Jr. Top Notch Writer interviews Jackie Hardrick, the author of Imani in Young Love & Deception and latest release Imani in Never Say Goodbye.
Jr. Top Notch Writer INTERVIEWS JACKIE HARDRICK
JTNW:What/Who motivated you to write a book and why?
JH:Teens are the reason why I write. Teens inspire me to write. If adults read my novels, Imani in Young Love & Deception and Imani in Never Say Goodbye, and enjoy or learn something from them, that's cool.
JTNW:Is Imani based on a person you know?
JH:No. Yet, Imani and I have a lot in common. Neither one of us knew that we were poor until we saw how the rich kids lived. However, a strong two-parent home and "for real" friends more than compensated for what we lacked materially. One of the ways that I survived growing up in Newark and Imani survived was not to give in to peer pressure to do stupid stuff just to fit in.
JTNW:Why did you decide to write about the hard issues of teens?
JH:To help young adults deal with or avoid traps that keep many of them back, kill them, or make them another bad statistic. Sex, teen pregnancy, STD, low-self esteem, drunk driving, and drug addiction can stop teens dead in their tracks.
JTNW:Do you think you have reached teens with similar problems and why?
JH:Absolutely! I speak with teens in schools, youth groups, church groups, book clubs, etc…they are hungry for the real deal on these issues and grateful that someone is not afraid to talk about them. The e-mails and book reviews that I receive from teen boys and girls confirm that they are learning from the characters' mistakes.
JTNW:What is your opinion of teens today and why?
JH:I feel for them because the peer pressure is so fierce. While outside influences (including the media) has increased, positive role models and stability at home has decreased. I don’t blame the teens for their confusion on issues like sex, drugs, alcohol, etc…I blame the adults. While we're not there or looking the other way or in denial as to what teens are involved with, our young people are out there experimenting and putting their lives on the line in the process. Adults need to wake up and assume the responsible adult role in leading, guiding, and inspiring our young people to greatness.
JTNW:Do you work with teens?
JH:Yes. I have a Keepin' It Real Program for each novel. It's a rap session and book discussion regarding the hot topics in the novels. I conduct the Programs at schools, youth groups, churches, book clubs, libraries, etc. (wherever there are teens).
JTNW:What is the message that you wanted your readers to embrace?
JH:The main message in both of my novels is: For every ACTION there is a CONSEQUENCE. Stop and THINK how high of a price am I willing to pay for what I'm thinking about doing?
JTNW:Would you suggest that elders read the book as well as teens and why?
JH:Absolutely because in order for adults to help teens, they must be aware of what they're up against. You can't solve problems unless you know what they are. I believe that adults will be more compassionate or understanding towards teens if they realize the great deal of peer pressure teens face. It's not easy being a teen today.
JTNW:How long did it take you to write both books?
JH:It took 2 ½ years for my first novel, Imani in Young Love & Deception and 7 months for Imani in Never Say Goodbye.
JTNW:Will there be a part 3?
JH:Yes! I feel the pressure from my audience to continue with the Imani series. Look for part 3 in late 2005.
JTNW:How did you feel when the book was published?
JH:I sent samples of Imani in Young Love & Deception to 10 literary agents. All ten rejected it. However, I knew that this was a great book so I self-published it and Imani in Never Say Goodbye. Imani in Young Love & Deception is recommended reading by EBONY magazine and required reading in the Paterson, NJ School District. Imani in Never Say Goodbye received great reviews in newspapers and journals. Most recently, Urban Spectrum newspaper in Denver, CO named it 2004 Best Young Adult Fiction by a black writer! So how do I feel? Great!
JTNW:When you first released the books, what were peoples response?
JH:Teens loved them from jump. Once the adults got over the shock of the hot issues I was dealing with, they got into the books too. Now adults are just as excited about the books as the teens.
JTNW:Both books were good but do people like one more than another?
JH:It's 50/50. The younger teens tend to like Imani in Young Love & Deception more than Imani in Never Say Goodbye. The older teens just the opposite. I LOVE my first novel because it is the first but I LIKE my second one better. I think I grew as a writer in the second novel and I hope to take my audience with me as I continue to improve my skills.
JTNW:What is it like to be a published author?
JH:Because I am the author and the publisher, my challenge is to balance the business and creative sides of my life. Running a business can be all consuming, meaning you're thinking about it 24/7. I'm still trying to find that balance so I can spend more time writing.
JTNW:here do you see yourself in 5 years?
JH:That's a tough question. What I know for sure is that I'll still be writing young adult novels and speaking with my audience.
JTNW:What advice do you have for people who are writing a book?
JH:If you want to be a good writer, take your education seriously and read, read, and read some more…you can learn a lot about good and bad writing by reading works by others. Study your craft and put what you've learned into action. If you want to own a publishing company, learn about that business, pursue a business degree and if it still interests you, then go for it.
JTNW:You have a great cover, who was the creator?
JH:Stephen Swinton, an African-American male who owns a graphic design company. The reason why I stated his race and gender is to inspire the black teen boys who love to draw and love to play games on a computer. Stephen is no different from them. He took it a step further and found a way to make money doing what he loves (drawing & computers).
JTNW:What was your favorite book when you were a teen and why?
JH:Being for real, I didn't have a favorite book as a teen. None of the characters that I read about looked like, acted like, or sounded like me. None of the characters came from the inner city like me. Back then, I was more interested in math than reading.
JTNW:Will people be able to meet you?
JH:Yes. I'm very down-to-earth and accessible. Log-on to my web page for a schedule of events: www.authorsden.com/jackiehardrick
JTNW:What are the last few words that you would like to leave with those that read this interview?
JH:This interview happened only because I didn't let the 10 agents who rejected my novel stop me. I knew that God gave me this gift and led me through writing that novel. So FAITH is extremely important. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF as you DREAM BIG AND GO FOR IT! Peace.
Shine is designed to help you build a firm belief in yourself and your abilities and empower you to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience
It's 1969 and some high school students in a small town decide to oppose a war that makes no sense and promises to set their lives on a different path against their wishes.
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