Episode 9: Turning Rejections into Bestsellers with Author Kimberly Latrice Jones

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how a former clown from Ringling Brothers transitions to writing a Joker graphic novel for DC Comics? Join us on this episode of Craft Chat Chronicles as we sit down with Kimberly Latrice Jones, a New York Times bestselling author and NAACP Image Award nominee. From her early ambitions of becoming a picture book author to co-writing a novel inspired by the civil unrest following Freddie Gray's death, Kimberly’s journey is both unique and inspiring. She shares intimate details about facing numerous rejections, the exhaustive revisions she endured, and the relentless promotion efforts that turned around the initial disappointing sales of her co-authored book.Kimberly opens up about her unconventional career path, including stints as a professional boxer and production secretary for Tyler Perry, offering a fascinating perspective on creative perseverance. We discuss the art of storytelling, focusing on crafting suspense, the importance of pacing, and how to handle rejection constructively. Kimberly also breaks down her strategies for effective writing, emphasizing hard work over innate talent and sharing her go-to resources for aspiring screenwriters. From navigating complex entertainment contracts to the intricate process of turning a novel into a television series, there's a wealth of knowledge here for anyone looking to break into the creative industry.Listen as Kimberly provides practical tips on writing with a partner, the benefits of using specific screenwriting software, and how to humanize narratives on racial injustice. She also discusses exciting upcoming projects, including a Joker graphic novel and the Aster Project, which honors victims of police violence through various art forms. Don't miss this episode packed with career insights, valuable resources, and inspirational stories that promise to fuel your creative ambitions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in literature and film today.https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchatKeywords:   Kimberly Latrice Jones, Craft Chat Chronicles, Joker graphic novel, DC Comics, New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Image Award nominee, Freddie Gray, civil unrest, rejections, revisions, promotion efforts, professional boxer, production secretary, Tyler Perry, storytelling, suspense, pacing, rejection, effective writing, aspiring screenwriters, entertainment contracts, novel to television series, writing partner, screenwriting software, humanizing narratives, racial injustice, upcoming projects, Aster Project, police violence, career insights, valuable resources, inspirational stories, creative industry, literature, film, screenwriting, screen, writing, diy mfa, mfa,drexel,drexel university, creative writing Support the show🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram 🌐 Website & Media Kit 💌 Newsletter 🔗 LinktreeWatch episodes on YouTube as well. 💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...