We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Murlonda Janelle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Murlonda below.

Murlonda, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I have four nephews and while they were not against reading it was difficult to find books that they could relate to. Most books for young boys centered around animals, toys or super hero’s. While those books are fine I thought it was important that they read books with characters that looked like them everyday. So I created the “Playing With Angels” series focused on teaching them life lessons through sports and used them, my nephews, as the main characters. Once I started vending at book events I noticed there were others who loved having a book that they could share with that special boy in their lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Murlonda Janelle believes a good book should be carried with you everywhere, even on vacation. MJ will jokingly share, had her mom not encouraged her to read one summer in middle school she may not have discovered how much she loves reading. The Playing With Angels series is focused on teaching life lessons through sports with young males as the main characters. While initially writing just to her nephews, after book one she realized that representation for boys in books was needed so now…the journey continues!

I whole heartly believe in the stance of providing books for boys. They do not have enough books that allow them to see themselves in their everyday selves. If we give boys something to read then they will in turn develop a love of reading. My books do just that!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that my product can not and will not be for everyone. I wanted to adjust my focus group because so many people suggested that I also begin writing for girls and that my audience would be limited. I’m learning still that there will always be a need for my product and quality over quantity is always best. So I do my best to present a quality product each time I write.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My most rewarding aspect is watching people gravitate to my brand. The overwhelming support of those who I may not have met on a personal level that still find ways to buy from me is amazing. And the truest form of love comes when I see a young boy say “he looks just like me” when reading one of my books. That feeling makes it all worth every amount of time or funding I have put into being a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wordsinwebb.com
• Instagram: _wordsinwebb
• Facebook: WordsInWebb