Meet Norma Jarrett | Writer and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Norma Jarrett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Norma, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Originally, I had no intentions of becoming a published or independent author. I wrote my first novel in my last year of law school. I’d always been a writer and storyteller at heart. So, I guess you can say my path to creativity was very organic. My first novel about five women lawyers began as a journal. I self-published and landed book deals with a major publisher. I’ve been in book and other creative related business since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love to write impactful, inspiring stories with women of color at the center that focus on  family, careers, romance, sisterhood, challenges, and successes. I write relatable contemporary women’s stories with heart, faith, and substance. When I first began writing, I wanted to make sure I my characters were realistic yet showcased the positive images I’ve known in my life. As mentioned earlier, I wrote my first novel, Sunday Brunch, in my last year of law school. Back then self-publishing was difficult. Not much of a road map, examples, or mentors. It was a total walk of faith. I planned and curated a book launch the same weekend of my law school graduation and over 200 people showed up. After promoting heavily on a shoestring budget, I landed multiple book deals with Randomhouse (as well as a movie option contract). The key was vision, faith, and consistency. I took risks but kept purpose in mind. Over the course of this journey, I’ve had features in Ebony, Essence, USA Today, Southern Living, Publishers Weekly and media. I’ve also made appearances at The Essence Music Festival, Miami Book Fair, Harlem Book Fair and other major book conferences. There were many challenges including financial, but I was creative and often self-funded ventures. The lessons that I have learned were not to limit myself, trust God, do my research and build relationships. The industry is moving so fast, but we still need to stay true to ourselves. My evolution has been quick in some areas, slow in others. I can honestly say, I am an innovator and somewhat of a trailblazer. Over thirteen titles later, I’m still here and more creative ventures are in the near future.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in the city all relate to food, books, music and art. Fun and excitement is relative (smile). I love Tiny No. 5, a quiet neighborhood spot with great breakfast on weekend mornings. You can also catch a great play or show at Stages Performing Arts Theater or Hobby Theater downtown. For a relaxing or laid-back concert, The Arena Theater or Cynthia Woods Pavilion is always great, on occasion, I check out must see exhibits at The Houston Museum of Fine Arts or The Mitochondria Gallery. Of course, Houston has several bookstores to shop a good read: Kindred Stories (books + events), Barnes and Noble, and Brazos Books. I love the Proper Rose Tearoom, Lancaster Hotel, and other girlie spots for tea and brunch. I love the City Centre to browse and wander. A resort day pass for swimming and lounging at a local hotel, is always a win. One place on my radar is Sugar Frk, a cute bakery and cafe. I’m such a homebody, so not sure I know all the “hot” spots, but I shared some of my favs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to God, my co-creator (smile), the many book clubs and book lovers (especially black women) who have supported me over the years. Special recognition goes to Essence Magazine (I’ve had four features over the years) and Janet Hill Talbert (former Sr. Editor at Randomhouse Books) who championed me as well as other African-American writers at the time. Of course, family, alumni at North Carolina A & T State University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law and my sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Website: www.normajarrett.com

Instagram: @normajarrettwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenormajarrettpage/