KISH: Tell us about you:
My name is Rayna Best. I am a wife, mother of three, author and former educator. During my time working with inner city youth, I discovered my passion for uplifting the children within the community. My main mission now is to empower other children around the world, while spreading awareness about their unique needs and personalities. At the age of 30, I began writing children’s books that intel social emotional learning and self–love. In the Summer of 2020 (a year later), I released my very first book called, Animated Like Me. Animated Like Me tells the touching story of Kamron, an energetic zebra with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) who finds it difficult to fit in and make friends. During this challenging time for him, he meets Kamille, who also struggles with inclusion. She teaches Kamron the true meaning of friendship, and together, they show their peers the joys of being authentic and unique.
In the Fall of 2020, I began working on my second children’s book entitled, My Skin Has Shapes. It’s about skin discol
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Rayna: I have many dreams and aspirations, but my main objective is to get my books into as many hands as I can. I believe that the stories I write are impactful and will bring about joy and teach self-acceptance to many families across the nation and beyond.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Rayna: The children I’ve worked with over the years inspired me to look within myself and ask, “How can I do more? How can I make a difference?” Aside from that, my oldest daughter struggled with inclusion due to her speech delay and quirky personality. My second oldest daughter has a skin pigmentation disorder. I want both of them to know that their distinctiveness is not
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Rayna: While reaching out to many different publication companies and agents, my manuscripts were rejected countless times. It was not until an agent told me that the writing business is a subjective business, that I decided to take matters into my own hands and self-publish.
Rayna: The thought of giving up never crossed my mind. I knew that my calling in life was to bring awareness to many different topics that go unnoticed. I began doing research and gathering as much information as I could on self-publishing, and I told myself that eventually my stories would be heard.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Rayna: Never let a “no” detour you from your dreams. You will fail your way to the top if you keep moving forward and never look back.
For more information visit rbscribes.com or follow me on Instagram/Twitter @rbscribes
