“What’s Your Story?” is a guest post feature on BCBA’s blog. Indie/Self-Published authors are invited to write about their books, writing journey, creative process, inspiration, rewards and challenges of publishing, etc. They can go in whatever direction they choose. We are excited and grateful for their willingness to share, and we hope you enjoy Dwayne A. Jones’ story. Go here for more WYS? posts.
The book series Dwayne the Contractor is based on my career as a developer, general contractor, and international missionary. As a general contractor, I’ve built many homes and commercial projects and traveled to Ghana and Togo West Africa, India, and Haiti. My mission trip focused on ministering and spending time with children at orphanages. We often played simple games such as hopscotch, four square, and a lot of soccer.
During my time at the orphanages, I was often asked by the children what did I do for work in the United States. I often had to explain my work as a contractor on a level a 3-8-year-old child could understand, and that’s how my journey of writing children’s books started. I’ve completed and published two books of the twelve-book series. My goal is to expose children at an early age to construction or contracting as a career opportunity and allow them to see an African American male as a business owner with projects being completed at primarily minority homeowners.
The characters in the books are based on real people and real projects. My second book is my favorite to date because it features my two brothers and cousin, who are my partners in the business Dwayne A. Jones Construction Company LLC. The second book takes place at Ms. Anderson’s house as we paint the exterior.
I recently participated in a book reading at a local park in Historical Orange Mound in Memphis, Tennessee, on Juneteenth. The children enjoyed my costume or regular work clothes as I dressed like the character and read with heartfelt passion as they laughed and listened.
As an architectural engineering graduate for Tennessee State University, licensed general contractor, and residential developer Dwayne A. Jones Construction Company LLC is positioned to continue building tiny houses on wheel, tiny houses, affordable homes, and housing for the homeless. The third book will feature Dwayne the Contractor building a wood fence to help a family keep their dog in the backyard. As the storylines mirror real-life projects, vibrant colors will educate and resonate with children as life-changing messages and affirmation will be shared. I will continue to write and publish the remaining books in the series with the goal of reaching more children as the series expands. Tools, tools, I love my tools!
Dwayne the Contractor Uses a Hammer (Red Yellow Blue, June 11, 2021, 28 Pages, Bk. 1) Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
Dwayne the Contractor Paints a House (Red Yellow Blue, July 12, 2021, 26 Pages, Bk. 2) Amazon | IndieBound
Connect with Dwayne A. Jones
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