We were lucky to catch up with Hybrie Jenae recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hybrie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

I think the biggest challenge to profitability for authors is that the market is unpredictable. Books are typically priced based on word count, genre, and similarities to other published works (which is pretty subjective). But pricing doesn’t ensure that people will actually purchase your book. There is no objective price tag on art. So, it becomes difficult to determine what profitability should look like for your project. I’ve had some people suggest I charge more for my books because they enjoyed reading them and I’ve had others suggest I charge less because they enjoyed reading them and believe I can sell more at a lower rate. It’s hard to be sure when sales aren’t guaranteed.

Also, The rules have changed in recent years due to self-publishing. I am self-published. So, I definitely see the benefits of it. However, I also see how challenging it is to be responsible for creating, publishing, printing, distributing, and marketing all on your own to see a profit. Even though I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with others to achieve these things, there’s still a certain level of entrepreneurial knowledge I’ve needed to be successful as an author.

Hybrie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My love for writing began as a child because I was an avid reader. I felt so moved by the characters in my favorite stories that I began to write my own. It didn’t take long for me to add social justice themes to my work. My father was a historian and professor and my mother was a librarian. I like to joke and say that they were “woke” before it was cool. They passed down their love for knowledge and culture. I think the thing that sets my work apart from others is that I’m not afraid to showcase culture in unconventional ways. Blackness is often written to take place during very specific points in history, as if it is to make both Black struggle and Black liberation more palatable to readers. I’m more than okay with creating stories that are uncomfortable to read because they require the reader to search inward.

It’s become pretty clear to me in recent years that my work as a mental health professional is a major part of my brand. Even though I write fiction, there are always psychology and social work principles woven into my stories. Fiction can be just as effective as non-fiction in teaching and encouraging introspection. I love when I have a chance to slip that into my work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission as an author is to tell stories on Black American experiences, especially those of Black women. If I can throw in some folklore, science fiction, and suspense then that makes it even better. Representation is so important. We all know that it’s imperative to be able to see ourselves, but it’s also what helps us have empathy and understanding for one another when we are different. I love writing imperfect Black women who are relatable. I want my readers to be reminded that we are magical and human.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The thing that’s been most rewarding to me as a creative, specifically a short story writer, is learning how different stories have impacted my readers. It warms my heart to be able to connect to people in that way. I remember after publishing my first book, The Life & Times of an HBCU Drama Queen, so many people told me that Brown Paper Bag was their favorite story. Even though I write fiction, I often channel themes from my own experiences. Writing about colorism and womanhood felt so raw for me that I almost left that story out. Learning that so many people loved that story and felt seen, even, is a reminder to me that when you create a beautiful, unique thing; there will always be people who can relate. Art is so powerful in that way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hybriejenae.online
• Instagram: @hybriejenae
• Facebook: @authorhybriejenae

Image Credits
1. Photo taken at Sincerely the Craft