Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Jamila, and “Surviving Seventeen” is my first book, outside of a few successful Wattpad stories. I enjoy writing so I didn’t mind putting in the dedication to write this story, really. I plan to write some young adult/romance stories in the future as I further my writing career, especially since I’m studying Mass Communications in college.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Surviving Seventeen” was simply inspired by my life. I had gone years going through bad incident after bad incident. I was drowning in horrid experiences, and then faced some gruesome family issues, finance issues, and an eating disorder after having turned 17. Through the help of therapy, I realized that instead of feeling bad for myself, I should use my life to inspire others, and that’s exactly what I did. I want my story to double as a survival guide, because many of the issues I faced are universal.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write half a book in a day, haha. Once I start writing and I get into it, I can’t stop. I’ll literally have to force myself to sleep or eat. I’ll pace back and forth for hours, typing and editing. Because of that, I try to only write when I have a couple free days in a row.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence would have to be the late Naya Rivera. Naya’s book, “Sorry Not Sorry,” was very honest and talked about some of her toughest battles in life. Seeing Naya not be afraid to tell her story, not holding back, all while inspiring others, made me want to do the same. I found myself constantly going back and reading her book as I was writing mine.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m kind of just working on smaller projects. I have a sequel to a wattpad book, and I’m like, a third through writing it, so hopefully I’ll be done by the end of Summer. Along with that, I’m also doing small writing competitions just to sharpen my skill. I’m a senior in high school so my biggest focus is graduating, then I can get back to writing after.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far has been discounts. My lowered my book to 5.99 for the first two weeks of it being out, and my sales SKYROCKETED.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I’m a new author myself, but I’d tell other authors in my position to not fear promoting. I constantly worry that I’m “annoying” people, and I mean, I might be, but it is what it is. If you want your book out there, you’ve gotta put it out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is that nothing worth it comes easy. It’s advice that can really be used in every aspect, but in terms of writing, I think about it a lot. Writing a book is not easy, but the pride and joy you feel after, is SO worth it.
What are you reading now?
Actually, I’m not reading anything right now. I’m a very picky reader, and I’m really only intrigued by Biographies or eye catching romance novels. I’m hoping to read Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s books in the near future however.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’m out of high school, I’m going to start brewing up a romance novel hopefully. In the meantime, I’m sticking with Wattpad and writing contests.
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book would really have to be “Sorry Not Sorry” by Naya Rivera, “Off Balance” by Dominique Moceanu, or “UnSweetined” by Jodie Sweetin. They’re all memoirs, which is like, the key to my heart.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jamila Coleman Amazon Profile
Jamila Coleman’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account