Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Meet Author and Acting Coach Adra Young




        Adra Young, a native of Gary, Indiana is not your typical educator.  Having a passion for acting, this young lady took her first shot within that performance arena at her very own Alma matter Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio.  Moving to Detroit, to pursue her teaching career, she wasted no time, and also decided to take additional acting classes to perfect her craft.   Taking the classes led her to receiving roles in various commercials, plays, and promotional modeling opportunities within the Detroit and South-East Region.
        Accepting a position as an Acting Coach for a entertainment company in 2003, Ms. Young wrote all of the materials for the youngsters and In 2005 self published her first acting and socializations skills guide for the youth titled, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues. In 2006, she launched and established Ardannyl, an After-School program designed to promote acting, singing, dancing, creative writing, and art.
        Due to her first book receiving positive acknowledgments for addressing the dilemmas that children, tweens, and teens are faced with, her second book, The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Volume II was released in the fall of 2008.  Currently Ms. Young along with author Tracie Christian are on a book tour titled, The Live Ladies of Literature Tour.  To find out more about this positive and energetic lady’s upcoming literary events and acting seminars, log on to Facebook.com/AdraYoung

MS YOUNGS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2005         Nominated for the Black Enterprise Grant Competition
2005         Self published her first book
2006         Outstanding Educators Award
2006         Proud donor of Locks of Love Foundation
2006         Created Ardannyl Performing Arts After School Program
2007         Acknowledge by the Detroit Youth Foundation
2008         Self published second book
2009         Live Ladies of Literature book tour


What made you decide to become an author?  
    
After instructing my first class as an Acting Coach, I decided to write my first book non-fiction acting and socialization skills guide for youth.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
    
The late E. Lynn Harris, Marry B Morrison, Janaya Black, Tracie Christian, and Anita Jefferson.

How are you giving back to your community?  

Currently serving as board of directives for Detroit's United Nations Association as Co-Director of International Arts & Culture, I along with my literary partner Tracie Christian on a bi-monthly basis provide a free event titled Coffee Arts & Entertainment. This event encourages authors and artist from all avenues the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and provide tips on how to take the artistry to the next level of success.

Give one tip you would give new authors?
     
My advice to all new authors is to self promote and continue to market your literary product. Surround yourselves around positive like minded seasoned authors.  

What is the biggest lesson you've learned since becoming an author?



The biggest lesson I've learned since being an author is that it is very hard work. Success in this business will come if you work hard, Apply strong efforts, and a lot of determination.

Suggest a preferred literary service?
     
I will provide several. Sylvia Hubbard of Motown Writers Network. Tamika Newhouse of African American Book Club on the Move. Ronda Bogin of Mocha Readers, and Ella Curry of The Black Writers Network.
  
What genre do you consider yourself?
I consider myself on be a non-fiction writer.

Where can your work be found?
      
You can find my work at  Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.Com. For further information about my literary events and activities, log on to www.ardannyl.me.  I am also very active on Facebook.   




REVIEW



The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II by Adra YoungISBN: 978-0-615-23754-1 – 115 pages – published by Ardannyl – Paperback – Reviewed by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders.com) December 23, 2009 – 4 Stars

Author and Acting Coach, Adra Young does it again with The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II. If you liked the first volume, you will love this one as well. The Everyday Living of Children and Teens Monologues Volume II boasts 52 real-life acts for aspiring actors and actresses from ages 7 through 18.
Among some of our favorites are, “The Same Old Clothes”, “Good Health is Priceless”, “Bad Note”, “Believe in Yourself” and “Requirements”.
Each monologue runs anywhere from thirty five seconds to two minutes. Each monologue is complete with required props and emotion.
The topics chosen by Ms. Young are in line with the everyday lives of our youth and the issues that they face. A lesson can be found in each of these excellent monologues. Ms. Young has done an excellent job reaching out to today’s youth and giving them an educational, constructional and fun outlet to express their frustrations and their talent!



Thank you Adra for sharing your work with us and thank you for investing in our youth! ~~Literary Wonders!

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