Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomeko Brown.
Hi Tomeko, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely, I am excited to share my publishing journey with your readers! For those that do not know me or my book, I am the author of a juvenile fiction chapter book titled An Instrument for Florenda! It is a story about perseverance, community, and reaching your dreams.
It has been an amazing journey to get here and one that started unexpectedly. Even though my career has taken me in many directions- working in healthcare, the public school system, and higher education, writing has always been my passion. That is probably what led me to obtain a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design. I felt it would offer me a chance to write course materials for the educational sector. And it did for a short time as an adjunct instructor. But directions can sometimes change. After a decade working in healthcare, I took a career break in 2019 to focus on my family and myself. During that time of transition, I pulled out a book manuscript I had started writing in 2018. It just felt right, during that time of refocusing, to pick it back up and finish telling the story.
The original idea for the book came from me playing the clarinet. I have always had a passion for the arts — I love drawing and crafting. I am planning to start playing the clarinet again. Therefore, I wanted to take my experience of learning to play the clarinet, as well as my background working with elementary school students, and intertwine them into a book that would inspire children to pursue and achieve their own dreams. My son, Chris, also played, and his input and experiences were so valuable in shaping this story, An Instrument for Florenda. It was wonderful working with my son as a co-author and incorporating his perspective on various elements of the story.
The book is about an eleven-year-old girl and her love for the clarinet. She is now in an environment where she’s accustomed to hearing jazz and gospel music, so she becomes interested in learning how to play the instrument — encountering plenty of challenges along the way.
Since the initial publication in 2022, An Instrument for Florenda has been awarded the Florida Authors and Publishers Association book award-Gold Medal, for chapter books written for Grades 3-5 as well as other book awards. An Instrument for Florenda is currently available in libraires throughout the United States and Canada. It is available for purchase through most online bookstores. But if you happen to be in the Durham, NC area, visit Letters Bookstore and you just might find a sign copy on the shelf!
As of this year, I have been featured on BINGE Networks TV for their Influencer Spotlight where I spoke on how books have the power to keep people dreaming and the importance of community. This is not just a book but a movement to help empower kids to keep dreaming and persevering towards their goals. If you are a fan of podcasts, tune in to The Authors Show where I talk more about the book. You can find links to podcast interviews, book reviews, magazine features, social media, and more on my website: https://tomekobrown.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Creating stories that come alive excites me. This often leads to late nights, pecking away at my laptop on a work in progress. As the hours tick by, I end up dragging myself to bed around midnight, knowing I need to find balance.
With any new adventure, it requires you to readjust and find balance between your creativity, time with family and friends, and time for yourself. It is often a learning process that requires you to have patience and be open to experiencing grace for yourself.
In a world where everything seems to be fast paced, those moments of quiet time and reflection are very important when inspiration is needed. They create time to breathe, to process, and reconnect with your writing. Slowing down isn’t a pause in progress; it’s often the very place where new ideas begin to take shape. I had to learn that.
In addition to slowing down, I’ve found that spending time with other creatives can help shift and recharge creative energy. There’s something about exchanging ideas that often sparks new ones- at least it does for me. I try to attend at least one writers’ webinar each month, which has become easier since joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Lately, I’ve even found a few free webinars to attend outside of the SCBWI. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish by taking small, consistent steps.
Of course, time with family and friends open the door for laughter, community, and enjoyment. It allows our bodies to release those good endorphins that is needed for our overall success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Growing up, I came to understand just how important community is. Whether it’s the love of neighbors, friends, teachers, or even people we don’t know personally, a strong community can shape who we become. It provides the support we need to grow, and it’s especially important for children to recognize those around them who help them thrive and reach their full potential.
One of my favorite books—both as a child and still today—is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. It beautifully illustrates the values of compassion, friendship, and community. These same themes are at the heart of my own book, An Instrument for Florenda. In it, we see the strong friendship between Lilly and Nate, who stand by Florenda and encourage her. We see the kindness of neighbors like Mr. and Mrs. Lyles and the unconditional love from her adopted mother. Together, these individuals help Florenda grow and achieve her dream of learning to play the clarinet.
Both books show us that we don’t reach our goals alone. Whether it’s a friend, a neighbor—or in Wilbur’s case, a spider—sometimes we all need a little help to become the best version of ourselves.
As I mentioned before, I spent a little time working in the public school system. Kids really are like sponges—they take in everything they see and hear. I’ve seen that with my own children, too. That’s why I want young readers to connect with this story in a real way. I hope they can see parts of themselves in the characters.
We all have hopes and dreams. Maybe it’s not playing an instrument—it could be getting an “A” on a test, joining a team, or learning something new. Sometimes it is easier to spot the mountain, but harder to figure out the path around it. Florenda’s story is one many kids can relate to, and I hope it encourages them to keep going, even when things get tough.
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Recently a twelve-year-old reviewer (advance reader copy) gave the book 5-stars. “They pointed out how the book showed that while things may not work out exactly how you want, there are other ways to get to where you want. Also, how the story is a good fit for younger readers who are starting to read chapter books for the first time.” You can find this review on LitPick.
This truly makes my heart sing. Even if I inspire just a few kids, I’ll have achieved the goal I set out to reach.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Besides playing the clarinet, I also played basketball in middle school. I loved anything that let me have fun and express myself. Something that might surprise people is that, as a young adult, I took modeling and acting classes. Because of that, I got the chance to work as an extra in an American comedy-drama film.
No, I didn’t make millions—but getting a small check just for being a stadium fan in a movie and a chance to meet some well-known actors felt unreal! Plus, I had a sneak peek of what goes on behind the scenes and the hard work it takes to make a great movie. I also got to be a window model a few times for a department store. Those are experiences I’ll never forget, and I’ll always be grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tomekobrown.com/about-me/
- Instagram: @tomeko_brown_author https://www.instagram.com/tomeko_brown_author/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomekobrown/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ttbrown122
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theauthorsshow/tomekobrownfinaliii
- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/ttbrown120.bsky.social
