Tonya Bolden ’76 is an award-winning author and coauthor of more than 40 books. She is particularly known for her works for young people, including historical nonfiction such as “Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man,” as well as historical fiction, including “Saving Savannah” and “Inventing Victoria.” A graduate of Princeton University and Columbia University, where she received a master’s degree, Tonya lives in the Bronx.
*Published in the 2020 Alumnae Bulletin
How would you characterize your writing career thus far? Can you describe the accomplishments of which you are most proud?
It has been quite an adventure! When I embarked on a career as a freelance writer back in the 1980s, I had no idea where I was going. I took any and all work that I could – writing for magazines, newspapers, cultural organizations. I even had an assignment or two for an IBM newsletter. With books, I entered that world as a “writer for hire.” Again, I took any work I could get. That included, for example, a book on how to get into the mail-order business. Then one day literary agent Marie Brown, who thought I had potential, had a client in need of a writer to work with her on turning her gospel musical into a young adult novel. That client was Vy Higginsen and the gospel musical was “Mama, I Want to Sing.” After that book was in the can, its editor expressed interest in working with me again. That led to “And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women.” While working on that book, I developed a passion for making history come alive for our young people. History with depth and texture. History with spirit and soul. What am I most proud of? I don’t really relate to that concept. If anything, I’m grateful. Grateful that I’ve been able to make a living doing something I absolutely love doing.
What do you find most rewarding about your work as a writer? Most challenging?
The most rewarding thing about the work that I do is the knowledge that my books have enlightened the minds, the lives, of so many of our young people. The most challenging aspect is starting the next book. I’m always a bit of a nervous wreck, thinking “I’ll never get this done!” Even after more than 40 books, I still suffer a bit from the impostor or fraud syndrome.
Did your educational path lead you to your professional pursuits?
Not really. When I was in elementary school and the question was “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My reply was “Teacher!” At the time, I thought “teacher” only meant classroom teacher. Another way to teach, of course, is by writing. That said, my educational path, from elementary school through my days at Chapin, and college and grad school certainly equipped me to be writer. Along the way I had some really terrific teachers who taught me to write, to research, to think. Though I can’t really explain it, I’m convinced that my love of languages – five years of Latin at Chapin, majoring in Russian in college and grad school – has been of great benefit.
For how long were you at Chapin? What resonates most about your years there?
Six years. I left Chapin believing that a girl or a woman could do anything. Whoever in the Class of 1976 (and in other classes) was the best in math or a science, in athletics or in the arts was a girl. I didn’t have to be taught Girl Power. I lived in it. I was part of it.
In what ways do you feel Chapin prepared you for college and the adult world? What particular skills (academic, social, emotional) or interests did Chapin help foster?
When I entered Princeton, I placed out of several required courses. One was writing as I recall. I’ve often said that I am a writer in part because of English teacher Judith Phelps. She was so demanding when it came to writing assignments. I groaned and grouched about them then. I thank her now!
What other aspects of your life played a role in who you are today and what you’ve achieved?
My parents, who instilled in me a work ethic, who raised me to believe that the world was my oyster at the same time they told me that because I was Black I’d have to be twice as good to get half as far, something Black parents have told their children for generations. My Christian faith has guided the type of work that I do (and the type that I don’t care to do).
What advice would you give to current Chapin students or young alumnae who may be interested in pursuing a career as an author? How might you consider yourself a role model for young women and young men?
I advise would-be authors to be nimble, be agile and have more than one arrow in their quivers. Be assignable. I write nonfiction and fiction. I’ve compiled anthologies. I write picture books, middle grade books, young adult books. I am open to ideas that editors have. I don’t say any of this as a brag. It’s a result of the way I entered the business. Taking just about any work I could get. That made me nimble, agile. Other advice is general life advice. Avoid unnecessary debt. Be humble. Be aware that there may be peaks and valleys in your career. Also, know that it really is 10-percent inspiration and 90-percent perspiration. I don’t consciously think of myself as a role model, but I suppose I am in terms of someone who followed her bliss.
What are your favorite ways to relax and decompress?
Brisk walks when tending to errands. Spring and summer, I garden.