Jahzara On The Move

Jahzara is an author on the brink of her own brilliance. Seemingly effortlessly, she entertains every human emotion. In addition to penning three novels, she is a publisher who oversees the day-to-day operations of Tranquil Moments. Her latest release, "Love Don't Live Here Anymore," is an entertaining and enjoyable easy-read. She masterfully keeps the reader guessing with unexpectant twists and turns, and a compelling plot characteristic of only the best 'page-turners.' I spoke with Jahzara about her vision and life as an author, publisher, her goals, ambitions, and of course ... the becoming of this destined-to-be bestseller. .

Fran Brigg: Good morning, Jahzara. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. Tell us a little more about your background.

Jahzara:Good morning, Fran. Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity to share with the world who Jahzara is. I am the oldest of two children born to Diane and Julius Rouse. I am from Gary, Indiana and have a lot of love for my city. I come from a family of educators and entrepreneurs. So, I guess the fact that I am an educator and business owner is in my blood.

Fran Briggs: Your new book, Love Don't Live Here Anymore, is due in a few weeks, but it's already receiving favorable reviews. What prompted you to write it?

Jahzara: There were a lot of factors, that prompted me to write Love Don't Live Here Anymore. The main character in the book, Nyree evolves from a place where I used to live. When, I was in that horrible, place, I recall thinking no one should have to go through this. I bought a blank book and began journaling my experience at that time. Even then, I envisioned that I would share my story with others one day. I wanted my story to be an inspiration and cause women to evaluate some things in their lives. I believed that if my story could help prevent heart ache is one person's life, then my living through that ordeal would not have been in vain. Some years later, I would take a English course at Indiana University with Dr. Buckley. That class would really prompt me to write Love Don't Live Here Anymore. The assignment was simple: write something that is the truth, write something that is a lie, and write a tall tale. When I shared the beginning of Love Don't Live Here Anymore, the class thought it was a lie. Dr. Buckley's comments on my assignment were something to the effect that I should keep going and turn it into a novel. So, after reading Dr. Buckley's comment, I knew that I had to write Love Don't Live Here Anymore.

Fran Briggs: Is there a particular audience or group you wrote Love Don't Live Here Anymore for?

Jahzara: Love Don't Live Here Anymore is anyone's book. The content in this book will cross gender, racial, and economic lines. Fran, I like something that I've heard you say on occasion, 'Life happens,' and because life happens to us all, I believe that Love Don't Live Here Anymore appeals to a broad audience.
Fran Briggs It's a phenomenal book. Could you share an overview with us?
Jahzara Love Don't Live Here Anymore is the story of a charming couple Nyree Shaw-Chandler and Malachi Chandler who fall in lust but think its love. After the nuptials and the honeymoon, the real drama unfolds. What would you do if you constantly hurt the one you loved? What would you do if Mr. Right turned out to be 'Mr. Wrong?' What do you do when love just doesn't live here anymore? My book addresses various themes such as love, trust, denial, and affairs of the heart.

Fran Briggs: That's a powerful synopsis. What has been your biggest surprise since becoming an author?

Jahzara: My biggest surprise has been when people read my works and think that I am talking about them. In my first work, Contradictions, there is a character named, Sasha. One of my readers believes "Sasha" is her. In Friends With Benefits, a story I wrote in Hood2Hood, there is a character, called "Aris." Guys keep asking me if I can hook them up with "Aris." I have to laugh because, Aris is just a character.

Fran Briggs:: Becoming a publisher is a major endeavor. How challenging was it when you first became one?

Jahzara: (Laughing) Oh my goodness, it was real challenging. Fran, I had no clue where to start, I just wanted to do it. So, there was lots of research and brainstorming involved. And I must give thanks to a good author friends, Sheila Peele-Miller, Mimi Jacobs, and of course you, Fran. These women took time to assist me with my endeavors. This is remarkable because both Sheila and Mimi are also publishers and were very helpful in assisting me.

Fran Briggs: What first piqued your interest in the publishing industry?

Jahzara: I get antsy sometimes and that's because I know what I want. I also know that you can't wait for others to make your dream happen - you have to get out there and make it happen and that is what prompted me to get into the publishing industry.

Fran Briggs: Most authors are avid readers. Are there any books that you have read recently that you've really enjoyed?

Jahzara: Yes, I've read Dirty Game by Shannon Holmes, Guaranteed Success by Percy Miller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, and Do You! by Russell Simmons. I have enjoyed all of these books. I also enjoy reading my Bible - there is so much in this one book.

Fran Briggs: Writers often say that, just by observing human behavior, something moved them enough to start writing immediately. Have you ever been inspired in such a way?

Jahzara: Yes, ideas began spinning in my head one night as I vacuumed at Waldenbooks in SouthLake Mall. The result was my first novel, Contradictions.

Fran Briggs: Where does the position of a author end, and a publisher's begin? Or, are they both all encompassing?

Jahzara: For an author, I think the hard part is over when the manuscript is written. However, when you're the author and the publisher, completion of the manuscript is the beginning. For me, both are encompassing. When I am taking on the role as the author, I try to set-up my work in such a way that it will make my tasks easier as a publisher. And as the publisher, I am trying to work as efficiently as possible so that Jahzara, the author will shine. They go hand in hand.

Fran Briggs What's hanging out with Jahzara like?

Jahzara Ah, that's a good question. Jahzara is really just a 'down to earth girl.' People who don't know me make the mistake of having preconceived idea of me. I love life. Fran, I work hard and I play hard. I love my princesses, Amber and Halle. We have 'Girls Night' when my husband is at work. Girls Night is popcorn and movies, sitting at the table drinking hot cocoa, or all of us dancing. When hanging with Jahzara you have to be down for anything. I can be spontaneous. For example, I change my hair a lot so people who know me have gotten used to seeing the many looks of Jahzara. Sometimes, at a serious moment, I just might blow a bubble.
At the grocery store, you can see my kids and running up and down the aisle with the buggy, so caution when shopping and Jahzara is in the store. I love intellectual conversations, and then sometimes I like to be goofy. Some days, I am a little late for work because I just want to have some quality time with my girls, or I have to stop for a cappuccino in the morning. Hanging with me, means if you don't have it, and I have it- I got you.

Fran Briggs Jahzara, you have many vocations including high school teacher and small business owner. You're also a massage therapist. Tell us how that cameFran Briggs about.

Jahzara It came about when I was expecting my second child. I just thought it would be a great career change. I did research and it just agreed with me. People say that they can not afford to pamper themselves, I say you can't afford not to. Think about health care cost. It's really cheaper to take care of yourself and do what I call preventive maintenance. Get really sick and then compare the cost.
Massage is not a luxury; some people believe it is. Massage is necessary to keep your body functioning properly. (Laughing) Ooh, I need a massage myself.

Fran Briggs(Laughing) Me, too... Almost everyone wants to see their words in print. How would you advise the individual who aspires to become an author?

Jahzara Write! If I were a baseball player, you'd expect to see me with a baseball bat practicing. If I were a basketball player-you'd expect to see me with a basketball in a gym. So, if you want to be a writer, you have to practice your craft and write. I truly believe sometimes we over-think things. Don't think about it, get a piece of paper and a pen and just let it flow. Don't worry about editing, let the thoughts spill onto the paper. When you're finished, you can go back and clean it up.

Fran Briggs: When are you most happy?

Jahzara: I am most happy when I accomplish my tasks. When I do, I know I can sit back and take a deep breath and enjoy a quiet moment alone.

Fran Briggs: What's next for Jahzara?

Jahzara: Wow! Be on the look out for Da Test: Is He Date-able? (It's the remix version of Contradictions, and screenplays for Contradictions, Love Don't Live Here Anymore, and U 4 Life, which is the sequel to Love Don't Live Here Anymore. I am also launching "Be a Blessing." This is a campaign where I give back to the community. My goal is to empower and inspire women and children across the globe. You can learn more at http://www.nicolebradley.com/Be_A_Blessing.html
Additionally, I will be opening a premiere day spa, Tranquil Moments. It will provide the 'Hollywood experience' at a relaxed cost.

Fran Briggs: Thank you, Jahzara for the honor to interview today.

Jahzara: Fran, it has been my pleasure. Thank you for this opportunity.

eMediaCampaigns! Interviewed the author, Jahzara in May, 2008. To contact her personally, please send an email to jahzara@jahzarawrites.com or visit her websites. www.jahzarawrites.com www.myspace.com/iluvjahzara

Want to hire this writer? Crystal clear, content-rich and compelling communications should be the mandate as it pertains to your business or organization. Fran Briggs is an accomplished and award-winning writer. She is one of our best and is available on a contract basis to dynamically put your vision into words. Areas of expertise include short copy, press releases, investigative reports, radio spots, publicity, public relations, website content, and editorial. Write franbriggs@aol.com Fran is also an author, peak performance coach, motivational speaker, and the President of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization dedicated to the personal and professional development of individuals and groups around the globe. Ms. Briggs is a dynamic keynote speaker and specializes in personal empowerment trainings. Her audiences include national corporations, non-profit organizations, youth groups, faith-based organizations, schools and universities. She presents content-rich, immediately applicable powerful modules in an engaging, tell-it-like-it-is style. For more information including how to book Fran for speaking engagements, visit http://franbriggs.com
Contact the Author
Fran Briggs
Motivation and Inspiration
FranBriggs@aol.com
More Details about Love Don't Live Here Anymore here.