Author Spotlight: Jermaine Edwards

We are pleased to introduce Jermaine Edwards. Jermaine recently published Babies of the Bible and How to Catch Fireflies with us, which are now available through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Jermaine to share a little bit about his writing, and new books. But first, a little bit about him.

About

Jermaine Edwards, a Canadian author and Christian. From an early age, he had a desire to help and connect with people. Growing up, he was surrounded by his parents, two younger brothers, as well as his extended family; creating a real sense of community. He would volunteer at soup kitchens as well as in food banks. This gave him the drive to pursue getting a diploma in Community and Outreach development as well as a Bachelors in Sociology.

As a teenager Jermaine began to write poetry and from there a real love for literature began. Writing became not just a means to pass the time but a way of expression. Reading the Bible would often inspire him to reflect on life events and to write. He began to write short stories and shape his poetry skills. His work was even featured in the Canadian Apostolic Ministries (CAM) magazine.

Jermaine is now married, a father and a minister. He is currently a Sunday school teacher as well as the department’s superintendent at his church. Over the last decade, He has worked with youth from different walks of life.

His goal as a writer is to demonstrate to others the light of Christ for all generations. It is his desire to writes books that inspire others to smile, think, and enjoy life.

 

Q&A

Q:  When did you first consider yourself a writer?
A:  I started writing when I was in high school. It was not until I had to write a short story that I realized I loved writing. My teacher at the time encouraged me to pursue writing but back then, I was only interested in writing for myself. After college, I continued to write and received a lot of reviews from people in my community and church. One of my poems even reached Canadian Apostolic Ministries (CAM) magazine. After that, I believe I considered myself a writer.

Q:  Where does your inspiration come from?
A:  My inspiration comes firstly from God and His word. There are so many untold stories in Bible that should be shared as well as unique ways to tell them. I am also inspired by life, the experiences from family and friends. It also helps that I am now a father of a toddler so he helps me to be creative.

Q:  What do you hope your readers take away from these books?
A:  My goal is for the readers to enjoy the book. I want them to enjoy the sweet things in life regardless of how big or small they are. It is my hope that at the end of each book they will want to know more about God and His word. Through stories like Babies of the Bible and How to Catch Fireflies, I hope that they would ignite creativity in others. Dream big even if you are small.

Q:  What was the highlight of writing these books?
A:  For me, it was the process. From writing, to seeing illustrations being created, to finally holding a copy in my hand. When my first copy came in the mail it was an awesome moment to hold something you took time to create and now it is here.

Q:  What was your favourite part of the publishing process?
A:  My favourite part I think is working with the publisher and building something from an idea into a book. After this point, I think my favourite part will be to see how happy children will be when receiving their copy of my books.

Q:  Do you have any more books planned for the future?
A:  Yes I do! So far I have Babies of the Bible and coming soon will be How to Catch Fireflies. For the rest you will just have to wait and see! I am looking forward to some of the new stories hope you will be too.

Q:  What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A:  My advice is to never give up. Learn the author and publication trade and keep dreaming. The stories that you have inside you no one else can tell it better!

 

Connecting Points

Follow Jermaine on Instagram for details on upcoming events and more.