Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmyne Phillips
Jazmyne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming an author. I vividly remember being in third grade when my teacher asked me what I wanted to do, and I told her, “I want to be an author one day.” Fast forward all these years, and here I am, the proud author of five published books, with three more awaiting their debut.
While I didn’t have to write during the pandemic, the unexpected free time it provided allowed me to focus on my passion. It was during this period that I released my first children’s book, marking a significant milestone in my writing journey.
Writing has always been my calling, and I’m grateful to have turned that childhood dream into a reality. God is good!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Embarking on the journey to become an author has been both exhilarating and challenging. A significant struggle was overcoming self-doubt and the fear of sharing my work. Growing up, I faced the challenge of illiteracy and didn’t learn to read until the fifth grade. This early struggle with reading and writing planted seeds of doubt about my abilities.
Putting any form of art—be it writing, drawing, or music—into the world can be daunting. The vulnerability of exposing your creations to others often brings up feelings of insecurity and apprehension.
To navigate these challenges, I embraced the idea that self-doubt is a natural part of the creative process. Recognizing that these feelings are common among artists allowed me to move forward despite them. I also focused on the joy and fulfillment that writing brings me, using that passion as motivation to continue creating and sharing my work.
By acknowledging and accepting my doubts, I’ve been able to push past them and pursue my dream of becoming an author. This journey has taught me the importance of resilience and self-belief in the face of challenges.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a Black woman from Compton, I am deeply proud to be an author dedicated to encouraging literacy and empowering young minds. Growing up in Compton, I faced the challenge of illiteracy and didn’t learn to read until the fifth grade. This early struggle with reading and writing planted seeds of doubt about my abilities. However, I overcame these obstacles and have since authored five published books, with three more awaiting their debut.
My work focuses on creating engaging and educational content for children, aiming to foster a love for reading and learning. I specialize in crafting stories that reflect diverse experiences and backgrounds, ensuring that every child can see themselves in the pages they read.
What sets me apart is my commitment to representing the unique perspectives of Black communities, particularly those from Compton. By sharing stories that resonate with children from similar backgrounds, I hope to inspire them to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams.
I am most proud of my journey from struggling with literacy to becoming an author who now encourages others to read and write. This transformation not only changed my life but also allows me to positively impact the lives of young readers.
Through my work, I strive to be a role model for children, showing them that with determination and passion, they can overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is participating in Dr. Seuss Days at school. During these events, volunteer readers would come in to read Dr. Seuss books to us. Despite my struggles with reading at the time, I was always excited to receive those books. They sparked a love for reading in me, and I cherished the stories and illustrations.
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