Saturday, September 6, 2025

Author Profile: Author Kawonia Neely

Author Kawonia Neely

Meet Author Kawonia Neely. Neely has been married for 14 years to her childhood sweetheart and has 2 children. She is a proud business owner of a home health care agency that works with people who have developmental disabilities. Neely currently resides in Cincinnati, OH.

What inspired you to become an author?

I have been a writer for as long as I can remember but was too shy to share my work. I inspired to finally release some of my work this year to raise money and awareness of the lack of inclusive, safe and free play spaces throughout Africa and specifically Senegal. We have acquired a space to build a park/ playground here. We are donating $50, 000 from our family foundation but we still need to raise additional funds. This book, Mari Built A Park, is one of the ways we plan to raise funds as 100% of the proceeds from the book will go to the building of the park until its fully funded. Then 10% of the sales for the life of the park will go to maintaining the park.

Tell us about your featured book.

In the heartwarming story Mari Built a Park, six-year-old Mari sees a need in her community
—a lack of a safe, fun place for children to play—and boldly decides to do something about it. Using recycled materials and boundless imagination, Mari begins building a playground from scratch. Despite skepticism from her neighbors, she continues with determination, turning “junk” into joy.

As she constructs the park, Mari thoughtfully considers the diverse needs of children, adding features for sensory play, quiet corners for those who feel overwhelmed, and accessible paths and ramps for children with mobility challenges. When setbacks arise, like a swing that won’t stay up, the community comes together to help, transforming Mari’s solo dream into a shared triumph.

Themes and Lessons:

Empowerment and Initiative: Mari shows that even the youngest voices can spark change

Creativity and Resourcefulness: She builds a park using everyday materials and imagination

Inclusion and Accessibility: Mari makes sure her park welcomes all children, regardless of ability or need.

Community and Collaboration: What starts as Mari’s project becomes a shared community effort

Perseverance: Mari overcomes obstacles and learns the power of resilience and teamwork.

Ultimately, Mari Built a Park is a celebration of compassion, creativity, and what’s possible when one child dares to dream—and a community joins in to help.

How does your family and friends feel about your writing career?

Everyone is really excited. Especially those who knew that I secretly wrote.

Do you ever get writer's block while writing?

I had writers block for years after having my children. Or maybe I was just so busy with life I didn't feel inspired to write.

How do you overcome writer's block?

I usually overcome writers block by quieting myself and coming back to my center. I pray meditate and look for the why and purpose in a thing. I almost never write just to do it. There is always a why for me.

What is your favorite book of all time?

Wow I have so many. But I would definitely say the Bible. No matter what y9ou believe, there so much inspiration, questions that can be answered and encouragement from the words in that Book.

What are your plans for your next book?

I several projects in the work with the Mari- Verse that will be launched over the next few months. My next stand along book will be "Sar and The Amazing Bouncing Binky" its inspired by son who would often lose his pacifier in the weirdest places.

What do you think about the role of literature in society?

Literature is one of the most important forms of art. It has the ability to inspire, transform, spark imagination, heal, give joy and add color to life. Literature has carried me through some of the toughest times in my life.

What’s one random fun fact about you?

When I was little (and sometimes now), I would talk to myself as my characters as part of my writing process. Lol. I am talking full on conversations. And I would even answer as other characters. LOL!

What would you like to say to your readers?

Please support this project. Its deeply personal for me as my daughter is autistic and I understand the importance to a child's development to have these kind of spaces where they are safe and can be themselves. Also, get involved with or launch something bigger than yourself. Even if you are afraid. Do it! You will never know who's life you may change. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world!