ABOUT
My name is Jessica, but I write under the pen name Jess Write Jones. I am new to self-publishing. Well, not really. I published my first novel, The Book of Fools Part I, in 2014, and the second, The Book of Fools Part II: The Definition of a Fool, in 2015. I aspired to become this fantastic writer, and the worst thing that could ever happen happened.
I mind f#cked myself.
The worst thing you can ever do when trying to chase a dream is to talk yourself out of the dream. Listen, I was out here giving myself THE BEST worse pep talks. Back then, I didn’t know how to try, evaluate, and then try again. The concept was not difficult, but fear had settled in, and I was scared to try again. Next thing I know, I’m out here in these streets chasing a 9-5 life for somebody else’s dreams. That doesn't even sound right.
So, what am I up to now?​ Despite working for the man (that’s what I call 9-5 jobs), I’ve never stopped writing. I have written a variety of works, including poetry, short stories, novels, novellas, and screenplays. My problem is that I am my only reader. HOWEVER! I realized I can't stand on fear.
I am going to open my vault and be extremely vulnerable. I am ready to share my writing—all of it!​
In 2011, I created a publishing company called Educated Urbanite. The name of my company started from a poem I wrote during my sophomore year in college. I was in English class, and we read The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot. One line that stuck out to me was, “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” It made me think, so far, what have I measured out my life with? That question just sparked a poem. The poem was my answer at the time. My answer became a passion, and the passion developed and grew in meaning and purpose.
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The word educated is not about institutional accolades. The Educated in Educated Urbanite stems from my writing, consisting of characters that express thoughts and opinions about topics that most of us only discuss in the comforts of our inner circle. I’m guilty of reserving specific conversations for certain audiences, too, but how does one grow if you only talk to your inner circle? So, I intend to create art that encourages people to discuss the elephant in the room openly. The Urbanite in Educated Urbanite signals to my audience that I have made a space to celebrate our wins, express our concerns, acknowledge but not dwell on our losses, and strategize forward-thinking.
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The goal of Educated Urbanite is to P.E.A.K. Urban Literature. To P.E.A.K. means to Promote, Educate, and Acknowledge Keen Writing. The goal is to tell the stories of Black people.
Quick Fun Facts About
Jess Write Jones
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I used to think that I was a shy person, but the older I get, the more I realize that I am not shy. I conserve my energy for the people I love to be around. Everybody can’t handle my thoughts, approaches, opinions, BOUNDARIES and I’m cool with that. Everybody ain’t for everybody (read that again and find peace in it).
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Although raised in a two-parent household, I acknowledge that Hip-Hop also raised me, and before some of you turn up your nose, understand that Hip-Hop is eclectic and beautiful. It’s not just a music genre; it’s a whole movement, a lifestyle, our culture.
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I’M ROOTING FOR EVERYTHING BLACK!!! (Shout out to Issa Rae for verbalizing this actual emotional fact for me, and shout out to Wale for making a song to add to my life’s playlist) I LOVE EVERYTHING BLACK!!! I LOVE US! No, we are not just a color (colour), but I said what I said.
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I am blessed, favored, privileged (however you want to look at it) to have sooooo many mentors. Some I know personally, and many I have never met in my life, but these people have said or done things that have resonated with me. I am a firm believer that God uses people to get His message across, even if they don’t realize they’re being used.
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I speak a few languages. I’m fluent in English, Music, Movies, and I speak some Social Media, a little Astrology, and sometimes I have a heavy dialect when it comes to Spirituality.
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I love hearing, reading, and writing thought-provoking conversations and debates. That was one of my favorite parts about college. I love sharing opinions, laughs, thoughts, and discussions with people. I love a good cipher!