Today we’d like to introduce you to Vallean Jackson.
Hi Vallean, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
How did I get here….. Prayer, tears, heartbreak, sacrifice, running from the pain, and determination.
Sometimes it’s hard for me to talk about the things I’ve been through as I feel I’m still healing. However, the trials are in a sense are what made me who I am today. In high school, I started writing one summer because the elaborate trips and adventures a lot of kids took, I didn’t. It’s cool because there was a part of my mind that always had a story. But I wanted it out. I just kept hearing to release it and when I started writing, I found a release. Another world even I’ll say. I’m at times long-winded so I’ll try and keep this short. After discovering my love for writing, I soon discovered that I could have my stuff published. Didn’t know much about it worth a lick, just going off pure instinct. As far as being an official published Author, it all started with a tweet and a short story. I can’t even remember if it was an individual or a company, but I think it was a company that was working on an anthology. Seen my tweet and reached out and it took off from there….then came another tweet that was bittersweet. I wanted the chance to be signed to a company so I thought. Long story short, it was more bad then good. Before I could graduate college, I changed my major from biology as I was on the path to the medical field to communication.
Before I could even graduate, I was a published Author with about 3 books and 2-3 anthologies, and a short story. I was on a roll, but when the truth hit the fan, it had me crying for a way out. I even made the mistake of praying for my talent to be removed which was the wrong thing to do. After an unfortunate hiatus, I was given my second wind & even better. I released my first self-published book, released my first children’s book, and then was inspired to start my own publishing company. So what was once a hindrance was now inspiration. Publishing my own books under my own company name! What a full-circle moment. So now four self published books later with 2 more to release this year, I would say I’m on a hell of a roll. Then in the midst, I’m still doing journalism which I adore just as much. I’ve been doing this writing thing for almost a decade now, which is mind-blowing! Especially knowing how the enemy tried to stop my purpose from being fulfilled on many levels. Nevertheless, I’m not where I want to be but that doesn’t stop me from reaching back for others especially my fellow Black Authors. In which inspired the creation of my podcast, “What’s Your Spill?” I wanted a platform where Black Authors could tell their story, where readers and listeners could not only share how they got to where they are but maybe even help someone else in the process. So to add to being an Author, Journalism, Podcasting…. throw in editing and designing in the mix too. So here is, I’m still growing, believing, praying, and full of determination because I don’t believe God is even close to being done with me!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Excuse my French, but hell no. Pick a part of my life and the smooth patches are at times minimal and I’m not exaggerating. For instance, currently and a great part of now, finances have been the largest hurdle. However, God has continued to make a way despite the worldly no’s. I’ve slept in my car while I was about eight months pregnant at a time and woke up the next day, and went to work. No one knew because it wasn’t for them to. I smiled on, did my shift, and likely either slept in my vehicle or sat there until we got up enough money to stay in a hotel for a day or two. But even in that storm, I prayed and cried my way through. I never stopped believing and never stopped searching for a home. Which I believe is a great part of how I would sum up my life. No matter what’s going on, I might cry but I’m going to pray, keep believing, and find a way to get through it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do? What are you most proud of?
Currently: Children’s book & urban fiction Author, Journalist, entrepreneur, and bringing back my podcast in 2023.
As for what I’m most proud of, as my own marketing team, publicist, etc. I think that’s amazing! To get my events scheduled, flyers designed, videos made, etc., all me! I love designing and art so it works out. One day, it’ll change but for now, I’m holding it down. Then to have my own publishing company, VX Publishing LLC where I am publishing my own books under is something to be proud of I believe.
How do you think about happiness?
Truthfully, seeing other people happy. I find joy in it and or finding a way to make a difference in their life.
For Christmas, most people are happy to get gifts and I look forward to give them out.
Pricing:
- Love On Thin Ice (PB) $10.95
- Adventures With Liyah presents: Learning With A Trace (PB) $9.99
- Love On Thin Ice 2: Exposed (PB) $13.95
- Adventures With Liyah presents: Colors At First Sight(PB) $12.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valleanj.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorvalleanj
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/authorvalleanj
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorvalleanj
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCIGpB5duzfVQX0Lu9kPRlfg
