Meet Jenika Mccrayer

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenika Mccrayer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenika below.

Hi Jenika, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

As a Black woman, I’m used to being the “only one in the room” that looks like me. I used to be in a male-dominated career (policy), I’m a competitive powerlifter– a male-dominated sport, and horror, a male-dominated (and often chauvinist) counterculture.

Being the only black person and/or woman in the room is unacceptable to me. I consider myself effective and successful only when I point that out and encourage change. I hope my presence brings about change or inspires others like me to be in the room with me.

At one powerlifting competition, I was the only woman in my weight class, so while the rest of the women competed in the morning session, I was in the afternoon session with all the men. I was so nervous to be the only woman around, and when I compete, I usually wear all pink, so I definitely stood out. But what stands out to me the most about that day are the women in the audience who came up to me to tell me how “badass” I was and how happy they were to see me on the platform. It’s easy to get in your head and feel insecure about being the only person, but that competition reminded me that someone looks up to you even if you feel alone.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a writer. I have been a journalist since age 15 when I started as a Teen Correspondent for The Virginian Pilot. I have lived many lives: a writer, gamer, athlete, public servant, etc. But I believe that writers should lead lives worth writing about.

Writing has been a meandering journey for me. I only recently started referring to myself as a writer. I always had this idea—this fantasy—that “real” writers write full-time (and can live off of their art). Thankfully, I’ve learned this is merely a fantasy for most writers.

I easily identified as a public servant in my past life, although I was still a prolific writer in my “spare” time. Ironically, the people around me always told ME I was a writer and encouraged me to pursue it. In my last few jobs, I was also prompted to write scripts, press releases, memorandums, and other important shit when my bosses discovered a new skill to exploit. I eventually–and thankfully– grew tired of writing for others and fulfilling other people’s dreams and decided to pursue my own. I began writing full-time in 2022.

I write about horror media, gender, and labor organizing. I don’t limit myself! I have two Gender Studies degrees, and I am proud to be considered a Feminist Killjoy. I absolutely love the horror genre for its socio-political commentary and brutal honesty, which I feel our society lacks. Lately, I feel like everyone is being dishonest to each other and themselves about the state of things. Horror is the mirror society needs but doesn’t want to look into– it reflects our deepest fears and prejudices. It’s so raw. It’s so REAL. I find it refreshing.

I write for Fangoria Magazine and Horror Press. My more newsy endeavors can be found in Prism Reports and Everyday Feminism. I was a Contributing Editor for Obvi We’re the Ladies, a women-centered publication. I am currently the Managing Editor for Priestess Magazine, another women-centered publication that will debut next year. I was also a workshop leader for the New York Writers Coalition and co-led Bed Stuy Book Club, a club exclusive to readers of color. I’m hosting a six-week creative writing workshop centered on female and trans rage that starts in January, called Righteous Rage. I plan to pursue horror fiction in earnest in 2025. I’m enjoying this meandering journey and look forward to what comes next!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience: This is crucial. As a writer, I spend most of my time “pitching” to publications, or in other words, sending proposals for articles to editors. You will hear “No” often if you hear anything at all. As an editor, I can tell you that most of the time, “no” really means “not right now,” “this isn’t the right publication for your idea,” or “your approach is not timely, relevant, etc.” Hearing no most of the time is discouraging, but you have to move past it. The yeses will come, and they will be glorious.
Be a reader: I don’t trust writers who don’t read. What are their influences? Who are their heroes? Who are they trying to imitate? (We all start as imitators before we find our unique voice.) Who taught them to craft a story, create tension and suspense, etc.? We are privileged to live in a time when we have access to so much knowledge and literature, so make good use of it.
Community: A writing community is essential for accountability, encouragement, and bouncing ideas off each other. Surround yourself with like-minded people. You can’t be on this journey alone!

I’ll give a bonus quality: be open to critique. Yes, I know it hurts, but it’s an opportunity to improve!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always looking for other queer BIPOC creators to collaborate with. You must love horror and have the ability to daydream and suspend belief. You can reach me on Instagram @yourwkndlvr or a [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @yourwkndlvr
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/jenikamc
• Twitter: @JenikaMc
• Other: More info on my Righteous Rage workshop can be found on my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DC0HbV6NueG/?img_index=1

Image Credits

The powerlifting photo was taken by Geno Chavez