Black Girl Magic with Zahra Bryan

This month I had the honor of meeting Zahra Bryan, a young lady who immediately captivated me, not only with the story of how she published her first book at the age of 8, but whose confidence, poise, and selfdetermination motivated me in ways I cannot begin to explain.

Check out our conversation below so you too can be inspired!

Zahra, tell us, what inspired you to write “Black Girl Magic?”

I felt like I didn’t love myself. These guys were bullying me all the time. They said things that really hurt me. It wasn’t enough that my mom and dad told me not to worry about what they said and told me that I was worthy. I had to see that for myself. So, I started writing in my journal, writing down my feelings and thoughts. Then over time I started seeing myself as worthy on my own and I got the idea to write a book. I wanted to make sure no other little girls felt like I did. So, I had to put the book out there.

How did you feel when you finished writing your book? How old were you when you wrote it?

I was 8 when I wrote and published my first book. I was relieved when I finally finished it and that all the hard work was worth it. I felt great.

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Did you ever doubt that you could become a published author?

I went back and forth when thinking about publishing it. I had some doubts, but they were just in the way of following my passion.

When and how did you know writing was one of your passions?

I just knew from when I was little that writing was my passion. I started writing essays, I went to writing class, and I wrote a lot in my journal. Then I realized one day I had enough for a book. I was writing every day about how I felt and why I felt that way. And it all turned into a book.

What do you love most about writing?

I love writing fiction and nonfiction, but I mostly love writing fantasy — about adventures and crazy things that might never happen. My favorite thing about writing is the excitement! When I start writing, I just can’t stop. It doesn’t always come easy for me though. Sometimes I have writer’s block. But, when I get my spark, the pen can’t stop moving.

What have you learned from writing?

Honestly, writing a book made me more focused, not just on writing but on everything else in my life. I’m more focused in school and in my activities after school.

Who inspires you most?

My mom inspires me the most because she has always told me that I can be anything so long as I believed. She went through a lot in her life but she still kept fighting and has always supported me. No matter what she was always there for me. I would also love to give a huge shout-out to my Grammy. She was in on this, she supported me, and she has been cheering me on since the moment I was born. I just want to thank her.

What would you say to inspire other girls who have a dream?

I would tell other girls who have a dream to never give up. If you truly want to do something, no matter what obstacles are in your way, keep going. Never give up.

What message do you want other girls, of all ages, to get from your book?

I would say always follow your passion. It can come at any age.

Do you think everyone has a passion?

I believe everyone has a passion, but everyone doesn’t have to find their passion at the same time as I did. You can find it at different times in life. It doesn’t always come early.

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Do you think it’s important that people follow their passion and not let fear stop them?

Yes, I do. I used to be so shy and I didn’t have many friends. But, one day I woke up and started to get more confident and to feel more love for myself. If I let fear stop me, I would have never had this amazing book... Think about so many great women in history — if they were afraid to follow their passions, they would have never done such amazing things.

What would you say to other girls who may feel bullied or struggle with self-love?

My mom always told me to just ignore the bully, because if you give them the satisfaction to see you cry, to see you hurt, or to see you doubt yourself, you are just giving them a better reason to bully. But, if you ignore them, they will stop. They won’t have any purpose anymore.

I would also tell other girls to always love yourself. There are times you may doubt. Even adults doubt themselves sometimes. But you need to know you are beautiful and perfect and unique.

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