CHANTICLEER 10 Question Author Interview Series with

Dr. Janice Ellis

Dr. Ellis has written  columns for newspapers, magazines, radio commentary, presented internationally across the U.S., and now online. For the past 30 years she analyzes educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. She continues her important work in these challenging times. 

Dr. Janice Ellis entered her book From Liberty to Magnolia In Search of the American Dream into the  2018 Journey Book Awards for Narrative Non-fiction, a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs). Her stellar memoir was awarded the 2018 Journey Book Awards Grand Prize. The award winning memoir is a truly remarkable book telling what it is like to be Black in America.

We are honored that Dr. Ellis presented The Critical Role Authors Play in Fostering a Better Society  at Chanticleer’s first virtual conference, VCAC20.  Her presentation was inspirational and thought provoking. Janice S. Ellis has been an author for over 30 years and has written a column for newspapers and radio throughout her career about education, politics, race and socioeconomics. Janice Ellis holds a Ph.D. in Communication Arts, and two Master of Arts degrees, one in Communications Arts and a second in Political Science, all from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.

Dr. Ellis is one of our favorite authors—and truly a joy to get to know. She reminds us that the pen is mightier than the sword!

Now, let’s get better acquainted with  Dr. Janice Ellis.

Chanticleer: Tell us a little about yourself: How did you start writing?

Dr. Ellis: A native daughter of Mississippi, I grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement. Born and reared on a small cotton farm, I was influenced by two converging forces that would set the course of my life. The first was the fear and terror felt by blacks because of their seeking to exercise the right to vote along with other rights and privileges afforded whites. The second was my love of books, the power of words.

I began writing as a radio commentator for a large radio station right out of graduate school and continued to write commentary for newspapers and radio throughout my career. I also published articles professionally in trade journals. I began writing because I thought the need was great for a good political columnist to help the public better understand those issues that affected their daily lives. A good columnist can impact policy and help shape public opinion to support what Aristotle calls the “greater good.”

Chanticleer: When did you realize that you were an author?

Dr. Ellis: I gave it a fleeting thought when I was exempted from an English composition course as a freshman in College after writing some essays during a summer program. But the desire to become an author became more compelling in graduate school in my preparations to become a columnist/commentator. Personal and professional experiences inspired me to become an author of books. From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is my first book.

Chanticleer: That book has won quite a few awards! In fact, it took home the CIBA 2018 Grand Prize in the Journey Awards for Memoir and Narrative Non-Fiction, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream. I hear it is collecting other awards, as well. Congratulations!

Dr. Ellis: I wrote my book because there are lessons from my life journey through poverty, racism, sexism, and sexual harassment that I believe can directly benefit girls and women, blacks, and other minorities. It addresses many of the issues around racial and gender inequality that America continues to grapple with.

Chanticleer: Thank you for being a graceful and astute voice of authenticity in our world today. We need you! Do you find yourself following the rules or do you like to make up your own rules?

Dr. Ellis: I basically follow the rules. I have a strong sense of wanting to do the right thing. When that becomes difficult, I still figure out, follow my own path to achieve goals and desired results.

Chanticleer: What do you do when you’re not writing? Tells us a little about your hobbies.

Dr. Ellis: I love reading the Bible and religious commentary, and political and historical nonfiction.  When not reading I like to play scrabble and other word games. I also enjoy watching cable news, dramas, thrillers, espionage and action films, some romance and comedy shows. Walking, gardening and fishing are rejuvenating hobbies that I find very fulfilling and satisfying.

Helpful Sources from Dr. Ellis:
* Dr. Ellis writes about her life experiences and enjoys sharing about how she navigated common challenges.
* The writing craft books that have helped her the most are William Zinsser, On Writing Well and Writing About Yourself
* The books about the business of writing that have been most beneficial are Writer’s Digest, Literary Agents, How to Write a Book Proposal, and How to Market Your Book

Chanticleer: What are you working on now? What can we look forward to seeing next from you?

Dr. Ellis: I am working on two shorter books, Realizing Your Dream: A Handbook Based on Experience, and Overcoming Racism and Sexism During Your Lifetime. Hopefully, one of the above books to be released later this year.

Chanticleer Aside: Dr. Ellis won the Nellie Bly Grand Prize for her upcoming journalistic  book, Shaping How Public Opinion: How Real Advocacy Journalism Should be Practiced.

Chanticleer: How structured are you in your writing work?

Dr. Ellis: I have always wanted to be able to write something every day but have yet to achieve that goal. The need to write fresh content on my website has helped the frequency of writing short pieces. In working on books, I usually write until I cannot write anymore, sometimes for 10-14 hours segments. What I have learned that if I stop in mid-sentence, it is easy for me to resume when I begin again.

Chanticleer: J.D. Barker does that, too. It’s good advice. How do you approach your writing day?

Dr. Ellis: For a long time, I would begin writing as soon as I awaken and get a cup of coffee. Happily, now, I write anytime during the day. I sit at my computer and open to a blank page, if I am beginning a new article or chapter, it motivates me to begin putting my thoughts down. If I am in the middle of a piece, I pick up where the incomplete sentence stops.

Chanticleer: Name five of your favorite authors and describe how they influence your work.

Dr. Ellis: Former President, Jimmy Carter. The simplicity, yet elegant way he writes about his life, his work, and his values in making things better for humanity. Former President, Barack Obama. His vivid way of writing about his life and the American experience and his vision, hope, and optimism for a better America. Maya Angelou. Her cinematic description and compelling call of attention to the not-so-flattering aspects of humanity and highlighting the need for us to change and move toward our higher selves. Robert Ludlum. His command of the intrigue and complexity of characters and storyline. Kings Solomon and David. For the power, poetry, and wisdom in their books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Psalms.

Chanticleer: Great choices! What areas in your writing are you most confident in? What advice would you give someone who is struggling in that area?

Dr. Ellis: I think I am most confident in my ability to analyze and assess a situation and put forth a thoughtful perspective; and the ability to help the reader see, feel, and experience what I am writing about as if they are there with me.

“You must love the craft of writing. It is a craft. You must be dedicated and believe that what you have to say will make a difference. Be willing to write, re-write, and re-write again and again until your words convey the meaning that is intended.” – Dr. Ellis 

Chanticleer: Do you ever experience writer’s block? What do you do to overcome it?

Dr. Ellis: Yes, usually a few days after I have completed a writing project. If I must begin a new article or chapter, I pull up a blank page. Sooner or later, I feel compelled to fill the page with words that make sense, that are impactful. Sometimes, I do some activity totally unrelated to writing and find that something occurs to make me begin writing.

Chanticleer: What excites you most about writing?

Dr. Ellis: Sharing thoughts, ideas, experiences, and hopefully solutions that will enlighten, inspire, enable, and encourage someone.

Chanticleer: I admire how your motives are outward – helping others understand their world and how to navigate it. Well done! What do you do in your community to improve/promote literacy?

Dr. Ellis: I donate copies of my book to libraries, and give signed copies to individuals. I speak about the power of reading and try to encourage children and young people within my sphere of influence to read, encouraging them to read to others at every opportunity.

Chanticleer: I love that answer. Give us your best marketing tips, what’s worked to sell more books, gain notoriety, and expand your literary footprint.

Dr. Ellis: I think each author should do a book tour, with TV and radio appearances, if possible. Even if you cannot physically travel from city to city, technology today can allow you to do a lot from our home our local studios.

Also, make use of social media. Posting frequently on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and blog posts are a must. Speaking engagements are great to keep your book relevant.

Chanticleer: Especially true today in the face of a global pandemic. What are you working on now? What can we look forward to seeing next from you?

Dr. Ellis: I am working on two shorter books, Realizing Your Dream: A Handbook Based on Experience, and Overcoming Racism and Sexism During Your Lifetime. Hopefully, one of the above books to be released later this year.

Chanticleer: We will be looking for those! Who’s the perfect reader for your book?

Dr. Ellis: Teenage girls, women, minorities who are trying to navigate racism and sexism in reaching and fulfilling their purpose, goals, and dreams in life. And, for all who are concerned about America’s future and who want America’s children of all colors to realize their full potential. It will inform the racists and non-racists, the sexists and non-sexists. It will inspire and empower men and women who are in positions that can make a difference and have the will to do so—parents, teachers, policymakers, social and human rights activists, journalists, business leaders, faith leaders, and many others. Caring Americans, working together, can break the chains of racism and sexism that keep America bound.

Chanticleer: I believe it! What is the most important thing a reader can do for an author?

Dr. Ellis: Write a review and express what the book means to them. Recommend the book to family, friends, and colleagues.

Chanticleer: As always, it is a pleasure spending some time with you today. Be well and keep the good work coming!

If you would like to know more about Dr. Janice Ellis – make sure you pick up her memoir, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream and  her soon to be published ground- breaking work Shaping Public Opinion: How Real Advocacy Journalism Should Be Practiced at your local book store – or other retailers

Also, be sure to like and follow Dr. Ellis on her social media sites:

Twitter      Facebook     LinkedIn

And be sure to subscribe to her newsletter here:  Janice’s website