This week’s author spotlight is author and community leader, Sy Tyson. She is the author of multiple books ranging from journals to coloring books. Her latest book Love’s Pain will be her first adult-only book. Written as a trilogy, Love’s Pain openly discusses a toxic relationship between the two main antagonists. It does not shy away from hard conversations and will have you reflecting upon your own relationships. The following parts of the series are due to be released next year.
Sy Tyson is the director of a mentorship group in her community geared toward youth males. Coming of Kings’ goal is to help shape the minds of young men in the community and help them become future leaders. This led to Sy Tyson’s first foray into authorship. The Coming of Kings collection includes children’s books, journals, coloring books, and workbooks, all geared towards the youth she mentors. Learn more about “Coming of Kings” by visiting www.comingofkings.org.
Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Sheila, Sheila?
Sy: My SwagHer is that I am a go-getter. I don’t take no for an answer, even if it’s new and is something I have never done before. I am at the second stage of my life and choose to look forward and not go backward. My mantra is that I can attain anything I set my mind to.
Christina: Tell us a little bit about your upcoming book, Love’s Pain.
Sy: Love’s pain follows the story of Asia and Corey, a couple who want to be together, but unfortunately, their relationship is very toxic.
Christina: Do you think readers will find commonality in the two main characters? How did you come up with the character traits of Asia and Corey?
Sy: I believe readers will find commonalities between Asia and Corey. In Asia, they will see a woman’s perspective on what it’s like to fall for a man you know is not good for you. In Corey, they will see a man who clearly knows he is in the wrong but the circumstances of his youth make him unable to be the type of man that Asia deserves. Over the years, I have witnessed a few toxic relationships and seen the good or bad outcomes that these relationships can breed.
Christina: What made you want to become an author? Is that something you’ve always wanted to do?
Sy: I always wanted to write because I had stories to share. Writing professionally came to be once my children’s book series, Coming of Kings, went to print. Seeing the response to this book from family and friends motivated me to write in other genres. Just like that, Love’s Pain was born.
Christina: You have a mentorship program, “Coming of Kings.” Can you tell us a little bit more about the program? Where can readers go to learn more about the program?
Sy: The mentorship program “Coming of Kings” is a program for young men ranging from 10 to 19 years old. Our goal is to help mold these young men into productive community leaders. We do this by offering learning programs, inviting current leaders to come to speak, and exposing the participants to cultural activities. Anyone looking to learn more about the “Coming of Kings” can find us at www.comingofkings.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram at @comingofkings.
Christina: What can you tell us about the following two books in the Love’s Pain trilogy?
Sheila: The following two books in the Love’s Pain trilogy will follow the rest of Corey, Asia, and Terrence’s relationship and will go into more detail about how families can be just as toxic. They are both due to be released in the next 6 to 12 months.
Christina: Do you have any words of advice for young writers?
Sheila: To any young writers out there, keep a journal with you all time. Journals are the best way to keep track of your thoughts.
Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Sheila: I started my writing career by writing books for my grandkids. If anyone reading this has grandkids and wants to surprise them with a new book, feel free to check out my website.
Connect with Sheila below:
Website: www.sytyson.org
Instagram: @sytysontheauthor
Facebook: Sy Tyson the Author
