We were lucky to catch up with JC Gardner recently and have shared our conversation below.
JC, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
There are many people who wander through life not understanding their place in the world. I was not one of them. Ever since the age of 12, I knew I was a storyteller through the written word.
It was a steamy, hot day in the Bronx, NY, and my best friend and I were visiting my grandmother for a week, having just graduated sixth grade. After we had done all we could do — movies, shopping, board games, and cooling off in the hydrant (that was an awesome thing back then), we were bored. I suggested we write stories. She thought it was a grand idea.
We retreated to our corners to write. My pen moved effortlessly across the pages, as my imagination came to life with people, places and things. It came easy to me, and before you knew it, I was well on my way to crafting my first short story.
After 20 minutes or so, we gathered together to share our notes. My friend’s pages were blank but mine were filled with the makings of a fictional horror story, no doubt influenced by the “Creature Feature” movie series of yesteryear.
That moment in time lit a spark within. I relished telling stories, and I enjoyed bringing characters to life. In my youth, I was an avid reader and used those literary lessons to build my own skills and craft my unique perspective. The main thing was that I knew I was to be an author; I was destined to entertain through the power of the pen.
Soon after that, my light was quickly dimmed. I was entering seventh grade as a tall, lanky, over-developed girl who would rather stay in the back of the room, cowering in the shadows of insecurity. Then the most magical thing happened. My English teacher assigned a creative writing project, and I was beyond excited. I decided to do a book of poems. I remember feeling victorious, for although I was in her class, she knew not who I really was, but I was certain once she read those poems, she would know my name!
I crafted several poems, all rhyming in nature. Some were serious and some were humorous. Let’s just say I was super proud of the final project, and after it was turned in, I anxiously awaited my grade.
The day the assignment was returned, out of a class of say 33 kids, I was given mine last. The teacher threw it on my desk with much attitude and then followed that action with a venomous, “I’m not grading that!!”
I sheepishly said, “Wha-what?” Mind you, I was in utter disbelief.
She shot back, “It’s all plagiarized. You did not write them.”
My eyes bucked, as my body quivered with not only anger but fear…fear of trying to speak up for myself. I struggled to find my voice and blurted out, “I did write them.”
That enraged her. She yelled, “Shut up! You are getting a zero!”
Embarrassment and humiliation does not explain how I felt. Hot tears burned my eyes. At the end of class, I gathered my things and eventually went home, where I collapsed into my mother’s arms, bawling my heart out.
From that point on, I squandered my gift. I did not want to share it with anyone else for fear of rejection. That teacher’s words lived rent-free in my head for decades…and I mean decades. Yet, I could not stop writing. I could not stop producing poems, plays, songs, novels, and so on. All of these works I kept hidden away, protecting that inner child from any further assault.
To make a very long story short, one day, I was set free from her hurtful words. God let me know that writing is part of my DNA. I was given that gift not just for myself, but to bless someone else.
Today, I am an award-winning author. I am a writing coach and ghost writer. I’m also a lead instructor with a local nonprofit whose purpose it is to coach and nurture young authors. We are all here for a purpose, and mine is to create and teach others how to tell their stories and in turn, set themselves free.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m currently the owner of Blossom Literary Services. I’m here to serve all of your literary needs from bios, to editing, ghostwriting, novels, anthologies, and so on — anything in the literary space. Often I’m asked if I am a publisher, but that is not my calling; however, I am passionate about my craft and ensuring your manuscript and/or project is ready for prime time.
I’m currently working with Youth Writer’s Rock Nonprofit in Baltimore, Maryland. This wonderful organization helps young people become published authors from 4th-12th grade. One of the published books I was directly involved with was turned into an award-winning short film about bullying. Our most recent publication is set to be a stage play. These young people are making their mark in the world unapologetically.
In addition to penning 5 books, I’ve been a part of several anthologies and hope to publish again under my own name in the very near future.
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?
As a writing coach, I have to continually read other content and stay abreast of what is hot and what is not. This does not mean I would shy away from something that is off the beaten path, but it’s always good to know what is trending. Staying “in the know” allows me to relate to young and old alike. I get a kick out of my school-aged youth students being surprised at my knowledge of street slang. Yes, indeed. I still submit my work to contests and other literary spaces. It keeps me on my toes and also forces me occasionally out of my comfort zone.
My spiritual journey towards wholeness from feeling broken inside is a testament to my faith and my relationship with God. So many people go through so many things. With my childhood experience, some may say, “Oh that was nothing, ” or “I would have proven to her she was wrong.” Everyone is not in the same place on their life journey. Getting to a place of contentment can be a jog, not a sprint. We all have work to do. Allow lots of grace.
Having my family by my side pushing me and cheering me on has been priceless. We all need that in our lives, that familial support of people cheering on the sidelines. Having my family, along with a core group of “ride or fly” friends and supporters makes those dark days a whole lot brighter.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Last year, I read a book by Tabitha Brown called, “Feeding the Soul.” I found it utterly life-changing. It was real talk, and I related to so many of the wisdom nuggets she shared.
One of those nuggets had to do with traditions. I feel like sometimes, we all feel we have to follow and adhere to the same traditions year after year, even though they may no longer serve us. She was really clear and convincing with saying it’s okay to break free. It was such a simple and obvious lesson that it’s okay to do you. Go on and be different. Don’t be afraid to start something new.
Whew! That was a word!
Contact Info:
- Website: (2) sites: www.blossomlitservices.com;
https://jc-gardner.com/books/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_jcg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJCG
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Email: JC@blossomlitservices.com
