3 minute read
La Jill Hunt
All Day and Night Musings of Author and Screenwriter
Interview by La Sheera Lee
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Years ago, I recall going to my local Walmart and being arrested by a book title in the book section. I peered closer to the rack and picked up the book. I quickly started reading the synopsis of the book. My reader instinct told me that the book I was holding was a winner. The title of the book was Drama Queen. That was the day I was introduced to the musings of La Jill Hunt. Since that day, I have digested her books like the congregation waiting for the homecoming meal after morning service.
Our lives have evolved with her body of work. In some regards, her books can appear to be one of the soundtracks to our ever-changing lives. We have shifted our experiences from being Drama Queen to Midlife Crisis to Large and in Charge. Well, maybe some of us. But...you get the message. Now, La Jill is lending her talents to the world of television. She is one of the screenwriters for the hit BET show, Family Business. A little birdie also has told me that there might be more congratulatory news to share in the near future. Although La Jill has been able to sustain herself in an industry that is not always known for playing nice in the sandbox, she is one of the humblest individuals you will encounter in the industry. You know you can’t stop a drama queen from shining. Today, we are going to get to know a little about La Jill and her road to fame.
La Sheera Lee: When did the writing bug hit you?
La Jill Hunt: Honestly, I started writing as a method to entertain my coworkers. The work environment was a little stressful. Writing was my way to release my tension. My coworkers were intrigued by the stories I was spinning. That made me think that writing could be more than a stress releaser from the ills taking place at my job.
LL: How do you remain original, and still deliver what your readers want?
LH: My readers understand who I am. They understand the rawness and transparency in my writing. I write my truth in every book. It is the best conceived storyline, characters, and words that I can deliver. I don’t write to fit trends. I write to fit the needs of the characters and plots dancing around in my head. It is my hope, with each and every book, that my readers will love and appreciate the time and effort I take to give them a great project.
LL: Your current book deals with relationships in a variety of forms. Did writing this book help you to analyze relationships around you?
LH: I think if we are honest, in various stages of our lives, we are reevaluating relationships. However, I did not necessarily draw on any particular relationships in my life to write the book.
LL: What are some elements of being an author that did not come into play when you first started?
LH: Social media has really changed the landscape of the industry. Authors and readers have constant connection. When I first started in the industry, that was not the case. There are so many methods and platforms that can connect readers and authors. I am evolving in this area. I am getting better at it each day.
LL: So, let’s talk about the big screen. There are so many people who want to write for other platforms. What advice would you give them?
LH: Keep writing. Don’t allow the naysayers to make you give up on your dreams. I want all writers to understand that message. If it is your passion and gifting, continue to write. Period!