Write Now with Tunisia Williams

Who are you?

Tunisia Williams

I am a middle school counselor and kidlit author. I live in Augusta, Georgia.

What do you write?

I mainly write picture books; however, I do plan on writing in other kidlit categories.

I started out as a journalism major in college then switched to public relations. My career began as a public relations professional at my alma mater, Augusta University. I worked in the university’s PR department writing articles and pitching stories for about 10 years before becoming a school counselor.

During the pandemic, like just about everyone in the world, I made the leap to pursue my dreams. I started taking my writing seriously and decided to pursue traditional publishing.

My stories celebrate black culture and black children. I love being able to create stories as I have a very overactive imagination.

Where do you write?

I write at my desk in my home office. My chihuahua, Coco, will often lay in my lap and doze off to sleep while I clickety-clack away on my laptop. She is my writing partner, however, she has yet to give me any input on a story.

When do you write?

I usually awake at o’dark thirty to write. I make myself a cup of coffee and after my prayer and meditation writing, I will begin writing or revising. I normally end my writing session around 6 a.m. because I have to get ready for work.

Why do you write?

Writing is the gift I was blessed with. I also believe I communicate best by writing. It allows me to formulate my thoughts in a clear and concise way. I write because it feels natural for me.

I write because I want to see more diversity and representation in children’s books. Black children deserve to see themselves just being kids.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I haven’t found a really good way to overcome writer’s block. There are days when the ideas or the words don’t flow. When that happens, I take a step back from writing. I don’t force it. I will work on something else, like social media posts for my husband’s travel business, updating my website, or I will read a book. Usually after a day or two creativity strikes and I will get back to writing.