Continuing our Elevating Voices series, we’re excited to introduce you to the talented Jatoria C., a rising star in the Cole Hart Signature team. While you may have already fallen in love with her captivating stories like The Devil Wears Baccarat, today we’re peeling back the pages to reveal the woman behind the words that have been stealing readers’ hearts.
Hailing from the heart of Alabama and now calling Tennessee home, Jatoria C. brings a unique blend of Southern charm and contemporary urban flair to her writing. As a mother of three amazing boys, she infuses her stories with the warmth, love, and sometimes chaos that comes with family life.
Jatoria’s journey in the literary world is a testament to following one’s passion. Her first love has always been reading romance books, a pastime that brings her immense joy. Now, she’s living her dream, crafting the very stories she once eagerly consumed. In her own words, she feels like “one of the luckiest people in the world,” making a living by doing what she truly adores – writing books that resonate with readers across the nation.
Join us as we dive into Jatoria C.’s creative process, explore her inspirations, and uncover the experiences that have shaped her into the author she is today. Let’s discover how this Southern belle is making her mark in the world of African American romance and women’s fiction, one heartfelt story at a time.
Author Interview Questions
How long have you been a published author?
I have been an author for a year and a half.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you find your niche in African American romance and women’s fiction?
One day I was sitting on the couch, and I decided to write a story to help heal from a traumatic past relationship. I picked up a notebook and just started writing. By the end of the day, I had written over forty pages, and it excited me. The next day I ordered a laptop and continued writing my first book. Halfway through the book I went on Facebook to a popular urban fiction group I had been following and asked about publishers. After receiving a response, I submitted my first three chapters to a few of them and got a response the same day.
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay productive?
My writing style is chaotic. I am a mother, so I have to plan my hours around my boys schedule especially on the weekends and during school breaks. I focus more on a writing goal for the day than a writing schedule. Every day I give myself a writing word count goal and go from there. I also like to write in silence. I hear my characters better without any background noise.
What challenges have you faced in the publishing industry, and how have you overcome them?
I think one of my biggest challenges was becoming a public figure. For a while in my life, I was a very private person but to become an author, especially in the indie author world it required me to step out of my shell.
How has your experience been working with Cole Hart Signature?
It has been amazing. Cole Hart Signature team welcomed me with open arms and have treated me with so much kindness and respect.
Is Cole Hart a great coach and mentor, and if so, what has he done for you to grow your finance and help you provide for you and your kids?
Cole Hart is a great mentor. He has taught me so much about the writing industry and being with his company has brought more opportunities toward me. I currently make more revenue than I did when I first started in the industry which gives me more money for me and my family.
Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment or milestone in your writing career?
On April 29, 2024, my book Obsessed with a Plus Size Barbie went number one making me a national best seller.
How do you connect with your readers, and what feedback have you received that has been particularly meaningful to you?
I connect most with my readers through social media sites such as Facebook and TikTok. I believe the most meaningful feedback I have received is that I have been told by a few of my readers that my books have helped uplift their mood. When I read books I experience the same feeling and to know that I am giving other people that feeling is amazing.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to break into the genre?
Always trust your pen. It is my favorite saying as an author. Peer pressure in this industry is heavy and it’s important to write the stories you want and not what other people want you to write.
What upcoming projects or books can your readers look forward to?
I am currently writing my second dark interracial novel and I am so excited. The feedback from book one was astonishing and I have found a new love in the book industry.
