The Book That Changed E.N. Joy’s Life

Tell us about you.

I’m Joylynn M. Ross writing as BLESSEDselling Author E. N. Joy. In my literary career spanning 22 years, I’ve written under the names Joylynn M. Jossel, JOY, E. N. Joy, and JOY. Before I was an author, I was a reader. While at one point reading was an escape for me, writing became one as well.

What book changed your life?  

Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines

How did this book impact your life?

 It was the first book I’d ever read with main characters that looked like me. With characters that walked, talked, and thought like me. I remember sneaking the book out at night and reading it while lying in bed. I was so deeply enthralled that I felt like I became that black girl who was lost. I remember closing that book upon the final chapter and saying to myself, “One day I’m going to write a book that does that to people . . . that will teleport them into another world.” And so I did. This book is what struck the true desire in me to want to become a published author–not just a writer because I was already writing–but a published author . . . sharing my writings with the world.

What lesson did you take from this book?

 I learned that women had a voice, and it was this book that gave a voice to the voiceless. Someone actually cared about the Black girl being lost (and this was long before the #MuteRKelly movement). So, this , too, became a desire of mine; to give the voiceless a voice, starting with myself.

How can people get in touch with you? 

My author website is http://www.enjoywrites.com and I’m also on social  media as E N Joy. Those with a desire to share their voice through the written word can connect with me on Facebook under Joylynn Ross and visit my company website at http://www.pathtopublishing.com.