Where did you get your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc come from?
JJ: I’ve always loved to read. My mother is a reader, so I used to pick up her books to read. The first book I read was Flyy Girl. When I was younger, before I could read, I used to pick up books and make my own stories up. My grandmother used to tell me that she would have to look in the book to see if I was actually reading because my stories sounded like I was actually reading the book.
Any author(s) that you feel influenced your writing?
JJ: I grew up reading Kiki Swinson, Terri Woods and other authors. Reading their books encouraged me to start to write my own.
How do you feel about starting the trend with book boxes, it's success & it becoming a trend with other fellow authors?
JJ: I’m glad to have opened another door for authors outside of Amazon. Treat Yo Shelf Box is my baby, and I’m so excited for all our supporters to see what is to come this year!
How do you research for your books?
JJ: Once I settle on the character, their state and their occupation, I start a file on my laptop with that character’s information and then start writing their story.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
JJ: When I start working on a book I start at 9am and then don’t stop till 5pm. Some days I start later or stop earlier, but when I’m working on a book I commit. My family knows I won’t leave the house or I won’t cook. I’m usually locked into my office working on the book until it’s completed. It’s all I eat, sleep and dream about until I write ‘to be continued’ or ‘the end’.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
JJ: It would be to continue to stay in your own lane, and do what makes you happy. Write what you want and continue to not follow trends, the goal is longevity.
Which one of your books is your favorite?
JJ: In Love with the King of Harlem. It’s based loosely off my personal life. The characters in the book are based off me and my sisters.
What are you working on now?
JJ: Ugh. So much. But, mostly on finishing up my current series. However, I ended up working on a new storyline that might drop before my other books are finished. Whenever something fresh pops into my head, I try to work on that before I lose it.
Where can readers find out more about you & your work?
JJ: They can find me on Facebook at ‘Jahquel J.’
Instagram: Jahquel_
My website is www.Jahquel.com
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