Jackiem Joyner
Few artists have accomplished as much in the past 20 years as Jackiem Joyner. With a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, he has shown himself to be the rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and reaching a mainstream audience. Now, as he begins the thirteenth year of his career during a time of unprecedented change in the entertainment industry, he remains as focused on his art as ever. “I don’t care how hard things get, it’ll never stop me from doing what I love,” he explains. “playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live.”
Jackiem was born in Norfolk, VA. At an early age he began to show signs of the restless creativity that would later define his career. Despite his humble upbringing, he was able to get his hands on a saxophone as a child. The instrument quickly became his constant companion. After years of practice, he emerged in style with 2007’s ‘Babysoul.’ A masterclass in seductive smooth jazz, the album marked the arrival of a brilliant instrumentalist, and set the stage for a prolific recording career that would include Grammy nods, hit singles, and no shortage of critical adoration, right up through 2019’s ‘Touch’.
While his career as a recording artist and performer would be enough to keep anyone busy, Jackiem has been nearly as prolific as an author. His novels, which span from gritty urban thrillers to highly imaginative science fiction have garnered praise from a wide audience world wide. Currently, he is promoting his most recent release ‘Zarya,’ a timely story that examines the disintegration of society on a distant desert planet. And ‘Minor Assassin’, A young boy is forced into a dark world by tragedy.
Trained by the most ruthless fighters of Japan, the teenager aims to disrupt a human trafficking network in Las Vegas. His enemies will be ruthless. And he will do anything to rescue his older sister.
In addition to his own work, Jackiem is dedicated to using his standing to inspire young artists to follow in his footsteps. With the foundation of JOYNER MEDIA COMPANY L.L.C., he is providing a new generation with the tools they need to fully realize their potential. He continues to record and release music at an impressive speed, most recently the single ‘Road To Soul,’ which was composed and recorded exclusively during quarantine. Jackiem’s has led a life unlike anyone else and continues to be a vital voice for creativity and free expression as he enters a bold new stage in his career.
Marina Raydun: Okay, Jackiem, I need to know more—how does a distinguished musician take the leap and dive head first into writing YA fiction? What first inspired you to take pen to paper?
Jackiem Joyner: Great question. It kind of started by accident really. I woke up one morning with this crazy story in my head and said to myself, this has to make the big screen! One day on tour I started to simply write whatever came to my head. The story eventually became “Zarya”. I was intrigued after finishing the first chapter. I could not wait to get back to writing the story. I continued for months until I had my draft. I found myself writing before sound check and at the airport! Interesting experiences!
MR: How does the language of music translate to writing fiction for you?
JJ: As a songwriter I feel I’m working the same muscles. I go through the same process, believe it or not. As someone who improvises / solo on stage, I appreciate being able to come up with things on the spot. When writing stories, I can fully indulge into my imagination. Especially fiction. Just allowing my mind to run wild!
MR: What is the first experience you had when you learned that language had power?
JJ: As a performer, when you see the reaction from people on stage it truly is something amazing. I’ve had couples tell me my song was played when they met their significant other! I believe that is true power! Our imagination can reach people. Be it with stories or music!
MR: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
JJ: Publishing my own book taught me to put the reader first. I learned the importance of reading similar books, too! I began to write with the end in mind!
MR: You have a new title coming out this fall. It sounds intriguing. Tell our readers a little bit about the protagonist in Minor Assassin.
JJ: Jon, the lead character didn’t want any of this. He truly wanted to be a normal boy. It starts out with him being only 8 years old. A home invasion changes his life…
Minor Assassin will take you on a dramatic journey in martial arts, spy-tech, espionage, and adventure! A suspenseful crime thriller with real world consequences.
By the age of 13, Jon finds himself in a dark underground world desperate to recuse his older sister. The 5 years he spent living in Japan turns him into a ruthless talent. But what is he fighting for?
To decapitate a massive human trafficking network in Las Vegas and to rescue his older sister from captivity. Tragedy sent him to Japan as a young boy. And there he would learn the skills needed to rescue his sister and have his revenge! Two underground worlds will collide with Jon in the middle.
MR: If you could cast your characters in a Hollywood adaption of your book, who would play your characters?
JJ: I would cast Caleb McLaughlin as the main character, Jon. Forest Whittaker as the supporting character!
MR: What is the most difficult part about your artistic process—both musically and in terms of crafting a novel?
JJ: Sometimes I get stuck on a verse or on a chorus. Or on a chapter. It can sometimes last for days! But somehow the Universe answers the call and sends me something amazing!!
MR: If you had to do something differently as a child or a teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
JJ: I definitely would have read more books. I didn’t really start reading a whole lot until I was about 28.
MR: You also run a book club on your website. Tell us a little bit about that.
JJ: I use this site to connect Authors to some of the people who read and follow my own work. It’s kind of a community where we can all give each other feedback. I also highlight my favorite books and promote what’s currently hot!
MR: What is your favorite genre to read, and what are you currently reading?
JJ: I love suspense and futuristic tech type books. Sci-fi, crime, mystery, are my favs. I’m currently reading “All Systems Red” by Martha Wells. I just finished “The Innocent” by David Baldacci.
To learn more about Jackiem, please visit the following:
https://www.instagram.com/jackiemjoyner/