Meet Jurnee Davis | Author of Grandpa Has My Back

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jurnee Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jurnee, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

Hi, thank you so much for taking time out to speak with me today! Growing up, I used to co-write fiction books with a childhood friend. I loved creating fantasy stories and lifestyles. I found joy in writing and creating new stories that had nothing to do with my personal life. It was a true passion of mine that I found exciting and drama-free.

Over the years, my school and work-life changed and I was unable to dedicate as much time to reading and writing these little fantasies. However, during my last semester of undergrad, I tried to get back to the root of what made my heart sing and ignited my ambitious drive. I tried another business venture that did not stick at all because I wasn’t truly passionate about it, like how I was with writing.

After losing my grandfather, Tommie Davis Jr., I struggled with depression and taking care of myself. I slept a lot. I kept on telling my mother and grandmother that I wanted to create a children’s book dedicated to the impactful relationship I shared with my grandfather because his story is too great only for people in the small town of Monticello, Georgia to know about it. His life’s existence and encouraging ways influenced my accomplishments today because holding my word to him is bond. So after sharing my next business endeavor with my mom and grandmother, I knew I had to see it through. After losing him, I was so lazy and unmotivated up until that point but I knew I had to do it for him.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your work? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My children’s book sets me apart from others due to me shining light on positive black family structures by showcasing the relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter. In the Black community, we are not expected to have fathers let alone active grandfathers. My book represents how important men are in family settings, as well as little black and brown girls with the big name and natural curly hair to see themselves in a book.

I am most proud about my efforts in marketing my book. I didn’t begin actually marketing and telling my story until I received such good feedback from only showing my book on my personal Instagram page. I haven’t always been able to speak about my grandfather in public settings without crying due to grieving. So I am proud about finally speaking up and telling other people about him.

My author journey was not simple but it was also not that difficult in the same breath. I was literally the one holding myself back. What helped me move along in the process is putting in overtime at my first job post grad just to afford illustrations. Plus, I created a 3 month calendar plan for my book launch. I needed the book to be released by the 2nd anniversary of my grandfather’s celebration of life.

Along the way I’ve learned that it is okay to be afraid, nervous, and over analytical before beginning. You can do as much research as you want but you truly learn once you begin and it’s okay not to know everything. You can begin knowing little to nothing, just reach out and make connections with people who have done what you are interested in doing.

After reading my story and getting to know me, I would love the world to know that initially the reason behind creating my book was to assist children with coping when grieving. I had to tweak the story to make it more interesting for my readers but I am big on mental health. My educational background is in Psychology too and creating this book has helped me with my grieving process. I plan on creating more information for parents to assist their children when grieving on my author page as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I haven’t been to too many places in the city of Atlanta but I am a foodie. We would have to hit up Mojave for brunch, they have the best French toast. Other food options include Two Urban Licks, Paschals, Emmy Squared Pizza, JJ’s fish and chicken, Chick-Fil-A’s Dwarf Houses, Sweetgreen, and Flowerchild. We can visit the High Museum of Art and chill somewhere on the Beltline, Ponce City Market or even Krog Street Market. Anywhere downtown or in midtown is a place to meet interesting people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

A lot of recognition behind my book deserves to go to the man that it is dedicated to, my grandfather Tommie Davis Jr. The examples in my book are real life examples of moments shared with him. Also, a big thanks to my mom and grandmother for checking in with me on how the book was coming along. Even though for 2 years, it was just a thought in my head with no action behind it. A special thank you to Madi Mitchell as well for taking on this journey of being my illustrator and bringing my vision to the most beautiful light. As well as my line sisters that were able to be a part of my launch team by writing a review and creating the promotional flyers for me! Also Marketing by Curria for jumpstarting the Instagram marketing for my Author page.

Website: https://www.jurneewrites.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jurneewrites/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jurneewrites

Image Credits
Genesis Ramos