Today we’d like to introduce you to Star Jackson.
Star, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love of poetry and creative writing stems from my childhood. I was always an avid book reader and developed a love for literature at an early age. My 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Bradford, introduced me to the literary elements of poetry, which allowed me to delve into the art of writing further. It didn’t take long for me to discover my gift in my ability to create visceral images with words.
My inspiration to write my first book derived from my own personal experience with love. After experiencing my first heartbreak, it took some time, but I realized that self-love was at the center of my healing. I was young and infatuated with the idea of being in love with someone eternally, but when the relationship didn’t work, I was forced to look within myself to find my self-worth. Writing this book was therapeutic for me in the sense that I was able to articulate feelings that accompany the highs and lows of love, which has helped me grow intrinsically.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Initially, it was tough for me to be vulnerable in my writing out of the fear of judgement or potential lack of understanding. The challenge for me when first I began writing this book was being open to total transparency. Now I understand the power in vulnerability because writing poetry that comes from the heart is truly bliss. The best part of writing this book was trusting what I felt throughout the process.
Please tell us about your work.
I launched serenelystar.com to start my blog. Within my blog posts, I focus primarily on the societal issues that affect Black people. I have written three essays: ‘Black Boys Surviving the Hood and PTSD’, ‘A Decade for People of African Descent’ and ‘J. Cole’s Importance to Black Culture’. My goal in each of my blogs is to use my voice to uplift those who otherwise go unheard. What I am most proud of is that I established SerenelyStar Publishing to have the independence of being a self-publisher. With that in mind, I will also open up a service to help other first-time authors publish their books.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
What I am looking forward to in the future is publishing more poetry and venturing out to other genres as well by expanding my brand. I am currently working on my second book. I am excited to share the depth of my poetry and prose as I elevate my writing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenelystar.com
- Email: serenelystar@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenelystar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenelystar/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/serenelystar
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Talks-Heal-Before-Sunrise/dp/0578588757/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=soul+talks+heal+a+poem&qid=1583800908&sr=8-1
Image Credit:
‘Black Boys Surviving the Hood and PTSD’ photo courtesy of Kewon Hunter.
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