Introduce yourself; who are you and what types of books do you write?
I am Saleemah Jackson, pen name Mrs. Jackson. I write fiction and journalistic essays. I moved to Atlanta 21 years ago from New York City. Despite four corporate moves in ten years, my family continues to make the Atlanta area home. I fell in love with Atlanta while attending Tuskegee University. On long weekends, or for events at colleges here in the city, I spent a significant time in the city and hoped to move here someday. The Metro Atlanta area has proven a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What are your books about?
My first book, How Far Is The Nearest Subway, is a fish out of water story about five friends navigating life as Atlanta transplants. Through their experiences, they learn that family is who you choose and home is wherever you are.
What was the inspiration behind writing your first book?
I moved to Atlanta 21 years ago and I found that as a new wife and mother, navigating a new city proved challenging. Different hacks I learned while creating a community and traveling with small children were appreciated by others I shared tips with. I shared these tips as conversations between characters in my book. I even shared southern mores in my book as a cheat sheet for others.
What did you learn while writing your second book?
I am currently working on my second book which is a sequel to How Far Is The Nearest Subway? As both books are loosely based on my experiences, one of the characters relocates from Atlanta to another city where she has to start over socially while raising her family. The continuation of the main characters’ arc will show how distance impacts friendships, and affects each character individually. I’m learning that these challenges I experienced, and others experience when they move away from both home and their adopted hometowns cause a person to make lasting choices. The adjustments a person has to make can provide unique opportunities to grow or not depending on how that person handles unexpected changes.
What is the most rewarding part of being an author?
Hearing my children say they are proud of me has been the most rewarding part. In finishing my book, I wanted them to know that even a dream deferred is realized if you keep going. It took me 14 years on and off to finish my novel. Moving every few years for my husband’s career, there were times I wished I was finished sooner and found it hard to set aside time for writing. But, as I’ve learned, everything happens in the time it’s supposed to. I appreciate that my children are encouraged by my continuing to write and finish my novel.
What elements do you think make for a good story?
I think heartfelt characters are the driving force behind any great story. No matter how a character is described, in their appearance, back story or current occupation, the heart of a character and their intentions resonate with readers. I believe that as an author and as someone who loves to read. Readers see themselves and the possibility of what can be through well written characters. For example, in the Harry Potter series, though most of us aren’t an English boy living under the stairs, or a wizard, we can relate to learning how to believe in yourself or being the underdog at some point in life. Heartfelt characters drive the story forward.
What is the hardest part of being an author for you?
Finding time to write. As a mom of four, ages kindergarten through college, I try to fit in writing whenever I can. Being a theater mom, travel hockey mom and having a husband who travels for work means I have to get creative with my time.
What is your current writing project?
I am writing both the sequel to How Far Is The Nearest Subway? and an accompanying cookbook. I provide recipes in my book and will expand on others too.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Just keep writing. I heard this in a workshop for writers and aspiring writers. It seems so simple but it is true. Instead of procrastinating or wallowing in self-doubt, writing is the only way through any setbacks. The reward on the other side is worth it.
Where can readers discover more about you and your books?
Instagram: @momsraisingsouthernkids
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRJYHSL2/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704423564&sr=8-1/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-far-is-the-nearest-subway-mrs-k/1145064861?ean=979821834798