Jas.B Black Indie Author Highlight

We are back with another Black Indie Author Highlight and this week we will be highlighting my pensister Jas. B! Jas has a new book entitled Orchid's Query available on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3vN2Xx0.

Introduction

Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an author? 

Answer: I am a twenty-nine-year-old mother of one. My journey as an author has been an interesting one. I’ve learned a lot about myself, my creativity, and the literary world. But most of all I enjoy how much it challenges me. I've grown so much with my artistry and tapping into different things that I wouldn't have thought to do as a brand-new author. 

Q: How did you get started in writing, and what led you to pursue a career as an author? 

A: I began as a reader. I'd always loved to write academically in school, but the thought of writing a book came to me when I began to read Urban Fiction more often. Nothing against any author's work, but I've always taken their tropes and thought about how I could put my own spin on it. I started my first series and have been going ever since. 

Book-Specific Questions

Q: Let's talk about your latest book. What inspired the story, and what themes does it explore?

A: Orchid’s Query is my newest release. It's an urban fiction novel and my inspiration came from my wanting to tap into something different. 

Q: Can you share a bit about the main characters in your book and what readers can expect from their journey?

A: Query Jaquel is an underground MMA fighter who’s battling a lot internally. Things that he has set aside to raise his siblings and now that they’re grown and living their own lives, he’s struggling to find meaning in his own; all while his internal battles come to the forefront. 

Orchid Bently is an architect who is in the beginning stages of grief. She’s determined to push through it all like her father would want her to, but when she has to depend on her newfound love to carry the weight of her father, her loss hits her harder.

Readers can expect to see them learn to thug it all out together. 

Q: How does this book differ from your previous works, if at all?

A:  This book differs from my previous works because many male characters in our genre tend to succumb to their darkness. I wanted the main male character to be aware of his flaws. He goes to therapy and he works to pull himself away from his dark places.

Writing Process

Q: What is your typical writing routine or process like?

A: All over the place! I come up with what I think would be most intriguing about the main character and build from there. I think of bits and pieces of my storyline as I continue to write and find myself reconstructing the entire storyline at least three times.

Q: How do you overcome writer's block or challenges during the writing process?

A: I have to stop writing until I'm ready to continue. I can’t force myself to write.

 Character Development

Q: How do you approach the creation of your characters? Do they evolve as you write, or do you have a clear vision from the start?

A: They evolve as I write. I come up with what occupation or line of work I want them to be in and just make notes of little traits and characteristics as I'm going and fill it in later. 

Q: Are any of your characters inspired by people you know or real-life experiences? 

A: Yes. Troi and Nesi from My Love Against the Streets were inspired by my mother and stepfather. The book is dedicated to them as well.

Genre Related Questions

Q: What is your favorite genre to write and read? 

A: Urban Fiction

Q: Why do you write the genre you write?

A: It's the best genre that allows me to write what I want freely. Yes, there are a lot of critics, but I think my creativity flourishes most in urban fiction.

Book Marketing and Promotion

Q: How do you approach marketing and promoting your books? 

A: I've learned to start thinking of promotion while writing. I play off of those intriguing aspects of my characters and write out dialogue or scenes that will draw attention if marketed.

Q: How important do you think social media and online platforms are for authors in today's publishing landscape? 

A: Very important! As it has been to many business and industries, it's our sole marketing place. Especially since COVID where we were all forced to virtually commonicate.

Favorite Moments and Achievements

Q: Can you share a favorite moment or achievement from your writing career so far? 

A: When my 18th book, Confined by Love: A Tait Brothers Standalone made me a Bestselling Author.

Q: Is there a particular reader response or review that has stood out to you? 

A: I always relish in the reviews that compliment my writing style above most comments. Giving an entertaining storyline is one thing, but to hear that you wrote something beautifully means so much to me.

Future Projects

Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or works in progress?

A: I don't want to give away my current WIP.

Q: Are there specific genres or themes you'd like to explore in your future writing?

A: Yes. I plan to tap into the Paranormal genre this year. 

Inspirations and Influences

Q: Who are some authors or books that have had a significant impact on your writing?

A: Ashley Antoinette, Elle Kayson, Aubry J, Tava

Q: Are there specific themes or topics that consistently inspire your work?

A: No, not really

Q: How do real-life experiences influence the fictional worlds you create? 

A: I'll sometimes take comical moments in life and apply them to my books, or sometimes even put a spin on some of my trauma

Personal Insights

Q: When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

A: Being a mom and binge-watching shows that I've put off while writing

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey?

A: Trust yourself and your craft. Be open to learning, and connect with others that you can learn from.

Q: Reflecting on your own experiences, is there anything you wish you had known when you were starting as an author? 

A: To connect with people who were capable of pushing me harder and teaching me as I entered the literary industry.

Thank you so much, Jas. B for being a part of my Black Indie Author Highlight!