Johnny Ray Moore has been writing ever since he was a child. But these days, the Knightdale father of three grown daughters and a grandson, is hard at work, constantly reconnecting with the kid inside him to publish his popular children's books.
Moore is the best-selling author of "The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr." And he recently came out with two more picture books this year - "Silence, Please: A Collection of Children’s Poems" and "Anthill For Sale." If you're looking for last-minute gift options for the picture book lovers in your life,
check out Moore's stories.
Moore, who also is a poet, greeting card writer and songwriter, took some time to answer a few questions about his work, his books and why he loves what he does. Here's a Q&A:
Go Ask Mom: Tell us how you got started in writing. You started writing from a very young age?
Johnny Ray Moore: I was very creative as a child. I had my imaginary friends and such. I wrote my first poem while in the third grade. I loved reading, writing, spelling and literature during those days. And, I realized that writing in various genres would surely be part of my adult life. The more I studied and wrote poetry, the more I felt myself becoming obsessed by board books and other books written for children. As a result, I read about writing in different genres. And, I read books on how to write for children, and not just for adults.
GAM: What do you enjoy, especially, about writing for kids?
JRM: In writing for kids, I especially enjoy that I have to dig ever so deeply within myself in order to write something that will be inspiring and challenging for them. Because kids are so spontaneous and honest, I enjoy that I MUST sweat and pace the floor, even, as I struggle to write something that will capture their attention. Furthermore, I enjoy that I have to reconnect with the kid in me in order to write for kids, and to write for others, who are kid-like at heart.
GAM: Tell us about your books. Is there an overriding theme or feeling that you hope readers take away?
JRM: My children’s books include "Howie Has a Stomachache," in English and Spanish, with only 100 words and "A Leaf," with only 88 words.. "The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.," is a 200-word best-selling board book classic, which has sold well over 100,000 copies as of December 2015. It is still selling very well.
There's also "Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.," a 32-page picture book. "But Still, We Dream" is a novel in verse, currently, out-of-print. "Silence, Please: A Collection of Children’s Poems," was released in April. And, "Anthill For Sale," a rhyming picture book about an ant couple who is hoping to sell their anthill was released in November.
The overriding theme or feeling that I pray readers will feel in experiencing my children’s books is have faith in what you believe and keep trying.
GAM: Who are some other children’s authors and illustrators who inspire you?
JRM: I am inspired, somewhat, by most children’s authors and illustrators. But, I will only name a few children’s authors who have inspired me: Mrs. Cheryl Hudson of Just Us Books; Eleanora Tate;
Kelly Starling Lyons (Kelly is so creative and resourceful); Maria Ashworth, owner of Big Belly Book Company (Maria thinks so out-of-the-box with her writings); and Raven Howell (Raven is an extremely prolific poetess), just to name a few.
GAM: What’s next for you?
JRM: Currently, I am shopping a picture book manuscript entitled "Hummingbird at Cobble Creek Lane: The Story of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird." I am writing a novel in verse entitled "I Am Black History 24/7." I am very close to releasing a collection of illustrated poems, suitable for framing. And, I am collaborating with a wonderful storyteller, children’s author, and composer from New York. This charming and creative lady and I will be releasing three songs, for starters, in the very near future.
