EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Darks on Black Girl Magic & Writing for the Next Generation

Author Spotlight: Taylor Darks

📖Latest Release: Be, Black Girl, Be

Children’s book author Taylor Darks sat down with us to talk about her storytelling journey, her love for Twilight (yes, girl!), and why she’s on a mission to make sure Black kids see themselves fully and joyfully in books.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Q1: If you could describe your writing style as a recipe, what ingredients would it include?

Taylor Darks: So I cook a lot. But thinking of my food as a recipe was kinda hard. I just know that my recipe couldn’t be on a plate where the food doesn’t touch. It would need to be a big Thanksgiving soul food plate. As a writer right now and the way I’m developing, I’m really channeling all parts of myself into that plate—my soul.

And sometimes it’s joyful and happy, and other times it’s moody and irritated. But when they mesh together, they make a whole person—me. That’s what I try to represent: all of me.

Q2: Growing up in Cincinnati and now living in D.C., do you find that regional culture influences your storytelling?

Taylor Darks: I think my regional difference definitely influences my settings. I’m in the works writing a few things, and the settings mirror Cincinnati (and other parts of the Midwest) much more than D.C. I think D.C. has a beautiful landscape, and it may be cool to explore that in my future writing.

Q3: What’s one book you’ve read recently that made you pause and think, 'Wow, I wish I had written that'?

Taylor Darks: I know this is not a book but a manga—One Piece. The ability to connect everything is just so amazing to me. Sure, I could do that for a shorter story, but something that has over 1,000 episodes? No way.

I’m caught up, by the way (other One Piece fans will know what that means). But I just finished my PhD, so I haven’t had much time for leisurely reading. I plan on picking that back up.

Q4: Having completed your doctorate, how has your academic journey shaped the way you approach storytelling now?

Taylor Darks: Hmmm this was a tough one. I think what I’ve learned is that Black people should be allowed to just be. Sure, we have a history of trauma, but also a history of joy, resilience, and love. And I think it all needs to be told. I try and focus on the joy, but I do have a few things in the works that use my doctoral brain. Stay tuned!

Q5: If young Taylor could read one of your books today, how do you think she’d react?

Taylor Darks: I think she would hate it, to be honest. I was quite the emotional child, and I hated looking at or reading things that reminded me of what I was struggling with. A young Taylor wouldn’t have picked up the book, but a healed/healing Taylor would have—and that’s who I am now.

CHARACTERS & THEMES

Q6: Your books center Black girls in empowering ways—if you could go back in time and insert a Black girl protagonist into any classic story, which one would it be and why?

Taylor Darks: TWILIGHT! Omg I’m a Twilight girly. I want to write my own vampire novel one day, and I’m going to do it! For all us Black girls out there who skip over the description of the character just to plug ourselves in. It’s healing to see that description say brown skin or curly hair—it’s so amazing to not have to reimagine the character but to see yourself the first time—intentionally.

Q7: What’s a common misconception people have about writing children’s books?

Taylor Darks: I think the most common misconception is that it’s easy. It is not, lol. It does take a certain skill to really convey complex ideas to young children. I definitely cut a lot of my deeper meaning when editing because it just didn’t translate well to a children’s story.

Q8: How do you decide which stories need to be told as picture books, novels, or even graphic novels?

Taylor Darks: I’d say it depends on how I see it in my head. Sometimes I want it to be a certain medium based on how I want the audience to take in the story. Do I want to show them or tell them? Do I want them to use their imagination or do I want to paint a picture, you know?

IMPACT & COMMUNITY

Q9: You’re part of a generation redefining Black storytelling. Who are some of your peers or rising voices in literature that you admire?

Taylor Darks: The biggest one I can think of is the author of the Sophie Washington series and They Built Me for Freedom! I think we have similar stories of starting from self-publishing, and it’s cool watching her journey and reflecting on mine! I’m really rooting for her and all that she does!

Q10: If you could see one of your books adapted for film or TV, which one would it be, and who would you cast as the main character?

Taylor Darks: The Fluffy Adventures of Fromo! (Not available on any platforms, currently being rewritten as a graphic novel.) It would be a cartoon, so I’m not sure. But I really would not want a well-known celebrity to voice the character—mainly because I hate recognizing the voices of characters. It ruins the immersion for me.

LOOKING FORWARD

Q11: If your future self, say 20 years from now, could send you a message about your writing journey, what do you hope it would say?

Taylor Darks: I would simply send the Beyoncé song Bigger. If you haven’t heard it, look it up and you’ll get what I mean!

Key Takeaways from Taylor Dark’s Interview

👑 Authenticity in Writing – Their storytelling reflects the fullness of their identity, blending joy, struggles, and personal experiences.
👑 Representation Matters – They emphasize the importance of Black protagonists in literature, ensuring readers feel seen.
👑 Literary & Academic Influence – Inspired by One Piece and Twilight, their PhD reinforced the need to showcase Black joy, not just trauma.
👑 Challenges of Writing for Children – Simplifying deep themes for kids requires skill and intentionality.
👑 Future Aspirations – Dream of adapting their work for TV while staying true to authentic storytelling.

Connect with Taylor Dark

🌐 Website: taylordarks.com
📖 Instagram: @tdarks_author

Join the Conversation!

What does it mean to tell stories that truly reflect who we are?

In this interview, Taylor Darks shares their journey as a writer, the importance of representation, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for joy, identity, and community. From childhood inspirations to future aspirations, this conversation dives deep into the heart of authentic storytelling.

Closing Thoughts

Stories have the power to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Taylor Darks reminds us that representation matters—not just in struggle, but in joy, adventure, and everyday life. As they continue to create stories that uplift and inspire, we’re left with one important question: What stories do you wish you had growing up?

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