Tina McElroy Ansa facts for kids

Tina McElroy Ansa (born November 18, 1949 – died September 10, 2024) was a talented American writer, filmmaker, teacher, and journalist. She wrote many novels and her stories were featured in popular magazines and newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and Essence Magazine.

Tina Ansa's Writing Journey

After finishing college, Tina McElroy Ansa worked for a while at the Atlanta Constitution newspaper. She then began writing novels. Her stories often appeared in many different magazines and newspapers.

Stories from the American South

Ansa's books often tell stories about Black women living in the American South. She liked to mix everyday life with a bit of the supernatural and old traditions. Her first novel, Baby of the Family, was very popular.

• Baby of the Family was called a "Notable Book of the Year" by The New York Times.
• It was also a best-seller among African-American paperback fiction.
• In 2001, it was chosen as one of the "Top 25 books Every Georgian Should Read."
• The American Library Association picked it as one of the "Best Books for Young Adults" in 1990.
• It also won the Georgia Authors Series Award in 1989.

Sharing Her Writing Skills

Tina Ansa also taught writing classes. She shared her knowledge at colleges like Spelman College and Emory University. She also taught at Coastal Georgia Community College.

Books Becoming Movies

Tina Ansa and her husband, Jonée Ansa, worked together to turn her book Baby of the Family into a movie. Famous actors like Alfre Woodard and Loretta Devine were set to star in it.

Starting Her Own Publishing Company

In 2007, Tina Ansa started her own publishing company called DownSouth Press. She wanted to publish books by African-American writers. Her fifth novel, Taking After Mudear, was the first book published by her new company.

About Tina Ansa's Life

Tina McElroy was born in Macon, Georgia, on November 18, 1949. Her parents were Walter J. and Nellie McElroy. She grew up in a neighborhood called Pleasant Hill.

Family Life

She went to Spelman College for her education. Tina was married to Jonée Ansa, who was a filmmaker, for 42 years. They lived on St. Simons Island, Georgia. There, she continued to write, edit, and publish books through her company, DownSouth Press.

Tina McElroy Ansa passed away on September 10, 2024, when she was 74 years old.