Today we’d like to introduce you to N. D. Jones.
Hi N. D., it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
If my childhood self were asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said a civil rights lawyer—not the career educator I became or a fantasy author. Yet, as the little girl who saw wrongs that needed fixing, injustices demanding restitution, and oppression disguised as meritocracy, I channel my sense of fairness and equality into my writing. While I never saw myself as a fantasy author, the shift wasn’t as stark as it might seem, considering I’m a lifelong educator who taught African American History, U.S. History, and American Government. I’ve always viewed life through a social justice lens, even as a child. Equity and equality were always my calling—even if expressed in different ways.
Here’s where a social justice-minded educator, who loves Black positivity and representation, becomes a content creator, filling a gap where mountains of Black stories should be but aren’t. The brief marriage between Ororo Munroe of the X-Men and King T’Challa, the Black Panther, reminded me of what I’ve always known: there aren’t enough high-quality Black representations, especially Black love, in media. That includes fantasy books. But, as a silent observer or, better yet, an eager fan craving more of what I wanted to see in Black love, Black fantasy books, movies, and all forms of media, I turned to fanfiction to satisfy that desire. While fanfiction was a wonderful entry point into published writing, a novice author’s training ground for readers with high fandom expectations, I owned none of those beloved characters. Thus, I shifted away from writing other authors’ characters to creating my own. The decision was a critical turning point I’ve never regretted. The emotional appeal and payoff are my why for writing then and now.
#OwnVoices. #BlackBooksMatter. #BlackAuthorsMatter.
In my own way, I’ve lived up to my childhood aspirations because civil rights can be fought and won in both the courthouse and between the pages of well-loved books.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As an indie author, I handle all aspects of the process, from creating a book to getting it into readers’ hands. At first, I thought writing a book would be the hardest part, but I quickly saw that wasn’t the case. My biggest challenge is marketing—letting the world know that I’m here and that my books exist.
Social media is a useful tool, even for introverts with shy tendencies. Although I post more frequently some weeks than others, I lack the energy to maintain this level of marketing consistently. As a result, I often attend book festivals, cultural events, and comic conventions. Despite my introversion, I’m much better at in-person marketing than online. Better, because I’ve dedicated time to improving in this area, not because it comes naturally.
In-person events have pushed me out of my comfort zone. They have also deepened my understanding of why I write the books I do — not just fantasy, but fantasy that centers Black characters. Time and again, Black readers come to my table with awe and gratitude. They feel seen and valued. In turn, their warmth and positivity are emotionally fulfilling.
While the struggle is real, the smoothest roads are paved when an author and reader connect—whether on social media or face-to-face. In the end, visibility matters.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kuumba Publishing?
I wasn’t always an indie author. When I first started, I worked with a small online publishing company that released my first two novellas and my first full-length novel. By the time I wrote my second full-length novel, a sequel to the first, I was more experienced and more willing to question the broad terms of the company’s contract. In the end, they released me from my contract, allowing me to publish future books in the series independently or work with another publisher. However, those first three contracts meant I had to wait years until they expired before I could republish and rebrand those three books.
When that time finally arrived, I had already established Kuumba Publishing as a sole proprietorship and later as a limited liability company. While my goal wasn’t to publish other authors’ works, I sought the legal recognition to publish my own work under a brand that reflects my values and beliefs. As I’ve grown as an author and businesswoman—meeting Black readers at book events, listening to them, and learning from them—their needs and wants—I expanded KP’s creative offerings beyond novels. KP proudly publishes Black fantasy coloring books and art prints, self-care journals for Black women and men, has a Merch by Amazon on-demand shop, and operates an Amazon store. Like my novels, these other creative expressions focus on Blackness and the Black experience. I chose the Swahili word “kuumba” because it is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa and means creativity—”to do always as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.” It’s a fitting name for a business dedicated to honoring Black people, culture, and history. KP is a labor of love, meeting people where they are, and happily responding not to market trends, but to the desire of Black people to be represented in different mediums. Small but mighty, Kuumba Publishing marches on.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
“The best way to support an author is to leave a review.” I love seeing social media posts like this one. As an author, I applaud the content creator. As an indie author on the book review “struggle bus,” I give a standing ovation. So, the easiest way to support me, besides buying a book, is to leave a review. Reviews help both authors and readers. They serve as social proof, provide opportunities for author growth, and boost confidence.
Whether you’re an author, librarian, event organizer, podcaster, reader, or book club member, I value collaboration and collegiality with like-minded people. Let’s connect. I’m just a long email away 😊 (info@ndjonesparanormalpleasure.com). Also, I have what I affectionately call my group of “author friends.” I’ve learned a lot from them, shared what I could, and laughed even more. While writing is mostly a solo activity, little else in the publishing world has to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ndjonesparanormalpleasure.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndjonesauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ndjonesauthor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-jones-321abb65/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@n.d.jonesblackfantasynovels
