Welcome to Empowered to Prosper. Tell us a little about yourself
Q: Give us a short bio
A: I am the former Editorial Coordinator for Through It All Magazine and current CEO of King Cole Enterprises. I have been mentoring young people for over a decade and in 2002 was handpicked by Kids Across America (KAA) to be a Youth Counselor, Activities Instructor, Basketball Coach and Worship Leader for their outreach program in Golden, MO. Presently I am teaching in the metro-Detroit area and have the privilege of being the youth pastor at my home church.
Q: Please tell us the titles of your current book (s): And give a brief synopsis.
A: My first book was entitled, “Understanding Your Season: Removing The Frustration From Pursuing Your Destiny”. It was written as a reference to help us navigate through our seasons as we pursue our purpose and destiny. I am in the middle of writing two (2) more books as well. For the youth I plan on releasing, “Pur and Holy: The Teenagers Guide To Dealing With SEX, Relationships and Peer Pressure”, and one for adults, “Walking In Increase: Refusing To Take A Vow of Poverty.” In Pur and Holy, I take the conversational approach and coach them on how to use their gifts as a weapon against the wiles of the enemy. In Walking In Increase, I address the generational curses and churchy ideologies that have prevented us from fully experiencing the abundant life that Jesus reserved for us.
Q: What makes your books(s) stand out from the rest?
A: From the cover art to the content, the reader will see and experience excellence. The substance, relevance and charisma of the Word shines through and pulls the reader in and encourages them to be engaged in the process.
Q: What or who inspired you to become a writer?
A: When I was sixth grade I entered a Martin Luther King, Jr. essay writing contest. I had never been done anything like that before up until that point. I won the contest and that is when I figured out that I could actually inspire people with what I felt on the inside of me.
Q: When did you begin writing with the intention of becoming published?
A: During college. I attended Bluefield College and was the only African American male in the Communications Dept. My creative writing teacher told us that we could write poetry and get it published. I knew I had a unique perspective on writing and life seeing that my experiences were not like that of my classmates. So I was eager to share my heart and those experiences and see them published.
Q: Do you come up with your title (s) before or after you write the manuscript (s)?
A: The book and chapter titles typically come to me before. I use them as a catalyst and search the scriptures to help rightly divide and validate the content.
Q: What is the genre you write? Tell us why you write the genre (s)
A: I would have to say that my genre for my last book was inspirational. As I get better at communicating these revelations, the genre could expand to beyond that. I feel like I have a gigantic treasure chest of gifts and I want to share them all.
Q: Tell us your most rewarding experience in your publishing journey?
A: Seeing my parents read my book. As a son, all you ever want from your parents is to be validated and respected. I feel like my first book showed them that I retained the Godly advice they had imparted to me over the years. The book was kind of like a manifestation of their hard work.
Q: Tell us your most negative experience in your publishing journey?
A: People who I thought would support me wanting to get my book for free and having an attitude when I tell them, “The book is $10. Thank you!”
Q: What one positive piece of advice would you give to other authors?
A: Stay on your grind and be true to who God has called you to be. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to people who have done it and don’t be discouraged if those same people seem to not have time to give you individual attention. They’re grinding just like you. Invest in yourself!
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: At this point I don’t have a favorite author. I read everybody from Michael Holmes, Cedric Dukes, T.D. Jakes, Michael Baisden, Paulo Coelho and me.
Q: What Format (s) are your books in: Print Only.....E-Book Only....or Both?
A: Print and Ebook.
Q: What special projects are you working on now and what books do we have to look forward to in the future?
A: I have several irons in the fire. I am releasing three audio teachings:
1.Young, Hungry and Ambitious: 3 Keys To Your Success
2.What Is That Smell?: How To Diffuse The Fragrance of Christ.
3.Pruned For A Purpose: Merging Agricultural Truths With Biblical Principles.
Also, I will be releasing my next book “Pur and Holy: The Teenagers Guide To Dealing With SEX, Relationships and Peer Pressure” in January.
Tell readers how to connect with you
Q: Website (s):
A: www.JesseSpeaks.com
Q: Please share with us your E-mail Address:
A: JesseSpeaks@yahoo.com
2 comments:
Jesse, thank you for inspiring me to write. I felt the pull to writE when and after reading your "Memoir". Thank you for being a living epistle!
Thanks Jesse. What I do for others, God will see it happen for me.
Be blessed
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