About Sharnice A. Jones:
Sharnice Jones is a speaker, author, performer and entrepreneur who is actively involved in delivering programs that help to encourage adolescents to think clearly, choose carefully and act responsibly. Miss Jones is currently a member of Drew University’s 2015 graduate class and holds the distinguished honor of Drew University Civic Scholar recognizing her ongoing dedication to providing service on the university campus as well as to the community at large.
Miss Jones is author of the book, “Success Before Sex” which targets adolescent, helping them understand the risks of engaging in sexual activity and recognize the power their choices can have on their future success.
Miss Jones is also the founder of a non-profit corporation, Success 1st, Inc”, which expands the scope of her efforts and provides a forum that encourages and trains youth leaders to get involved in discussions with their peers. Participants and audiences receive valuable information to help improve the likelihood of their making safe, smart choices. 100% of the profits from sale of this book are used to fund “Success 1st, Inc.” a 501c3 non-profit organization designed to transform the lives of teenagers by encouraging them to focus on their goals and not the distractions that can easily derail their dreams!
What inspires you to write?
I am inspired by too many things, but most of the time by by personal experienced. My only published work so far is non-fiction and was inspired by an interview with someone diagnosed HIV positive. The person I interviewed stated by telling me “My problem did not start at the age of 19 when I was diagnosed HIV positive. It started at the age of 11 or 12 when I began engaging in sex.” Once the shock wears off, I considered all the information I gathered including that interview as I wrote. When the competition winners were announced I was fortunate to win the highest honor, my book is based on that very essay.
You know the old adage: Sex Sells. Unfortunately, all too often, it sells young youth short creating risks and roadblocks to successful, fulfilling lives. Sex can be so difficult for teenagers to openly talk about with parents and other adults, leaving high risk for misinformation and misunderstanding. The book acknowledges challenges teenagers and parents face and it concludes that goals and future plans for success can be a strong deterrent to succumbing to risky activities.
Tell us about your writing process.
When I write, I don’t follow a classic form of writing. Well, since I am in college, I guess I do use classical format sometimes. When I write for leisure, I might create a short outline, but nothing formal. I do best when I just put my thoughts on paper without pausing to think about the rules of grammar or spelling.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
The series of events that led to my book began when I won an area essay competition. Shortly after winning, I was a guest on Rowan University Radio program “The American Dream”. Host, Dr. Stanley El, suggested that I consider revising the essay into a book so that more people would have access to the information. I admit, I was not at all interested in doing so at the time. Thankfully, Dr. El was not deterred by the a 16 year old high school student’s resistance to the idea. He got my parents involved in the discussion and the decision was pretty much made for me! Looking back on it now, I am so grateful. I especially appreciate the young people who approach me after a speech or reach out to me about the book or ask me about how I become an author. I get inspired by the interaction with other young people and take time to reply personally to every single person who reaches out to me.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The ease of creating digital books and options for self publishing will increase the books we will see for indie authors. traditional publishing will decline due to the competition and low pricing of digital books. Publishing will change like everything else, but the options will increase. I just hope the quality of books does not suffer. I have always enjoyed reading and I can’t imagine a world without great books.
What genres do you write?: Dating & Relationships, Juvenile, YA
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Sharnice A. Jones Home Page Link
Link To Sharnice A. Jones Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
