Author and attorney Tanisia “Tee” Moore has released a children’s book that celebrates Black kids and which is sure to give you all the feels. I recently spoke with her about Wash Day Love.
Tell me about your latest book.
Wash Day Love is my third picture book from Scholastic. The main character, Tasha, lets us know off the bat that she is not a fan of Wash Day. She does her best to get out of getting her hair done, making Mama have to put in a little work to get her to the sink. It’s a fun read-aloud highlighting this rite of passage within the Black community. It also has an intergenerational piece because, as we all know, wash day is a family affair.
Why did you decide to write it?
I got the idea for this story based on my experience with one of my daughters. My middle baby was not a fan of getting her hair washed. She often required incentives—fruit snacks— to coax her to the sink. However, I wanted to make this book humorous and avoid making this another “how-to” book.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Tasha is my favorite character in Wash Day Love because she reminds me of my daughter, Savvy. As Savvy has gotten older, she is a bit better about getting her hair washed. However, I still have to make sure there are snacks on standby.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
One of the hardest things about writing any story is the first draft. I got up to version J before Wash Day Love was ready to be sent to my agent and editor. Going through the revision process is where I can get to the root of the story I want to tell. I always tell other authors that the magic is in the revision process. It’s a phrase that my friend Marti shared with me. It has stuck with me ever since.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
On the Other Side of Momming. Since becoming a mother, I have been on a journey of learning myself again. I have found that it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of motherhood that it’s easy to forget who we are before we become moms. It would be a collection of essays based upon what I have learned on the other side of momming—see what I did there?
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
Girl, hang in there. Things are going to get better with time. Just keep betting on yourself. You will be glad that you did.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I lived in England for five years, from ages 3 to 8. When we returned stateside, I had a strong British accent. Unfortunately, I lost it after my cousins teased me. Lol!
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person. What I loved about the book is how Shonda took a chance on herself and did the things that made her afraid. Reading this book planted a seed in my mind that I should do what I desire, especially the things that scare me. It’s one of the reasons why I started to pursue my dream of becoming an author.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I am focusing on finishing a couple of writing projects. One project that I am excited about is the romcom I am working on.
I look forward to splashing into the adult world on the traditional publishing side.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Wash Day Love by Tanisia Moore.
To learn more about attorney and author Tanisia “Tee” Moore, visit her website, email her, or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.tanisiamoore.com
Email: info@tanisiamoore.com
Instagram: TanisiaTeeMoore
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thebookoftee