'A magical HBCU': NYT best-selling author, Helena native shares inspiration behind writing new book
Reading and writing are two basic skills that can take a person far in life. LaDarrion Williams is a prime example of that.
The Helena native moved to California back in May 2015 for a more immersive experience. It turned out to be the right decision.
Many years ago, he shared a thought via Twitter, the social media company now known as X, that went viral.
"What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU," Williams said.
He initially wanted to make the idea into a short film. Williams and a group of friends did just that in Los Angeles. It gained some popularity on social media. However, that wasn't the case with film festivals or Hollywood.
>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: | | |
He had another idea 鈥� turn it into a novel. Williams said it took him 12 days to write the first draft of "Blood at the Root."
The young adult book is a 400-plus page fantasy of magic and mystery.
"It's about a Black kid named Malik Barron, who is from Alabama, who gets accepted into a magical HBCU to learn about his ancestral magic but also uncover some dark secrets about his mother's mysterious disappearance," Williams said.
He told 米兰体育 13 that his book hit the number five spot on New York Times Best Sellers list.
Reading became important to Williams once he started notice characters that reflected his him, his family and friends: a world that he's familiar with. The 31-year-old believes incorporating interests of children can help improve literacy.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Birmingham City Schools students score big on reading levels
Williams shopped his book to nearly three dozen editors before that one person helped his vision come to life.
"It showcases that stories like this deserve to be told, that's how you break that barrier," he said.
To get the book, you can click .