I’ve always felt that I can be a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. I say that because at this point of my life, I’ve self-published 60 books on social issues and that’s heavy. A lot of social issues that affect us in today’s world are intense, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking and a myriad of other emotions that may come to mind.
As I write this, I’m reflecting on when I truly fell in love with writing and storytelling. Was it when I started writing poetry at age 13? Maybe. Or maybe that moment came when I wrote for the school newspaper in high school. Or it was when I started writing love poetry for my girlfriend in high school and it would bring a big smile to her face. Yup, that’s it, that’s the moment right there.
When I can impact a person’s emotions in a positive way, that’s when I knew I had something but there wasn’t full clarity until my 30s. Where social issues were hitting its peak and the conversations were happening but not enough of them. That’s where the start of my writing journey at age 32 started.
For me, to be able to craft fictional characters and write about social issues based on real life and what’s going on around us is a beautiful but difficult journey. It’s not easy to write about sexual assault or alcohol addiction, drug addiction, homelessness, police departments in America, the state of America, the state of the world and where it’s heading.
Creating characters, their story, backstory, the major social issue that we are addressing, chapter layout and outline, it’s a process that I’ve enjoyed for years. Even when I don’t want to write, there are days I push through it and know that it’s going to reach someone one day and they will be impacted by my words.
Even the poetry that I started when I was a teenager, I still post stuff on Instagram. It can be anything that I’m experiencing or just observing the world and needing to speak on it. As long as it reaches one who appreciates it, that’s all that matters to me whether it’s poetry or the books I write.
Being fueled by impact, purpose, drive will take you places in life. Storytelling is what drives life, our journey and where we will be in the future. That’s my blog for today, thanks for listening as always, be good and go accomplish your goals!
Jamell Crouthers
Aquarianmind
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