We chat with author Erika J. Kendrick about Instafamous, which is a funny and fabulous novel about a middle school diva’s hunt for the spotlight and speaks to the importance of friendship and family—even in the midst of fame.
Hi, Erika! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a writer who’s passionate about creating stories that resonate with young readers, particularly in the middle grade and young adult spaces. I’ve had some extraordinary experiences that I draw from when writing, like being an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls and teaching high school English in Los Angeles before diving into writing middle grade books. I’m also a big mental health advocate and enjoy weaving mental health themes into my stories to help destigmatize the conversation around it.
On a personal note, I recently got married to my very best friend who puts up with all my big ideas. He’s my soulmate. My other soulmate is my adorable dog, Isabella Sunshine. She keeps me on my toes. I also have a not-so-secret love for delicious French Toast! When I’m not writing, I love exploring Caribbean beaches, spending time with family and friends, and reading thrillers whenever I can.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I first discovered my love for writing and reading stories when I was young, around first or second grade. I was always drawn to books and could spend hours getting lost in different worlds. At some point, I realized I wanted to create my own stories, not just read them, and transport readers. I remember writing my own little “books” and even illustrating them, though the illustrations weren’t much to look at! As I got older, I started to see storytelling as a way to express myself and connect with others. The idea that I could build entire worlds and bring characters to life fascinated me, and that passion has stuck with me ever since.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Judy Blume’s Superfudge
- The one that made you want to become an author: Judy Blume’s Forever
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Toni Morrison’s JAZZ
Your latest novel, Instafamous, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
- Ambition
- Fame
- Humor
- Fun
- Loyalty
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a fun, heart-warming, and exciting journey filled with big dreams, relatable middle school drama, and the ups and downs of friendship. They’ll see Lyric balance her ambition for fame with learning what it really means to show up for the people who matter. There will be lots of laugh out loud moments and heartfelt scenes, with some important life lessons about loyalty, responsibility, and staying true to yourself. Plus, there’s the thrill of behind-the-scenes music competitions and school musical magic!
Where did the inspiration for Instafamous come from?
The inspiration for Instafamous came from a lot of important issues I’ve noticed kids going through today—especially with the pressure of social media and the idea that being famous is the ultimate dream. I wanted to explore what it’s like to balance those big ambitions with the very real friendships and responsibilities that come with growing up. The juicy music competition and school play angle came from my love of seeing kids express themselves creatively, and I wanted to show how that journey is full of challenges and growth. Additionally, I grew up on stage so it definitely has a special place in my heart. Ultimately, I was inspired by the idea of what happens when someone gets caught up in chasing their big dreams and has to figure out what really matters along the way.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I particularly enjoyed exploring Lyric’s character development, especially the moments when she’s forced to reckon with the consequences of her actions and how her pursuit of fame impacts the people she cares about, specifically her best friends, Georgia and Twinkie. Delving into her vulnerabilities—where she has to face the reality that success isn’t meaningful if it comes at the expense of her relationships—was both challenging and rewarding. Writing the dynamic between Lyric and her besties was another highlight for me. Each of them faces their own struggles, and it was satisfying to portray the depth of their friendship as they navigate these challenges together. Writing about Georgia’s undiagnosed ADHD was essential as it impacts so many kiddos today. I also found it engaging to immerse myself in the world of school productions and music competitions, where creative expression is intertwined with personal growth and ambition. Lastly, incorporating the influence of social media into Lyric’s journey felt particularly relevant and allowed for an interesting exploration of how the pressures of online presence can shape and complicate a young person’s aspirations.
What do you hope your readers take away from Instafamous?
I hope readers come away with the understanding that while chasing dreams is important, it’s equally crucial to remain grounded and prioritize the relationships and people who support us. I want them to see that success isn’t just about gaining followers or achieving fame, but about staying true to who you are and valuing the friendships and connections that really matter. I want readers to know that it’s okay to make mistakes –what’s important is learning from them, growing, and becoming a better person because of them. Ultimately, I want the story to resonate with readers in a way that encourages them to pursue their goals but not at the cost of their integrity or the people they love.
What’s next for you?
Next for me is diving into my first YA thriller, which I’m really excited about, and working on the next book in the Valentine Middle universe. It’s been a fun world to explore, and I can’t wait to expand it further. On a personal note, being a newlywed has been its own incredible adventure! Lots of exciting things on the horizon, both in writing and in life.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
This year, I’ve really enjoyed diving into a mix of contemporary fiction and some fantastic middle grade and YA novels. I love stories that are both heartfelt and thought-provoking, and I’ve found some incredible reads that have stayed with me long after I finished them. Two of my faves in middle grade are Vega’s Piece of the Sky by Jennifer Torres and The Door is Open by Hena Khan. In YA, I just finished They’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman. As for books I can’t wait to get my hands on, there are a few upcoming releases that have me really excited! I’m always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling stories, especially ones that tackle big topics like mental health, friendship, and identity in ways that are authentic and accessible.
