helping me push past my comfort zone and develop a solid portfolio.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
I know that the readers who pick up this book will know that with determination and curiosity, they can explore and master hard things. Everyone has their own rhythm in life, and Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar is sure to inspire readers to find theirs.
Tell us about your book.
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar is an imagining of what it might have been like as young Sister Rosetta learned the acoustic guitar. She listens to the sounds around her community and draws inspiration from them. Along the way, we see that Little Rosetta overcomes struggles during the learning process.
YOU did it, congratulations! Your story is going to be read by children or teens, educators, parents, librarians, book bloggers, etc. How do you feel, and are there any other projects in the works—that you can discuss?
Knowing this book is finished and will be out in the world is slightly nerve-wracking but overwhelmingly exciting! The writing flow is fun to read aloud, and the paper-cut illustrations create a tactile feel to the images that I know people will love. I am working on some new projects, but nothing I can discuss now.
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar: The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and Roll
Doubleday BYR | February 28, 2023
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow received her BFA in illustration from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and her MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay program from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Charnelle’s children’s book illustrations include Everything in Its Place, The Real Santa, and Remember to Dream, Ebere. Charnelle lives in Indianapolis with her husband. When she’s not drawing, she is baking, sewing, or reading with a cup of tea by her side.
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