Welcome to Day 4 of the 2025 Back to School Blog Tour. Today’s featured author is Tomeko Brown, author of the children’s early chapter book, An Instrument for Florenda. I reviewed her book a few months ago, and was happy to get the opportunity to interview her for this Back to School event.
Tomeko Brown has a background in education and health care. This unique perspective gives her an insight to the emotional, social and academic challenges kids face each day. Combining her own love for playing the clarinet and her son’s creative feedback, An Instrument for Florenda grew from a writing project into a book. I had the opportunity to hear more about Tomeko’s inspirations as an author, her creative process, and what she has planned for future books.
What made you want to become an author?
Tomeko Brown: I have always enjoyed writing. When I was growing up, I liked writing poems and songs. I remember writing a poem for my ninth-grade home economics teacher when she retired. The poem was framed and given to her by the FHA (Future Homemakers of America). I still have the thank-you card she gave me. It really encouraged me.
In college, I studied education and instructional design. That gave me the chance to write and create training materials. But after working with kids in the public school system, I wanted to find a way to encourage them outside of school. What better way than through stories?
I have always believed books can make a big difference—especially for kids. They can inspire dreams and help during tough times. I used to read a lot to my own children when they were little, and I remember how happy they were when I read their favorite book(s). Even how happy I was when I read my favorite book, Charlotte’s Web, growing up. That joy is what made me want to become an author.
- Who were your inspirations on your writing journey?
Tomeko Brown: My family and friends are my greatest inspiration. They travel with me to book events, take pictures, cheer me on, and are always ready to celebrate every milestone.
Outside of my family and friends, I try to surround myself with other writers. Becoming a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) has helped me do that. It gives me a place to connect with others, support each other through the submission process, and celebrate the wins together.
- Do you have a writing routine? If so, please explain.
Tomeko Brown: That’s a great question. Honestly, ideas can come to me at any time, on any day. I laugh because there have been times when I’ve woken up at 3:00 AM with an idea or something to add to a story I’m working on.
I write things down on anything I can find—scraps of paper, sticky notes, the Notes App on my iPhone, or even a napkin! That’s where the fun starts.
Remember in school when the teacher gave you a graphic organizer to help plan your writing? I still use that same idea today to organize my thoughts and help build my stories.
- For your featured book, how did you get the ideas to write it?
Tomeko Brown: The idea for the book came from my time playing the clarinet. I’ve always loved the arts—drawing, crafting, and music. My son, Chris, also played the clarinet, and his input and experiences were so valuable in shaping this story. I’m even planning to start playing the clarinet again.
Our experiences of being in a school band and learning to play an instrument helped turn this into a story that would inspire kids to follow their dreams and believe they can reach them.
- What writing projects are you working on right now?
Tomeko Brown: Right now, I’m working on a couple of different projects. I’m continuing to build my brand, Moving Notes Books TM, which includes both the first and second editions of An Instrument for Florenda. This early chapter book is more than just a story—it’s meant to help build confidence and encourage kids to go after their hopes and dreams.
In addition, I am getting ready to send a picture book manuscript to a small traditional publisher.
Book Blurb for An Instrument for Florenda
Florenda has always wanted to play in a band. Surrounded by the sounds of music in her small Louisiana town, she is thrilled when her school announces a new band class starting after summer break. But when a visit to the local music store with her mother reveals that the instrument she wants to play is beyond their budget, Florenda faces a tough challenge. Will she be able to play the instrument she’s dreamed of, or will her musical aspirations have to wait?
An Instrument for Florenda is available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.
For a review of this book on this blog, link here.
For more information on the author, Tomeko Brown, please visit her website at:
Welcome to the second day of the Back to School Blog Tour 2020. This is such an unusual year. So, I’m gathering fantastic authors to help support children and parents during this crazy, pandemic. I’m sure between supervising instruction at home and helping your child, you’d love to hear about how to support their mental wellness. Maybe even your child misses their extra curricular activities such as sports, classes or even music. Supporting children with problems that may still occur is a great way to continue their emotional development, especially if it can be through literature.
The Indie Children's Authors Connection 