While I finish up this short story, I have another Black Indie Author Highlight for y'all. This week we are highlighting Young Adult Contemporary Romance Author Jasmine Cartwright. She is the author of Please Excuse Our Confusion and 181 Days which will be released October 15th. Now, without further ado, let's get to know Jasmine Cartwright.
Introduction
Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an author?
Answer: My name is Jasmine Cartwright! I am an Indie Author from Oklahoma City. I have a B.A. in English and Creative Writing - Fiction, and I own an indie publishing company, Dream Writer Publishing. I have manuscripts in a variety of genres, but my main passion is Young Adult/Contemporary Romance. My stories are about people who find love in the most inconvenient times. I advocate for marginalized voices, mental health, and prison reform. This is reflected in my stories. I have two published novels: Please Excuse Our Confusion (Nov. 2023) and 181 Days (Oct 2024).
Q: How did you get started in writing, and what led you to pursue a career as an author?
A: Like most authors, my journey into fictional storytelling began as a reader. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and started writing fan fiction for my favorite anime characters in middle school. As an avid reader, I found myself looking for “that one story,” and when I couldn't find it, I decided to write it myself. I started writing my first original manuscript in 2017 and in that same year began writing the manuscripts for Please Excuse Our Confusion and 181 Days.
Book-Specific Questions
Q: Let's talk about your latest book. What inspired the story, and what themes does it explore?
A: My latest novel, 181 Days, was inspired by my passion for mental health advocacy and the curiosity of the reader's mind. The story explores heavy themes of suicidal ideation, rape-shaming culture, and children placed in adult positions in the household. Readers often wait with bated breath for a tragic ending, so I wanted to explore how a reader would react if they already knew ahead of time that the character was destined for death–counting it down even.
Q: Can you share a bit about the main characters in your book and what readers can expect from their journey?
A: Our main characters are Mischa and Jesse. Mischa is a steadfast, sarcastic, but loving seventeen-year-old girl struggling with a stressful home life and a secret mental illness that has her counting down the final days of her life. Jesse is her classmate and typical popular boy, but not without his own layers. Readers won’t know what to expect from these characters, except that they will show tremendous growth and self-discovery.
Q: How does this book differ from your previous works, if at all?
A: 181 Days is very different from my debut novel, Please Excuse Our Confusion. Both books are YA Contemporary Romances that deal with emotional themes of self-discovery, but 181 Days takes a darker, and grittier approach to the themes embedded within its pages.
Writing Process
Q: What is your typical writing routine or process like?
A: My writing process is a chaotic mess. I work on about seven manuscripts at a time. This is because my characters are active voices in my head that have minds of their own. Whoever is talking the loudest when I sit down to write, is whose story I will work on during that session. Luckily, I was gifted the ability to switch my writing style and voice so that no two characters are written the exact same.
Q: How do you overcome writer's block or challenges during the writing process?
A: I take breaks. Sometimes days, sometimes years. Watch movies, read books, and research. I get inspiration from reading about current events, traveling, and reading other works of fictional literature.
Character Development
Q: How do you approach the creation of your characters? Do they evolve as you write, or do you have a clear vision from the start?
A: Because my characters are “real” people that are embedded in my soul, they grow and evolve with the process as we go.
Q: Are any of your characters inspired by people you know or real-life experiences?
A: This is heavily the case in my debut novel, Please Excuse Our Confusion. The characters are inspired by my friends and family growing up and real-life experiences.
Genre Related Questions
Q: What is your favorite genre to write and read?
A: My favorite genre to write is Young Adult. My favorite genres to read are Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, and Urban Romance.
A: Why do you write the genre you write?
Q: I write all genres, but my most prominent is Young Adult. I feel that, often, people overlook the struggles that teenagers experience. Young adults, especially in the 21st century, deal with some really heavy things, and a lot of readers feel like “they can’t relate” to the characters in YA novels when in reality, these characters are facing some of the same challenges with less guidance and options than their adult counterparts. My main character, Mischa in 181 Days is stuck raising and caring for her three younger half-siblings and an ailing grandfather because her mother is chronically sleeping off anti-depressants. Mischa is only seventeen, and she has the responsibility of most forty-year-old women. YA is also a genre designed to heal your inner child.
Indie Author-Related Questions
Q: What made you decide to go the Indie route as opposed to the major publishing company route?
A: I chose indie publishing over traditional because I wanted to have 100% control over my creativity and my stories. I love my stories the way they are so there is no need to shop them around and try to convince someone else to do what I can do myself. Traditional publishing is amazing, and both avenues require a lot of work on the author’s part. However, when I look at my books I take pride in knowing that it is 100% mine from cover to cover, just the way I wanted it.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being an Indie Author?
A: I love being able to interact with readers and show people just how passionate I am about my stories and characters. I also love the community and support system of fellow indie authors that I have found.
Book Marketing and Promotion
Q: How do you approach marketing and promoting your books?
A: This is something I still struggle with. I mostly use social media and word of mouth but hope to explore different and better avenues of marketing.
Q: How important do you think social media and online platforms are for authors in today's publishing landscape?
A: Social media has been an integral part of my publishing journey. You have to be willing to present your authentic self and make connections. I love the interactions and connections I have made with readers and fellow book lovers while selling my books.
Favorite Moments and Achievements
Q: Can you share a favorite moment or achievement from your writing career so far?
A: My favorite moment in my writing career was watching a BookTok review of Please Excuse Our Confusion and the reader saying “Buy her books, support her. I want her to keep writing. I want this to be her full-time job because she’s good at it.” I didn’t have a personal relationship with this person, aside from BookTok and talking to her about reading my book, so this compliment was authentic and it was heartfelt.
Future Projects
Q: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or works in progress?
A: I’m excited for my third book, which is slated for a 2025 release. So far, my books have been YA Contemporary, so I’m excited to show the world my talents as a multi-genre writer with the release of an adult contemporary romance with elements of surrealism.
Q: Are there specific genres or themes you'd like to explore in your future writing?
A: I already dabble in multiple genres, but the one I am most excited about is a sci-fi story.
Personal Insights
Q: When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
A: I am a gamer, lover of Disney and anime, and an avid reader. I also love traveling with friends.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their journey?
A: My biggest advice for writers is to write the story YOU want to read. Write for YOU, not for the potential readers. Authenticity is your greatest writing guide because the people who are for you will find you and will love your work. Also, do research! Research publishing, research themes, and topics so that you aren’t spreading harmful information. Surround yourself with fellow indie authors who have been on the journey or are currently navigating the process and lean on them for support and guidance. We are ALWAYS excited to help a fellow writer!
Thank you so much Jasmine for allowing me the opportunity to highlight you. If y’all would like to keep up with Jasmine hit the link below and go follow all her socials and support her! Don't forget to be on the lookout for her upcoming release 181 days on October 15th and as always
Blissful Reading
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