|
About:
Dr. Winmilawe is a bestselling author and advisor. Her third Orisa children's book will be released on May 11, 2021! She has been an expert in: Africa, Yoruba-Orisa, and natural healing for almost 25 years. This PhD scholar of African History, is also a Yoruba-Orisa Priestess (of Oshun/Ọ̀ṣun), and a trained teacher of multiple healing traditions. Dr. Winmilawe (pronounced: "We-n-me-la-way") has two other books: Shango’s Son and Obatala’s Daughter Discovers True Friends. They are adored and widely circulated. When not writing she advises clients, and is an activist. For more about Dr. Winmilawe see the FAQ below, and News! |
About Winmilawe FAQ
(10 questions, click for answers.)
(10 questions, click for answers.)
1. Will you do more children’s books? (Or what’s next?)
I will write more books, but there are not plans for a fourth Yoruba Orisa Children’s book. Right now, I am in the flow of book 3 (out 5/11/21). See News for announcements.
2. What about your Yoruba-Orisa life?
See this Q&A for info on my Yoruba-Orisa services and background.
3. What is your natural health and healing background?
I have lived, studied, and taught healing ways for almost 30 years. I’m a trained herb and vitamin consultant; a Reiki Master; an academic scholar of African Traditional Medicine, and a mostly vegan food consumer. My natural health teachers include: my parents, Bill Smith, Queen Afua, Dr. Afrika, Cheryl Lowry, various Yoruba healers, among others. Studying hundreds of natural health books (i.e. Pitchford and Balch) has also provided longterm wisdom. I’ve taught classes about health and healing in various professional settings since 2005.
4. Can you tell me more about your personal life?
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. I’ve lived in Columbia, SC since 2002. I’ve lived in no less than six cities in-between. I’ve travelled to ten (10) different countries (so far), and a few of those countries I’ve been to 2-3 times. My husband and I have two radiant children. They are in grade school. I like to: hang with my family, friends, and with spirit; spend time in nature; exercise; research, journal, read, garden, and even watch TV (i.e. comedy)! I am an activist and donor for many causes.
5. What inspired you to write the children’s series?
In studying Orisa history, the folktales have captivated me since the late 1990s. I always thought: ‘somebody needs to write AND illustrate these fabulous stories.’ A decade+ later the Orisa surprisingly said: ‘that “somebody” includes YOU!’ I began writing the Yoruba Orisa Children’s Series books in 2010 when, as a mom, I discovered that there were too few books about African people for young children.
6. Who helped with your books?
I’m so grateful for the teams of people who’ve helped me. Our children were my original: inspirations, listeners, responders, and editorial commentators. The publisher, editors, artists, and designers, helped create the actual books. Other people whose feedback helped the stories be fantastic included: Orisa expert/initiates, professors, teachers, students, family, friends, librarians, et al.
7. Do you do media interviews?
Yes, select interviews. My team will consider requests in which the audience is over 10K people.
8. What are your event requirements?
Clarity, information, compensation, and harmony. For upcoming and past events I’ve done see: News. For your event, please share your interest and include your offer for an honorarium and travel cost. I no longer do “book sales” as compensation, however we’d love for you to sell our books for any occasion!
9. Do you do school author visits?
This year my slots for live and virtual school author visits are full. I DO encourage anyone—including parents, teachers, and librarians to do live (non-recorded) readings of our books:) Anyone can sell our books anywhere too. Also—see exciting book activities here, and our video trailers on the book's page. We intend to have audio books in the future.
10. How can I get my children’s book published?
Read this SCBWI article for guidance.