Guest Northern Highlights - Mirror Me Write

 

GUEST NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS

Mirror Me Write

Why did you set up Mirror Me Write?

Mirror Me Write is my online bookshop, specialising in books that promote representation and inclusion. I set up Mirror Me Write in 2019, after working in the Education sector for a number of years. The lack of representation in the book choices that were being offered to children in the classroom and the one narrative version of the world they were being taught didn't sit well with me. Denying representation to children from entire communities makes them feel like their existence doesn't matter. 

Coming from a migrant family, I knew this feeling all too well, and when I became a mother I knew I wanted better for my own children. I wanted children not to just see themselves in books but also see as many different stories of communities from all over the world. I knew that this kind of engagement, particularly from the Early Years, could do so much in terms of developing respect, tolerance, empathy and an understanding of others. 

What better way to do that than with beautiful books? 

 

Can you tell us about Mirror Me Write and where are you based?

Mirror Me Write has been about social justice from its inception. It was about changing attitudes towards literature, presenting alternative stories but also promoting authors who wrote from within their communities about their experiences. The UK publishing industry has been saturated with authors coming from a privileged community, and so I knew I wanted to give these other authors the opportunity to take a seat at the table and have their work be seen. 

At the time I set up, I knew nothing about the book industry or book selling, and so for the first year, I was on a massive learning curve. I'm so grateful to some of the incredible teachers, booksellers, publicists, agents, and wonderful authors I've met along the way who've lent me so much support and encouragement and have always spared a moment to guide me.

I started off with a stock of 8 titles back in October 2019 and now I can say I work with over 200+ inclusive books. I run Mirror Me Write from my home in South Manchester, whilst still working as a Teaching Assistant.  I'm not sure how long I can continue from home as we are literally swamped in book boxes. 

How do you work with schools?

 

  Working with schools has been at the forefront of Mirror Me Write, as it is here that I have wanted to achieve the most change. Through consultations with schools, I advise them on books they can stock to improve representation. These books are also beautiful works of Art, from their cover designs to the incredible work of the illustrators; I take great joy in creating a bespoke book box for the school I am working with. Another way that I work with schools is by arranging author visits. These sessions are always so special for students as they are able to engage with some awesome authors and ask questions - they wouldn't normally get the opportunity to do so otherwise. 

 

What are your latest 10 books to shout about?

Gosh, it's so hard choosing just 10, so I'm going to choose some of the books I've loved since setting up MMW. I could rework this list countless times:

Ugly Dogs Don't Cry by DD Armstrong
And The Stars Were Burning brightly by Danielle Jawando
Children of the Quicksand by Efua Tra0re
The Star Outside My Window by Onjali Rauf

Fight back by A.M. Dassu 

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

The Gilded ones and The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

Torn Apart- 1947 by Swapna Haddow

Freedom We Sing by Amyra Leon

Needle by Patrice Lawrence

 

What for you is the 'spirit of the North’?

In the 14 years that I've been here, a lot of change has taken place. I'm another Londoner who has made this city their home. I've loved seeing some of the reimagining of the city and what it has to offer. I love the iconic image of the working bee associated to Manchester and the North, that constant sense of grafting and working for the community. There isn't that need to make huge statements and yet there are things constantly happening and a hive of activity. I think that very much sums up the 'spirit of the North' for me.

 

Why is it so important that we continue to support independent bookshops in Manchester? 

Independent bookshops and booksellers offer an edge and a service that you just don't get in larger bookstores. We are so invested in every book we choose to sell and really consider the titles we stock. Often our knowledge on these books runs deeper than a short review: when we make recommendations, it comes from a place of understanding. I know that from the work I do; I try and read most of the titles I sell, so that I really know my books. 

During lockdown we saw a resurgence in independent bookshops and it was incredible to see. Indie bookshops are so often the most wonderful and wholesome places to visit. As Manchester is a City of Literature, I would love them to support that title and invest in more indie bookshops. There aren't huge margins in bookselling for smaller businesses, so the people doing this truly love the work they do. Indie bookshops provide so much cultural capital and support education. I'd love to see one indie bookshop in every town, supporting its local community.

 

What would you like to see from the creative industries in Manchester?  

Manchester has a wonderful creative industry but you tend to see the same faces. I'd love to see the creative industry branch out, be more open to new voices and ideas, and be a little more collaborative. With the work I do, I've been mostly working alone. I'd love some support to see my vision for Mirror Me Write go further.

 

What’s next for Mirror Me Write?

Mirror Me Write is for me lifelong work. It hasn't  been easy to juggle, with a full-time job and a family, but for me the conversation around 'representation' will never stop and is necessary work. That is why I will continue to keep pushing through. I'd love to see Mirror Me Write supported by a team, as I know this work is bigger than me. My ultimate dream for Mirror me Write would be to see it housed in its own physical space, so that I could share these beautiful books openly with my customers. 

Website: www.mirrormewrite.com

Instagram: @mirrormewrite

Twitter: @mirror_write