Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2023, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Tamika Burgess and can offer your support. Go here for past Debut You features.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Observant, determined, practical, considerate, and witty.
Observant: Many people think I am shy, but I am far from it. When entering a room of new people, I mingle and make small talk. But for the most part, I like to sit back and observe my surroundings. I want to get a feel for the people I am sharing the space with.
Explain your book’s journey—how long did it take—from idea to publication?
It was a ten-year process. In 2012, I read R.J. Palacio’s Wonder and was so captivated by the story and the writing that I told myself, “I have to do this, too.” So, in 2013, I started the first version of what would become my debut middle-grade novel, Sincerely Sicily.
When I started writing, I was very focused on completing my manuscript. But after a few years, my desire for it fizzled out. I would work on it occasionally and then leave it alone for months.
Finally, in 2017, the manuscript was done, but I didn’t know what to do with it. Then in 2018, I realized I needed to complete what I started. So, I paid a freelance proofreader, got my manuscript as polished as possible, and then started the querying process. Then, I signed with my agent, Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency, in 2019 and then with HarperCollins in January 2021.
Belief in oneself is important; besides you, who has been your cheerleader(s) throughout this process?
My family, and I mean my whole family: aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. But I have to give credit to my mom. She was especially helpful and encouraging when I felt overwhelmed during various times in the writing and publishing process.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
Sincerely Sicily is loosely based on my experiences growing up and came out of a need for representation and understanding. As a child, I didn’t fully comprehend how to explain my Black Panamanian background when people asked, “What are you?” Being asked that question, coupled with the fact that I was growing up in a predominantly white community as a Black Latina, I often felt out of place. My peers were all the same, and not only was I of a different race, but my culture was entirely out of their understanding.
I always wished for a point of reference, someone I could point to and say, “I’m just like them.” But characters in books, movies, and television shows didn’t look like me, nor did their experiences resemble mine. So, I wrote the book I needed to read as a child.
Sincerely Sicily is great for middle-grade readers because the book mirrors where they are in life—at the age where they start learning about themselves and discovering the world around them.
Tell us about your book.
Sicily Jordan’s worst nightmare has come true! She’s been enrolled in a new school with zero of her friends and is stuck wearing a fashion catastrophe of a uniform. But however bad Sicily thought sixth grade was going to be, it only gets worse when she does her class presentation.
While all her classmates breeze through their presentations, Sicily is bombarded with questions on how she can be both Black and Panamanian. She wants people to understand, but it doesn’t feel like anyone is ready to listen—first at school and then at home. Because when her abuela starts talking mess about her braids, Sicily’s the only one whose heart is being crumpled for a second time.
Staying quiet may no longer be an option, but that doesn’t mean Sicily has the words to show the world just what it means to be a proud Black Panamanian, either. Even though she hasn’t written in her journal since her abuelo passed, it’s time to pick up her pen again—but will it be enough to prove to herself and everyone else exactly who she is?
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?
I am beyond excited for the world to meet Sicily Jordan! This novel is a huge accomplishment that I am proud of myself for sticking with for so long.
Next, I am developing some picture book ideas and writing my next middle-grade novel. Both will include Panamanian history or cultural elements.
Sincerely Sicily
HarperCollins | January 3, 2023 | MG | 304 pgs | Amazon | IndieBound
Tamika Burgess is a storyteller with over a decade of novel, television, film, and personal essay writing experience. Born to parents who migrated from Panamá, Tamika has always taken a particular interest in writing themes that explore her Black Latina identity. Because of her passion for spreading the knowledge of Black Panamanian culture, Tamika has been featured on various websites, podcasts, and panels. When she is not writing, Tamika is somewhere cozy online shopping and listening to a podcast. Tamika resides in sunny Southern California.
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