Hello everyone! We are spotlighting another amazing female author. Today’s posts are an author interview with the amazing author Alexis Jackson. So, without further ado, let’s get on with the spotlight!
About the Author:
As a worker In the mental health field, Alexis Jackson embarked on a journey to help bring awareness and acceptance. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and a native of Kinston, NC. By obtaining her degree in psychology, she was inspired to write a book where one’s story will show how their diversity can be embraced. Â
What and when start your love for writing?
As a worker in the mental health field, I desire advocacy. During my time as a Behavior Technician at an ABA clinic, I worked with some really unique and awesome kids!  I wanted the world to know how brilliant they are, and it sparked an interest in writing a children’s book. While writing my children’s book, I began to think about all the books that did not have representation of me and people with different abilities, such as developmental disorders. I believe God placed the passion of writing in my heart to help contribute to more representation in our books and advocacy for special needs, there’s a stigma around learning about disabilities, and someone has to start the conversation.
Of all of the book genres, what drew you to write about yours?
My first encounter in the mental health field was with children, and in the field of psychology/mental health, one of the most impactful developmental stages is your childhood. I wanted children to learn at an early age about different abilities and to also understand that it is ok to interact and be kind to those that may appear different from them. Children tend to poke fun at what they do not know, and if we don’t have the resources to educate them and to show them that it is ok to be different, they will not know.
What is one thing about book publishing that you can’t stand?
How long it takes for your book to become published! I’ll never forget the time frame I had planned out for finalizing my book. It took double the time, and me being the strategic planner that I am, I freaked out. It takes a lot of patience, but in the end, I was ecstatic with how my book turned out.Â
What makes your book(s)/writing unique?
Writing about different abilities can be hard. You don’t want to offend anyone,  you’re overanalyzing every word you write and how you show representation in your book. I wanted to tell a story that shows how anyone can overcome adversity while having a different ability. I never had the resources to learn about developmental disabilities growing up, and it certainly wasn’t in my children’s books. It wasn’t until I became a psychology major and dove deeper into my major that I read more about disabilities, so I decided to change the narrative it was frightening to speak about something that can be taboo in some households; however, I have confidence in what God spoke to me and just let my passion guide me. I’m just getting started.Â
So… what are you working on now?
I have finished my second book, and I am in the process of submitting it to my publisher. I am very excited about this project and can not wait to showcase my new baby!
It was lovely to meet you and learn about your new writing path, Alexis! You can find Alexis on the following social media platforms:
Check out my Twitter feed!
It’s finally here!!!
— Winnie Tataw (@WinsBooks) December 5, 2020
The 3rd Book in the Gods’ Scion Series, The Lone Star Child is out now !!!
A thrilling Sci-fi Fantasy about loneliness and revenge
Order your copy here:https://t.co/7V2uBcBEVd pic.twitter.com/yHtDMWKOTP
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