Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Miller-Joseph. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jennifer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
As an author, I find inspiration from the things and people I encounter and/or my personal feelings and experiences. Close observation and introspection are my starting points when creating my next book, poem, or blog.
The idea for my first children’s book, “I Can”, came from observing my children when they were younger, trying to figure out how to do new things or learn new concepts. At times they would say, “Mom, I can’t”. It was through those two words–I can’t–that I knew I needed to write a book to address their and other children’s self-doubt and/or fear when presented with some new tasks or information. So, I began the process of writing about the things I knew kids in my children’s age group were learning to do, like reading, riding a bike, tying their shoes, etc. After I finished writing the story, the next several months consisted of heavy research into illustrators, book designers, legal contracts, copyright laws, book printing companies, distribution channels, marketing strategies, etc. Then, about 8 months later, my book was officially released.
Since the release of my debut book, “I Can,” in 2019, I have released two additional children’s books entitled, “Girls Aren’t Made of Cotton Candy” and “Grandpa’s Love Never Changes”.
Jennifer , 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?
A country girl with Southern roots I have always had a deep affection for writing. Poetry is my favorite form of literature. The first poem I can remember writing (which I still have the original copy of) was for a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) literary competition in elementary school. I will always remember the poem I wrote because I won the competition and garnered the top prize of a trip to The Coca-Cola Factory in Atlanta, GA. Winning the competition boosted my confidence in my abilities as a writer.
Fast forward to 2019, after years of dreaming of publishing a book, I finally took the leap of faith and put my words out there for the world to see. My debut children’s book entitled “I Can” was published in May of 2019. In the same year, I also created my author brand, JMJ Inspires, with the goal of uplifting and inspiring people from all walks of life. The slogan of JMJ Inspires is “Our Greatest Power Lies Within Our Thoughts” as I believe that one’s thoughts have immense power to manifest into one’s reality.
It is important to me that all children can see themselves represented in my books. Diverse characters in literature are critically important as children can be what they can see. I want them to see characters who look like them that are strong, smart, loved, and capable of achieving great things.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an author is the opportunity it presents me to meet new people and learn about their experiences and backgrounds. With each event that I participate in, I am learning that there are distinct commonalities among people regardless of their ethnic makeup, religious beliefs, educational background, etc.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The goal behind my writing children’s books is to help children develop a deeply rooted belief in and love of themselves that they will hopefully carry with them into adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jmjinspires.com
- Instagram: JMJ Inspires (@jmjinspires)
- Facebook: JMJ Inspires (@jmjinspires)
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-miller-joseph-038b76223