Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2022, are given six questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Erica Martin and can offer your support. Go here for more Debut You features.
Photo Credit: Brandon New
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Open-minded, driven, passionate, meticulous, and inquisitive.
I’m so passionate about writing; I’ve dedicated my life to mastering all forms of it. The written language is unlike any other art. It is the silent expression of the imagination. Words speak without lips, touch without hands, paint pictures with letters instead of brush strokes. They are powerful and limitless with endless possibilities. Through writing, I can change the world.
Explain your book’s journey—how long did it take—from idea to publication?
It’s funny. I had no idea And We Rise would become my first published work. I was simply writing poems about the Jim Crow era in January 2020, prepping for [that year’s] Black History Month. You know, no big deal. Then, on a whim, I decided to pursue publication, just to see what could happen. So, I started sending query letters to literary agents who repped nonfiction and, eventually, entered a Twitter pitch contest. From that, I received a handful of likes and direct invites to further submit my work. And so, I did. Fast forward to June 2020, and next thing I know, someone (several someones!) wanted to buy my work. And so, they did.
Belief in oneself is important; besides you, who has been your cheerleader(s) throughout this process?
I’m so lucky to have a super supportive family who has been rooting for me from the very start. Not everyone has that kind of unconditional love, and I cherish it very much.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
Most definitely. I write for young adults, and the one thing I know for sure about them is that they do not like being talked down to (who would?). When writing, I think it’s, frankly, insulting to state your thematic intent so obviously through either redundancy or outright assertion in fear your audience won’t “get it.” They will. They absolutely will.
Tell us about your book.
And We Rise walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement—from the well-documented events that shaped the nation’s treatment of Black citizens. The book begins with the “Separate but Equal” ruling—and introduces readers to lesser-known figures and moments that were just as crucial to the Movement and our nation’s centuries-long fight for justice and equality
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 feel so . . . lucky. Lucky to be able to feel good about my career choice for once. To feel like I’m actually making a difference in the world. And yes! I do have other projects I’m working on, and while I (currently) cannot state what those are, I can tell you they are all also for the [Black] young adult audience, in the genres of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
Erica Martin was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She enjoys making a difference in the world through political activism, reading, and writing. When she’s not reading and writing, you can find her editing, baking pies, or re-watching The Vampire Diaries for the millionth time. Erica is represented by Rena Rossner of The Deborah Harris Agency.
And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems
Erica Martin | Philomel | February 1, 2022 | YA | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
Connect with Erica Martin
If you believe BCBA provides a valuable service, please take a few minutes to donate and support our mission to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors.
Amazon/Bookshop/IndieBound Disclosure: BCBA is a participant in the Amazon, Bookshop, and IndieBound Affiliate Programs. The affiliate programs offer participants the opportunity to earn fees by linking to Amazon, Bookshop, and IndieBound websites. Clicking on the book links will direct you away from this site. Thanks for your support!
