Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarvis Blake.
Hi Jarvis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my writing journey in the sixth grade in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. It is going to sound a bit corny but I always knew I had a gift for storytelling. My English teacher Mrs. Wolfe would have us write as often as we could. I hated writing about topics that were given to me. There was no soul, emotion, originality, creativity, and character in writing from prompts unless it was forced. When she’d [Mrs. Wolfe] return our papers. I’d failed the assignment. I was really disappointed and discouraged because I forced myself to do a good job and it wasn’t enough. While everyone was soaring about their good grades I was in the back of the room with my grade turned over. It wasn’t until she [Mrs. Wolfe] spoke up and said, “Jarvis actually had the best story to read”. Then the room went silent as everyone looked at me. It was unspoken but at that time I knew that Mrs. Wolfe was making me feel better and after reading my paper out loud, my classmates asked questions about my story. Fast Forward to high school, at Stanton College Prep, my junior English teacher, Mrs. Hilbrect only gave me prompts, which again, I hated and failed like it was my favorite pastime. but she showed me how to write a story and gave me some pointers and a rubric that I still use today even in fiction writing. At that time, I started writing what I didn’t know would be my very first published book, The Secret Society of First Ladies, after several character and name changes, growing up, and maturity standards.
I fell in love with telling a story when I was in school and I am happy to share my love with the world almost ten years later. And for a series that is ten years in the making, it is defiantly worth the read and wait. While I do have the platform to speak, I want to say thank you to Mrs. Barbara Hilbrect and Mrs. Sherry Wolfe for teaching me how to write and tell a good story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all! I struggle with ADHD and being a perfectionist which is not at all uncommon for people like myself. I can get very anxious about small details and “get stuck” and lose interest in what I was writing to begin with and start a new story all together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Although I do not particularly specialize in anything official, I do love that I can connect with anyone. I am known for philanthropic stuff with universities, shelters, and non-profits. Even at work and at past jobs I am known for having and hand for service and helping people even when I am not the best person to get along with. I am most proud of me. My story is not necessarily the best and not usually something I talk about. I am proud of who what when and where I am today because I truly know that in the end the “why” is what is going to make me finally rest. I think truly what sets me apart from other people is that I am always going to be there. It’s no matter of the circumstances or obstacles. When I say I am going to do something, I do it. It may not happen when you want it or how you want it but it’s going to happen. I am a man of my word.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think the best way to take a risk is to not think about it, and jump out of the airplane with your eyes shut. I live my life full of taking risks. One would be moving to Atlanta for love and finding out that you don’t move to Atlanta for love, Haha. Another risk that I took was starting a business and only making $213.44 my first year and $132 in my second. As it relates to risk taking my very own personal mantra is “Nevertheless, always come out swinging!” And sometimes swing with a black Louisville slugger because you can’t see it in the dark. Kidding, not kidding.
Contact Info:
- Website: jarvismblake.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jarvismblake?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarvismblake/
- Other: anchor.fm/thejarvisshow
