Debut You: A 2020 Debut Author Series: Joy Jones

Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.

Lively, laid-back, creative, book-loving, and introvert.

Introvert. A lot of people think that’s another word for shy, but not so. An introvert is someone who gets energy from solitude rather than from interaction with other people. I’m far from shy; I love to perform and speak in front of a group. And sometimes I do get energy from others – I can sense waves of energy emanating from the audience. It feels like love cascading over me. It motivates me to give more in performance. But my most satisfying stimulation comes from the serenity of silence. Which makes it easy to see why I’m an avid reader and writer.

Explain your writing procedure, such as how you come up with ideas, carve out time to write (or, if you can write anywhere at any time during the day), deal with writer’s block, or anything particular or peculiar.

Early on in my writing career, I felt I needed large blocks of time to create. That’s great if and when you can get it, but life seldom arranges itself that way for me. So, I have learned to write in small snatches of time. Incubation of ideas takes place long before I pick up the pen, so allowing space for silence helps. That means not always turning on the radio when I drive or resisting the urge to numb out with mindless TV. Sitting still and being quiet really sets the stage for my creativity once I sit down to write.

Balance is the key to successful living. How do you balance the act of writing with other priorities, such as your job, family or fun activities, and self-care?      

Get the inside right and the outside will take care of itself. This quote from Eckhart Tolle helps me to place things in the right order. I have to figure out what’s important then make that the priority. That requires being in touch with my spiritual center. When I ask myself what’s most important in this situation as well as what’s important in my life overall, then action flows from that. It’s a tricky process; the balance point can change – sometimes family is the priority, sometimes creative work, sometimes rest and recreation. Listening to that still, small voice for direction is key.

Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?

Kids may or may not like to do schoolwork. They may or may not like to do chores. But I know they like to have fun. I aim to give the reader an enjoyable experience. Spend a few hours with me in a world I’ve enjoyed creating just for you. If you gain a different perspective as a result, great. If you learn something new – fantastic. But mainly, I want to give you a good time.

Tell us about your book.        

Who would have thought that jumping up and down could transform your family? At an excruciatingly boring Thanksgiving dinner with her tiresome extended family, 11-year old Jayla discovers Double Dutch. She ends up forming a Double Dutch team – not of kids, but a multigenerational team which also serves to help improve the health of her family.

Reading that description, you probably think I jumped a lot of Double Dutch as a kid. I did, but I’ve jumped far more Double Dutch as an adult. Back in 2004, I started a Double Dutch team for grown-ups, DC Retro Jumpers. What started as hanging out at the neighborhood recreation center is now an organization that teaches adults and children. We were even hired as cultural ambassadors to teach Double Dutch in Russia! Now my latest adventure in Double Dutch is my book, Jayla Jumps In.