Randi Pink is a writer and graduate student of creative writing at University of Alabama at Birmingham. In March of 2013, Randi was working on an assignment for a Children’s Literature course when she conceived the idea for her debut novel. After reading the first fifteen hundred words aloud in class, she realized that the world was ready for TOYA and she got to work.
Her debut novel, TOYA (FSG/Feiwel and Friends, Fall 2016) is the story of sixteen-year-old Latoya Williams, a black girl who attends a mostly white high school in the Bible Belt. In a moment of desperation, she prays for the power to change her race and wakes up white.
Randi is the Sweet Sixteens Calendar Coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating and maintaining the group calendars and keeping members well-informed about book launches, deadlines, and miscellaneous events.
Fun facts:
- Favorite book growing up: THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle
- Childhood aspiration: The first female President of the United States
- Book currently reading/most recently read: SCARLET by Marissa Meyer
- Favorite things to do (other than reading): Binge watch Netflix with her husband and two dogs
- Surprising personal fact: She read her first novel at seventeen years old
- Greatest thing about being a 2016 debut author: Being surrounded by exceptionally creative people who understand, inspire, and support her journey to publication
Where to find her:
The Sweet Sixteens 
Randi – I remember your story from the SCBWI round tables last year! We were all so blown away by your premise and humor. Congratulations on your book deal! Looking forward to hearing more.
Thanks so much, Natasha! I remember you as well! That round table changed my life.
Can’t wait to read the book, Randi. What a fascinating premise!
Thanks Laura. Right back at you! I love a good novel-in-verse. 2016 will be here before we know it!
The anticipation is palpable!
Jeff! Thanks! I’ve been anticipating SYMPTOMS OF BEING HUMAN since I read the PW announcement!
Love the story of how Toya came to be. And how FAST that happened! So glad you’re a S16.
Marisa, yes! It’s been a literary whirlwind.
I can’t wait to read “toya” I’ve told almost everyone I know. AWESOME.
Thanks so much, Constance! 2016 will be here before we know it.
I am so excited to read TOYA and am also glad to see there’s another person in the group with two dogs. Twice the fun (and twice the trouble making!) I am loving this Meet the Author feature!
Jen! Sadie was an only child for two years before we adopted Wiggle. They bring me more joy than I can ever articulate! Dogs are God’s gift to the world.
YES! Agree 100 percent!
I absolutely can’t wait to find out how this book ends! Excitement!