We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ja’Nay Ratclif a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ja’Nay , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

The most important lesson that I learned in school I would have to say was overcoming my fears of joining the 1st grade book club. Let me explain: One day my teacher asked me about joining the book club. Initially, I was happy and went home to practically beg my mom to let me be a part of it. She allowed me to join, but due to me missing a few of the meetings, I became frightened and was hesitant about going. For some reason, I thought I was going to be way behind, unable to answer questions and engage like I normally do. Nevertheless, it was better than I expected and I actually made a few friends.

Ja’Nay , 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 Ja’Nay LeeAnn Ratcliff. I am an influencer and a young motivational speaker and the author of 4 books : The Book Club, Traveling with Nay, My Dad is an Essential Worker, and my most recent one, The ABC”s of Separation and Divorce. I am currently working on a chapter book series.

I began writing when I was 6-years old and have written a book every year since then.

It all started when I won a scholarship through My Little Story Publishing Company to attend a creative writing and publishing course that was held at Central Texas College during their College for Kids Summer Program. During this course, I wrote my first book and decided to have it published. I spoke with my mom expressing how much I enjoyed the class and writing books. Now, four years later, I have 4 books and more to come.

Aside from books, I have t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and occasionally, I have special products during vending events such as, journals and what I like to call “Me” shirts which has a caricature of me

Although I know there are many young authors, not many started at my age and are steady writing books. I do not just write books, I have other merchandise. My brand is officially a registered trademark “Just Love Reading” which I came up with from my initials JLR. On Face Book (Young Author JaNay) page, I have story time, Teaching Tuesday” sharing a variety of reading and writing tips and tricks

In 2019-2020, I was honored as “Youth of the Year” given by Texas Black Pages

After the release of my 3rd book, My Dad is an Essential Worker, March 15th has been proclaimed “Essential Workers Day” in the City of Killeen as a tribute to all the essential workers (especially my dad)

Activities: I am a part of Songhai Bamboo Roots Cultural Association where I play the African Drums and the steel pans. I am also a blue belt in Martial Arts with Saef System School of Self-Defense.

School: I attend Brookhaven Elementary School (4th grade). I have been a Brookhaven Bronco for 6 years where I started in PreK

Fun Fact: I have naturally blonde edges.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My mom has a good bit of connections so I guess I will start there, but being consistent on my page with story time, teaching Tuesdays, and just random pops ups have helped me to keep people tuned in.

When I am vending, I am constantly sharing posts, going live telling the community where I am, and taking pictures with my supporters. I ask them follow me on Facebook (Young Author Janay) YouTube (Young Author Janay) , and Instagram (Just.Love.Reading) .

I have also gotten business cards with QR codes that lead people directly to my Facebook (which is my biggest outlet) and my personal website www.justlovereading.club where they can purchase my books as well as products.

I also have a publicist, Andrea A. Moore, that runs majority of my social media outlets. She pitches to potential magazines and blogs. She also coordinates for me to vend at different events and or read at different schools.

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

I enjoy helping other children just like me to be better readers and writers.

I enjoy sharing my personal experiences big and small with others.

I enjoy the encouragement I get from the adults (which some are authors like me)

I enjoy the excitement that other children display when they meet me. Even if they do not purchase a book, I give them free book club buddy wristbands

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justlovereading.club/?fbclid=IwAR3GOwhMAu5UU-ozlL3Kcxd7Z_xDkpV1FwR22JDiLEAQI_EY9jozejUPRmI
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.love.reading/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YoungAuthorJaNay/about
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8YtnPvv2Mxb6wJ4QQJd_QA