Skip to content

An Interview with Kenya Jackson

jackson

I’m a lifelong community organizer who has always had a passion for helping people, especially those who fall under marginalized identities. I’ve often used my creativity as a way to serve others and I honestly believe if I can’t be creative in what I’m doing, then I’d rather not do it at all.


Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

Ever since I was about six years old, I knew writing was one of my favorite ways to express big ideas I had inside my head. My mom would encourage me to write and would often request a certain topic or theme from me as a challenge. Growing up without access to the internet meant I spent a lot of time creating stories inside my head.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

My son, Noah, inspired me to write this book. When he was diagnosed with autism, everyone looked at me with so much sympathy. While being the parent of an autistic child is different and challenging, I want people to know that they don’t have to feel sorry for me. Autism creates beautiful, unique individuals who experience the world differently than those without autism, but it doesn’t mean they’re incapable. I want people to have a better understanding of autism and to stop making harmful assumptions about people who are neurodivergent.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title of the book, Noah’s Wonderful World, reinforces my belief that autistic people can (and do) live beautiful, fulfilling lives. Autism isn’t a dirty or scary word. The title came to me easily because I do believe that my son’s life experience is wonderful, and I want others to know that!

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The art style I chose for this book was midcentury modern, so I’d have to go with some of my favorites from that era, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. All of those artists contributed to moving culture forward through their art, especially when advocating for equal and fair treatment, which is the overall theme of my book.

Describe your dream book cover.

The cover I currently have for my book is my dream cover because I designed it! I was so nervous for the world to see it because I’m a self-taught illustrator, but again, I had to just face my fears, put it out there, and hope for the best. It’s my baby boy, so it’s automatically the best to me.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’ve spent my entire career as a political organizer working to expand access to healthcare, paid maternity leave, affordable childcare, and environmental protections. Political organizing forced me to face my fears, whether it was speaking in front of my legislators, facing tear gas and angry crowds of protestors, or pouring my heart into advocating for legislation that ultimately got voted down. Organizing has taught me to go after what I want, even if there’s a strong chance I’ll fail or be met with resistance. I feel complete when I get the chance to fight for something I believe in, whether it directly benefits me or not. Writing has allowed me to mix my passion for activism with my desire to be creative in the most fulfilling way.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

I read a lot of children’s books just to better understand how they were constructed and to try to understand how to appeal to children. I pulled my information about autism from nonprofit organizations and experts on autism.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers approach the book with an open mind and a desire to learn. A lot of thought was put into explaining the behaviors we typically see from autistic individuals, including why certain behaviors happen, how we can support neurodivergent people, and how we can advocate for better inclusion.


Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.

atmosphere press

Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.