Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Jarelle.
Hi Nathan, 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?
When I was little, my mom used to take my brother and I to the library every summer to pick out books to read. I hated reading back then. I’d try to pick out a comic book or a magazine since those had pictures and involved less reading, but mom wouldn’t let me get away with that. I got older and realized I wanted to start doing my own writing. I used to keep a raggedy, old suitcase loaded with journals. I had more journals than I had friends. I was an introverted kid who’d rather write than hangout at some party–that was me.
I always fancied the thought of writing a book, but I didn’t have the courage to do it at first. I’d start one and then stop, defeating myself before I could finish. I kept starting and stopping until eventually I decided to do it for real and put the work in. I was still living inside of my head, however, but I was determined to finish, and finally I did. I remember telling myself that if nobody bought a book (even if people hated it), I was still proud of myself because it was such a hard process to finish.
When my book went out to the world, and I saw the reception it got, I was blown away. People sent private messages through social media, telling me how much they enjoyed it. It was put in the public library here at home and in several other places. It really got to me one day–all my hardwork. My life is different because of that book. My bank account isn’t, but my life feels much more plentiful. That’s what matters.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road wasn’t smooth at all—it still isn’t. Success is not permanent. You have to work very hard at it and be dedicated to your craft. The challenge for most entrepreneurs is the lack of resources. I don’t have a publisher, sponsor or publicist. I am my own social media/content producer, agent, boss, web developer, graphic designer, motivator, hype-man—you name it. That’s how it is when you first get started. It’s really expensive to publish a quality book. You spend countless hours reading, writing, researching and revising. Even then, there’s still a ton left to do! It can take months or years depending on your commitment (or wallet size). In most cases, it’s a lot of hard work for very little reward.
The road to dreams tends to wash away a lot of people because setbacks are heartbreaking. It hurts not to see your work blossom into what you imagined it could be. Sometimes, I understand why people pack it in. It’s really a lot. Now picture having a family, a full-time job and other real-life stuff happening all at once. Where does one find the time? It’s so easy to get lost in dreams and never wake up. But I truly believe that I was built for this and that’s what keeps me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an independent author of two books and my genre is urban fiction. I released my first novel last year, Beyond Poetry. The story follows a troubled kid from the inner city, Junior, who discovers poetry after the death of his younger brother. It’s a work of both fiction and poetry. The sequel will be on shelves later this summer. The book is available through my website and through most online retailers. In my books, I tell it the way it is–I don’t sugarcoat things. I use everyday language, but I do it in a way that’s unique and authentic for readers. You’ll feel like you’re standing in the same room as the characters or on the street corner. You’ll also be immersed in the poems.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You have to believe in yourself. Forget the entourage. Forget striving for the 2.5 million followers on social media. Aim for authenticity and people will eventually find you. You also don’t need some mega publisher or sponsor to get started, you just need to be consistent and diligent in your approach. The mind is the key to unlocking doors. If you can condition your mind for success, you’ll eventually succeed.
- Email: nathjarelle@gmail.com
- Website: www.natejayreads.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/author.natejay/? hl=en - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/iamnatejay
Credits : Robin Johnson
Creidts : Robin Johnson
Credits : A. Marie
