We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jolanda Bostick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jolanda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?
I am an introvert. I started my writing journey at a young age because I lacked communication, shy and soft-spoken. As an adolescent, you’d think that I’d be into buying materialistic things. Absolutely not. I journaled so much that a gift to myself was a notebook. Every week I’d invest in one. In high school, language arts is where I grew a profound love for writing. I wrote poetry, speeches, essays and short stories. My pencil would burn through the paper setting them words on fire! That’s how phenomenal my wordplay was. I dominated writing contests, reaping rewards. As I became older life started to happen. Not only in my life but in the lives of family and friends. Relationship break-ups, heart aches, birth of children, marriage, divorce, An emotional rollercoaster. It kind of felt like a Soap Opera. I was the confidant for my friends and family and in return, I confided in them. There’s this saying, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” This quote became a motto for me. It’s easy for us as individuals to walk around with a smile on our faces to hide pain. In school we were taught how to focus on our grades, goals and other accomplishments so we could graduate. We we’re even taught sex education. But for some reason, we weren’t taught how to deal with emotion. As an adult, When It was hard for me to voice my opinions, or express how I felt writing became a part of me, it saved my life. In June of 2018, I had the idea to write a book. I wanted to share my life experiences in hopes of it being a guide for the next person who needed strength through my writing. I procrastinated for a few months because I felt as if my manuscript wouldn’t be of value to readers. I had to tell myself, when you think negative things, you would have a negative outcome. I started to think positively and was constantly reminded that my book will be put into the hands of those who really need it. My writing journey did come a bit doubtful because I needed guidance on publishing a book. I reached out to other known published authors to get their perspective on things, my messages were returned void. One day I was scrolling through my timeline on social media to only find out that one of my former high school classmates was a published author herself, Shiketa Duberry-Days. I reached out to her expressing my thoughts of book writing. She immediately embraced me. In May of 2019 I became a self-published author of my first novel, Let Love Happen: The Redemption.
Jolanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jolanda “Jaewrites” Bostick, I was born in New London, Connecticut. I am a self published author of not only one but three books and a journal. “Let Love Happen: The Redemption.” A book about Self-Love. “Un-invited: The Suffering,” in dedication to Mental Health Awareness. “OH Hell Yes!” An erotic sensation. I also released a self-reflection journal, The Self-Love Projekt geared towards self-care. Writing is my passion, I decided to write books based on reality with a twist of suspense and drama to keep readers entertained. Jaewrites LLC is an officially registered business as of 2022. I offer writing mentorship services through “The Writing Lab” for inspired writers who wish to write a book and need assistance with creativity or for those writers who have their manuscript completed and need a book critique. My goal is to prep writers for publishing. What sets me apart from other authors is my wordplay. I consider myself to be an artist. When I write I paint pictures making it feels as if you are in the same room. Each author has their own way of writing. My punning is what keeps my readers interested and books selling. I am most proud of my accomplishments. My brand Books&Beaute’ is an image of me.
Beaute’ is not only an aspect of physical beauty. Everyone has a story that mold them into the person they are today. Books&Beaute’ is a writing brand geared towards individuals finding their healing through writing or through their passion. The beaute’ of it is that we can motivate others to keep going and not give up. Every day we wake up with breath, it’s another day to get it right. You are writing your next chapter. I want my clients, followers and fans to know that you are the author over your life, write a good one! Books& Beaute’ merchandise along with my books and writing services can be found on my website.
www.jaewrites.com
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Among my Jaewrites goal is to continue hosting pop-up events to network, host writing sessions, retreats, in hopes of birthing new published authors.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my social media audience by being authentic. I posted content such as photos, reels, short stories, funny, inspirational and motivational reposts. I advertised my Books&Beaute’ brand using models while marketing my books, writing services, and events. I also acknowledge other entrepreneurs through my JAESTRETE newsletter. For those who are starting to build their social media presence, consistency is key. Your content should be engaging to your audience. Overall, be yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaewrites.com
- Instagram: _jaewrites
- Facebook: Jaewrites
Image Credits
Instagram: NuAge Productions Facebook: Takia Rucker YouTube: NuAge Productions