Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy C. Watson

Hi Jeremy C., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My journey started in late 2019. My youngest son left a note that read, “Thank God for making people with color…because without color, the world would be blank like paper.” From that note, I was inspired to write and self-publish my first book, which I dedicated to my youngest son, Ian, titled If the World Was Without Color. It is a children’s book that reminds us that color is a part of God’s divine landscape of life. Be it the red of roses, the hazel of eyes, or the bronze of complexion, color is a part of God’s expression and is something to be appreciated. Sometimes, it takes an honest note from a nine-year-old to make adults remember that we are not color blind for a reason: sight is a gift.

My love of writing was birthed in my early youth. Poems upon poems flooded the pages of many notebooks. At that time, I was just a child who felt he had no voice but a heart full of words that he desperately needed to pour out. Therefore, writing became almost a friend’s ear—one that I could tell all of my secrets, but pages don’t talk, they don’t judge, they don’t forget, they don’t correct, and they never betray.

My first book was followed by several others dedicated to my wife of two decades, Carmelita, and my other children, Isreal, Zauryn, and Zion. My latest book, The Complicated Reflections of Him, is a book I dedicate to my young self and other men who have experienced childhood trauma without being equipped with the tools necessary to adequately address, heal, and respond. It is so easy to become a man, still heavily weighed by childhood happenings when time fools us into believing that we should be over something that not only scarred us internally but never offered us an opportunity to address the wound. I wasn’t over it, though decades had passed. I would still return to that frightened boy, in a moment with a monster, being abused, then left to deal with the aftermath with no one to cry out to. Just as sheets of paper were an ear to hear my voice as a child, The Complicated Reflections of Him became the same. I have poured so much of my experiences into this work without holding back, without shame, embarrassment, or regret. It is a book about trauma, but more importantly, it is about freedom, healing, and forgiveness.

Walking your readers through my story will take them through some dark pages of my life but through some beautiful, bright ones as well.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

The ride was smooth once I learned to get out of my way, get out of my head, and let God lead. Fear is often crippling when you choose to present a piece of yourself to the frequently critical public. However, I came to understand my why. My why was not to get applause from a crowd; it was to leave my children with a legacy of words that I pray will be passed on to their children’s children. That is my why. I use my children’s photos and names in every book’ because, one day, I won’t be here, and all that will exist of me are my thoughts and words, which will display my love for them.

So, because my books are about my life experiences, journey, and family, the road has not been smooth, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The Word of God assures me that ALL things work for my good. Therefore, even the hurdles and bumps along my journey must eventually submit to that Biblical truth. The more I share my testimonies in poetic form and can communicate my story of healing and forgiveness, I understand it to be God’s way of showing me what “ALL” entails for me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Jeremy C Watson is the author of six self-published books. He is a poet, a spoken word artist, and a creative who believes that sharing his gift is a gift within itself.

I started my spoken word journey in April of 2023 and have been so blessed to be invited to share my love of writing on stages of various sorts across the country. I am a poet and spoken word artist who is available for bookings- you are welcome to reach out should you have an occasion you feel I would be perfect for.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?

Belleville, IL, is large enough to entertain and small enough to keep you feeling removed from all of the big city hassles. We are a short distance from St. Louis, MO, so with a simple commute, you can partake in all of the rich culture of St. Louis. From St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, restaurants galore, theatre, and museums to numerous free events and activities, it is a place that always has something to do for folks of all ages.

The City of St. Louis has a negative reputation regarding crime. I often hope that some of the city’s great qualities outshine its crime reputation nationally. However, we boast an incredible community of individuals who ensure we shine positively. I am blessed to have been embraced by a community of like-minded creatives, from both sides of the Mississippi River, who let their art speak above all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jcwat.com
• Instagram: @JeremyCWatson
• Facebook: @JeremyCWatson
• Youtube: @JerremyCWatson

Image Credits
Michelle Shan Yez Photography