We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Absalon White Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Absalon below.
Absalon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve always been a creative person. I think I get that from my mom. Growing up, she found ways to make our childhood fun, even when we didn’t have much. Watching her turn limitations into imagination really stuck with me.
For me, staying inspired comes naturally. I fuel my imagination through anime, superhero movies, TV shows, books, music, and just observing the world around me. There’s inspiration in everything if you’re paying attention.
Sometimes, I get inspired just by watching lightning streak across the sky or watching the wind blow through the trees. I find creativity in animals, in music, in pictures, in nature, it’s everywhere. The world is full of so many different things that I honestly feel like my creativity has no limits.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an author who specializes in writing comic books, best known for my series Instant. The story follows myself as the titular character, Instant, who gains super speed after a traumatic accident. Unlike me, though, he doesn’t want his powers, whereas I’ve always dreamed of becoming a superhero. He’s burdened by the gift I’ve always wished for.
I think the most exciting part about my career is the bond I’ve built with my fans. There’s nothing more rewarding than meeting someone who’s read Instant and watching their face light up, or even seeing them get emotional, sometimes to the point of tears, when they meet Instant in real life.
Other exciting aspects of my career have been being featured on ABC, PBS, radio shows, podcasts, and I even hosted a panel at Phoenix Comic-Con. I also hosted a book signing event, a poster signing, and was honored during Black History Month at the Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain. Those have all been very exciting moments in my career.
And now, I’m incredibly honored to be interviewed by BoldJourney Magazine. It’s a huge milestone, and I’m beyond grateful to be here.
Although I’ve achieved some incredible milestones since publishing Instant, I haven’t yet reached a place where I can write comic books full time. I’m still waiting for that “big break” or viral moment that could change everything.
I’m incredibly grateful for the fan base I’ve built so far, and I’ll never take their support for granted. But without wider exposure, most of the world still hasn’t seen what I can do as an author, or had a chance to read Instant. Until that happens, making comic books my full time career remains a dream I’m working toward.
I’m hopeful that this feature in BoldJourney Magazine could be the moment that changes things, that it helps more people discover my work, expands my audience, and brings me closer to writing comics full time. That’s my prayer, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My imagination, determination, and the way I draw inspiration from the world around me have all played a big role in my journey as an author.
If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this… trust yourself. Only you know what you’re truly capable of. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. Believe in your own path and your ability to reach your goals.
And more than anything, trust in God. Pray, ask Him for guidance and success, and keep your faith strong. He’s the one who opens doors.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was, my dad introducing me to comic books when I was 10 and teaching me how to read the panels, and introducing me to anime.
By the time I turned 14, my mom noticed how deep my love for anime and superheroes ran. One day she asked, “Why don’t you write your own comic book and create your own superheroes?” That idea had never crossed my mind. I honestly didn’t think a kid like me could do something like that. But she believed I could. She even sat me down and taught me how to use Microsoft Word on my old HP laptop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DPJ7NRL2/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.H41C4qI6lGPGFofCV2eHXg.QxmOIrg-ZxN84bPd1b_QPbWg9uLIgCiHI9HTEtfS_gI&qid=1744356329&sr=8-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absalonwhitejr?igsh=MXBodWJyN2drbTZ1cQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@absalonwhitejr.?si=aIUoE3OCLrGqmb0M
- Other: https://youtube.com/shorts/yeHBV9hfGZA?si=Uf_uRGahCfhJczZ4
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