We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rosamond White. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rosamond below.

Rosamond, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

When I start to talk, 7 out of 10 times I’m interrupted with the question “are you Jamaican?”. Coming from the Caribbean but not from Jamaica I have learned that the world is not seeing or knows the uniqueness of the diverse Caribbean with many different island, people, languages and history. My mission as an author is to introduce and showcase the Caribbean though the eyes of a multi island family with some history. To awake children and parents curiosity of Spanish, French, English and Dutch Caribbean and the intermingled of our history and culture globally.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was a curious child and as an adult my curiosity to know why is my forced. My bachelor is in history. My masters are in Human Resources and Leadership and Negotiation. I would describe myself as a researcher who is always seeking for more. I believe one is much more equipped if they know just a bit of who they are, where their lineage came from, what are some of the factors for their presence, how is their journey like a basket woven in places and people who may be different to you and to be motivated to seek more by asking why. As a children’s author is has allowed me to ignite the curiosity of children and some adults too in being comfortable in asking questions as it pertains to who they are in ethnicity, culture, food, customs and the understanding of where the connection we all have on this earth.
Seven out of 10 times when I speak I am presumed to be from Jamaica. And, 10 out of 10 times I would like to explain why I am from the Caribbean (or West Indian) but not Jamaican. I wrote the first book of my series to introduce and illustrate the intertwined of history specifically the Caribbean. That regardless of geographical location, language and distance there is a common denominator throughout the region that needs to be rediscovered and depicted on how we are all are connected. To show the Caribbean for its diversity in history and people. To give a glimpse of our uniqueness yet similarities of each island which makes up the archipelago of the Caribbean.
Malachi and Karelle, Home where is home, my first book introduces a family whose father is from Antigua and Barbuda, the mother is from Commonwealth of Dominica and they are visiting family in Marie Galante, Guadeloupe. An island when French is spoken. I wanted to introduce the Caribbean to my readers as a pepperpot. An indigenous dish that’s a mixture of different vegetables and meat with all its complexities like the people. A different narrative of colonization.

As I am working on my second book I am pondering on depicting home for dad but also generational oral history.
When I reflect on the idea of writing a book to actually seeing the response of children and their parents I know my vocation as a storyteller has just began to scratch the inner layers of Caribbean history and it’s multiple whys as my curiosity heightens. I am excited for the journey as I seek more knowledge and that’s what I most proud of.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When I was writing my book, I rewrote it 1001 in my head and about twenty to fifty times after I submitted it. Having a feeling that it is not good enough or my story is not relevant until I am doing a book reading, the room seems to be quiet in time. I pause to look at my audience and to see the reaction of appreciation. The positive reaction to my story is one of the most rewarding aspect of my artistry. To have a parent as excited as me to want to continue the stories is just priceless.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The idea to teach is the catalyst for me wanting to hone on my skills as a storyteller. To evangelize that there is history in everything and we just have to ask that question. As an author my goal is to write children and adults stories from the perspective of a Caribbean. Maybe to one day have a best seller and a movie.

Contact Info:

• Other: [email protected]