Author FAQ

When did you start writing?

I started writing poetry at the age of 11 and short stories at the age of 14. I’ve always loved literature and felt like writing was a constructive outlet for me.

How did you get started writing your book?

I just went for it. I wrote from my own personal experience and I set aside about 6 months for the writing process. I gave up so many times, doubting my ability to compose a full body of work worthy of being a quality piece in the literary realm but I persisted and completed the project and I am so happy that I did.

Who are some of your favorite writers and/or poets?

Toni Morrison’s brilliance is remarkable. I also really love the work of Claude McKay, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelou, and Patricia Hill-Collins.

What are some of your favorite books?

The first book I ever fell in love with was, ‘For the Love of the Game’ by Eloise Greenfield. The book was my first glimpse at the power in words and how poetry can create a visceral image that captures passion in literature. Now as an adult, my favorite book is, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ by Lorraine Hansberry. I also enjoy reading books surrounding social justice: ‘The New Jim Crow’ by Michelle Alexander and ‘Nobody’ by Marc Lamont Hill are a couple of my favorites.

Do you have an Amazon Author Page?

Absolutely, my Amazon Author Central page can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/author/starjackson.

Why did you choose to self-publish rather than publish through a literary company?

I chose to self-publish because I wanted the benefit of having full rights to my intellectual work and I also have the advantage in the fact that I have established my own publishing company SerenelyStar Publishing LLC.

Who are some of the women who inspire you?

My Mother is my main inspiration. She is the full embodiment of resilience and her essence is incomparable. Additionally, I admire the wisdom that Nina Simone and Ella Baker possessed.

What inspires you in your writing?

When writing poetry, I thoroughly enjoy writing about love. The feelings and emotions that take over when I write about the beauty that is love is enough to keep me inspired for a lifetime.

When writing about societal issues I focus on constructing awareness, counteracting racial stereotypes, debunking myths and highlighting the achievements of the oppressed in order to evoke change. My goal is to use my voice to uplift those who otherwise go unheard.

Do you have a literary agent, if so who?

No, I chose to do things independently.

Aside from writing, what else do you love to do?

I love working with kids. One of my passions is to help the youth reach their full potential. I feel it is my life’s work to help spark the light in children to affect change that brings about a brighter tomorrow.