March Author Spotlight: Maya Ameyaw
Ashyle Noelle • March 28, 2023

BIO

Maya Ameyaw was born and raised in Toronto. She previously worked as a bookseller and studied Sociology at York University. Her contemporary young adult debut When It All Syncs Up (Annick Press, Spring 2023) has been awarded grants by the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts. She is represented by Lesley Sabga and Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Literary Agency.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BOOK(S)!

When It All Syncs Up is about a young Black dancer struggling to find her place in the exclusionary world of traditional ballet. Over the course of the story, she begins to separate her identity from her dancing, confronts her childhood trauma and begins to discover what she truly wants for her future.

HOW DO YOU WEAVE YOUR CULTURE INTO YOUR WRITING?

As a Ghanaian Canadian, I try to infuse both parts of my cultural identity into my writing with small details that other people in my community will recognize such as food, locations and language.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

I write for the Black girls who rarely see themselves represent as main characters or romantic leads in media. Multifaceted representations of young Black women, especially those with darker skin tones, and staring discussions about colorism is really important to me.

WHAT BLACK AUTHOR HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST?

Maya Angelou. I was named after her and grew up reading her work.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GET OUT OF YOUR BOOKS?

I hope readers, especially the younger ones, will see an example of how important it is to reach out for support when they're struggling.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A BLACK CREATOR IN PUBLISHING?

Performative allyship taking precedence over actually supporting Black creators in meaningful ways. Also, being told that the realities of Black life are not palatable enough for other audiences.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT YOU ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT CURRENTLY (W/OUT GIVING TOO MUCH AWAY)?

I'm working on a story about a Black gymnast that I'm having a lot of fun with so far.

BEST TIP ON WRITING CRAFT?

Write in whatever way works best for you and feels most comfortable. There is no one right way to write your story.

ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER BLACK CREATORS?

Be flexible when it comes to accepting feedback, but don't compromise anything that you feel is a core part of your story.

FUN QUESTION! IT'S THE FIRST MET GALA FOR BLACK CREATORS! WHAT ARE YOU WEARING ON THE RED CARPET?

Would definitely be rocking some Ghanaian designs with lots of bright colours and intricate patterns.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU?

Share

Share by: