Mother-daughter writing duo from Flint brings inclusion to children’s books

FLINT, Michigan — Flint native Ren Lowe has always had a passion for writing, but she and her 7-year-old daughter Kameryn became published co-authors out of necessity.

In October of 2019, Lowe was on maternity leave from her job. A few months later, when the COVID-19 pandemic first peaked, she was at home recovering from having a C-section and helping her daughter with virtual school. Working with her daughter, she began recognizing challenges she was having with reading comprehension and began writing with her. 

On a shopping trip, Lowe found a book that was perfect for her unicorn-loving daughter, but also noted that most unicorns in childrens’ stories are white. Then an idea hit her.

“We’re going to write a book about a magical brown unicorn,” she said.

That idea has since morphed into more book titles. Lowe wants all of her books to represent the creative minds of children.

“If there are no brown mermaids, brown cowboys, brown aliens, or whatever the case may be, they need to see them(selves) in that as well,” said Lowe, 37.

Lowe’s own love for writing actually started when she was young, and she remembers falling in love with it in the third grade. Her writing journal allowed her to express all of her feelings and write different stories which connected to her life.

“It gave me a voice,” Lowe said. “It was my journal and I could say what I wanted to say.”

She had another creative pursuit in her life first, though. Since she was 4-years-old, Lowe could sing. For her parents, this meant she needed to pursue that talent.

“Growing up in a Christian-based household, it’s like when you sing, you use your gift for The Lord, “ Lowe said. “It’s like my writing got overshadowed.” 

So, from there, Lowe pursued music by singing in choirs, singing on the praise team, singing during Bible study, and moving to Atlanta to network. 

“Through my 20s and my adult years, I just pursued music because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do,” she said. “But, anytime I went into the studio to sing and record, I would be excited to sing and breathe life into my words. I never paid attention to my vocals.” 

Along with creating a legacy for her family, becoming a published author has always been a dream for Lowe. She credits growing up in Flint with equipping her with the drive to accomplish her goals and pursue her dreams.

Currently, she and her daughter are working on part two of their “My Magical Brown Unicorn” series. She plans to keep pursuing her love of writing and independently building her business.

“I don’t want to work for anyone,” Lowe said. “I am an entrepreneur at heart.”

Lowe’s books are available on Amazon.