Read all about it. If you didn’t know that being a parent is special and that you and your little one have many experiences that you must share, a savvy Atlantic Records music executive can tell you how. Seasoned entrepreneur and mom, and now writer, Phnewfula Frederiksen, graduate of Clark Atlanta University, has written a book about the hilarious conversations that she has with her precocious young son, Agya. Titled Conversations Between Me and the Kid, it’s her first foray into the world of publishing and like many of her ventures, it’s a winner.
Here, she shares her inspiration for writing the book and gushes about her first born.
Please give us an “elevator pitch” description of the content of the book.
Conversations Between Me and the Kid, is a collection of 2 ½ years worth of conversation between myself and my now 5-year-old. Like most parents, I found the humor in watching the kid learn to express himself. We have had conversations about etiquette and how it’s not proper to say to an adult “go away, I don’t want to talk to you because you have stinky breath.” We have had conversations about entitlement and why the kid does or does not “deserve” certain things. We have had conversations about nursing and why babies are “eating their mommy’s boobies.” Those conversations became too funny for me to keep to myself so, I put them in a book.
Conversations Between Me and the Kid, is a book that parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, godparents, and all lovers of children will enjoy.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
I want readers to enjoy and reflect on the conversations they have had with their children. This book is just a reflection on one of the many joys of parenting.
How did you come up with the title?
I figured the best way to title the book would be to simply state what it is. Short, sweet, and to the point.
What books have most influenced your life?
Super Self is a book that I read and reread. It helps me to put my time management into perspective. s a full time working mother especially one in my industry, time management is crucial.
What books are you reading now?
I have been attempting to finish The Pearls of Alpha Kappa Alpha and The Memory of Love. I have not finished either [laughs].
Are there any new authors that have captured your interest?
Is it bad if I say E.L. James?
Do you currently have other projects — literary or other?
I do, Happy Mango is my online eco friendly baby store. We have a lot of exciting things coming down the pike, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter.
Do you see writing as a career?
I’d love for writing to be a career, I would move to children’s books.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Not a thing. Every experience shapes you.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It started from my need to capture the conversations between myself and Agya.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging when writing?
Yes! Since I am not a writer by trade, grammar is not at the top of my list of all-time fun stuff.
Who designed the cover?
Trel Robinson
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Getting it out. Self-publishing can be tricky.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that if you want to do it, you can.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t be discouraged.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
[Children] grow so fast, enjoy the small moments.
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Time and resources. I work full time. I am a very full-time mom. I travel for work, and I previously knew nothing about writing a book. These things pose a cocktail of challenges.
