We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaymar Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jaymar, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m really inspired by the power, resilience and intelligence that black people wield. The rich tapestry of different traditions, beliefs, and stories across the world fuels my imagination and helps me create more vibrant and relatable characters. By incorporating elements from various cultures, I aim to foster empathy and understanding among my readers.
I am also inspired by sci-fi and fiction. Pokemon, Power Rangers, Marvel, Yugioh, Avatar… the list goes on and on. I love the way they combine fantasy elements with real life situations. It’s a means of escapism for me but also draws from the reality we face today. I love that stuff.
Atlanta, with its vibrant culture and rich history, has also been a significant source of inspiration for me. The city’s spirit of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness has influenced my storytelling, adding another layer of authenticity and depth to my characters and narratives.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
My art is a unique blend of fantasy and reality, deeply rooted in my diverse cultural experiences and personal inspirations. What sets my work apart is the way I weave elements from my Baptist upbringing, social issues and the Elements into my storytelling. These influences shape my characters and the moral complexities they face, creating narratives that are both relatable and fantastical.
I’m most proud of my debut novel, “Celestial Elementals.” It explores a cosmic battle between good and evil, featuring a diverse group of warriors with elemental powers. The book has received positive feedback for its engaging plot and well-developed characters, and I’m excited about the journey it takes readers on, encouraging them to reflect on themes of unity, resilience, and the human spirit.
How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
The path to where I am today has been filled with challenges and learning experiences. It wasn’t easy, but each obstacle helped shape me into a better writer and storyteller. One of the significant challenges was finding my voice and staying true to my vision amidst external pressures and self-doubt.
To overcome these challenges, I relied on the values instilled in me by my Baptist roots—perseverance, faith, and community support. I also drew inspiration from the Power Rangers, who taught me the importance of teamwork and believing in oneself. Connecting with fellow writers, seeking feedback, and continuously honing my craft were crucial steps in my journey.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I’ve learned several valuable lessons throughout my journey:
Stay True to Your Vision: It’s essential to stay true to your creative vision and not be swayed by external opinions. Authenticity resonates with readers.
Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is invaluable. It helps you grow and improve as a writer.
Persevere: The road to success is often long and filled with setbacks. Perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles.
Draw from Personal Experiences: Incorporating elements from your own life and experiences can add depth and authenticity to your work.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that my stories are crafted with a deep sense of purpose and passion. My brand is all about celebrating diversity, fostering empathy, and inspiring hope. Through “Celestial Elementals” and future works, I aim to create narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and encourage positive change.
My journey as an author is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. I hope to continue sharing stories that highlight the extraordinary potential within us all and the importance of coming together to overcome challenges.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Chill – Start with coffee at Urban Grind, stroll through Piedmont Park, and enjoy dinner at Politan Row(All the options!).
Day 2: Midtown Adventures – Visit the Coca Cola Headquarters, explore Ponce City Market, and have dinner at The Roof at Ponce City Market.
Day 3: Cultural Vibes – Breakfast at Toast on Lenox, visit the High Museum of Art, view the skyline from Jackson Street Bridge, and dinner at Wasabi in Douglasville (Look I know it sounds far, IT IS WORTH EVERY MILE).
Day 4: Thrills and Chills – Morning at Six Flags Over Georgia, hike Stone Mountain Park, and end with a movie at Starlight Drive-In Theatre(There’s just something about a movie under the stars).
Day 5: Unleash Your Inner Kid – Breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe, maybe a trip to Legoland Discovery Center, mini-golf at Puttshack, and burgers at The Vortex.
Day 6: Foodie Frenzy – Start with breakfast at Waffle House (If you don’t come to Atlanta and have Waffle House at least once been calm bout nun!), food tour around Krog Street Market and Inman Park, and dinner at Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub.
Day 7: Chill and Recharge – Relax and recharge. Order delivery from Poor Calvin’s or somewhere you can’t get anywhere else just check the reviews first lol
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! The journey to where I am now has been deeply influenced by the support and inspiration I’ve received from various sources. I’d like to give a shoutout to my Baptist roots. Growing up in a Baptist church instilled in me strong values and a sense of community. The stories and teachings I encountered there shaped my understanding of good and evil and resilience, which are central themes in my writing. The series itself isn’t driven heavily by Christianity, but I wanted to tell this narrative that “When God, gives you a gift, you have to use it. Let nothing not even yourself, get in the way of it.”
Additionally, I have to credit my love for Power Rangers. As a child, I was captivated by the show’s portrayal of teamwork, heroism, and the battle between good and evil. The diverse characters and their elemental powers were a significant influence on the creation of ‘Celestial Elementals.’ The way the Rangers united despite their differences to overcome formidable challenges inspired me to create a similar sense of unity and camaraderie in my stories.
Both of these influences—my spiritual upbringing and my fascination with the Power Rangers—have profoundly shaped my storytelling. They taught me the importance of perseverance, the strength found in diversity, and the impact of coming together for a greater good. I’m incredibly grateful for these formative experiences and the lessons they’ve imparted, which continue to resonate in my work today.
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