Judy Jackson Winston, MSSA, LISW-S, ESQ. Behavioral Health Fiction Author JJ Winston is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and an Attorney, who for 19 years, served as an advocate for individuals and their families who suffer with behavioral health disorders. JJ Winston is currently employed as a Magistrate Judge in Family Court in Cleveland, Ohio. She is the proud mother of two adult children, Julian and Jasemine, wife to Douglas Winston Esq., and author of two novels, and one non-fiction workbook.
-What is your genre? What draws you to this genre?
Behavioral Health Fiction.
I am drawn to this genre because I believe that my Behavioral Health Fiction allows me to educate my readers about one of my favorite subjects, Mental Health. I am drawn to this genre because I believe that there is a lack of stories about African American/Blacks who are dealing with these type of problems. This has been a taboo subject within our community and I wanted to use my experience and knowledge to make interesting stories that also raise awareness about social issues like mental health, sex trafficking and sickle cell disease. I have always loved to read and I am drawn to many genres and writing about African American characters who have real life problems like the ones experienced by so many of us is my passion.
-What is your purpose?
I believe that it is my purpose to use my knowledge, educational background and experience to write stories that helps people to change their lives. I am using my fiction to raise awareness and I believe that this is my ultimate purpose to educate my audience and entertain them all at the same time.
-Who has influenced your life as an author?
Oprah Winfrey has had a huge influence on me as an author. I remember being a teenager and watching her shows and learning that she was reading the very same books I was. I have been influenced by numerous authors that I have enjoyed reading. The list includes Eric Jerome Dickey, Terry McMillian, J California Cooper, and RM Johnson but there are many more.
-What is your favorite marketing technique? How do you get your book in front of readers?
I really enjoy doing podcasts because it allows for me to meet new people and expose myself to different audiences. It is difficult getting my books in front of readers but I have spoken for numerous groups such as the 100 Black Women of Cleveland, Negro Women of Cleveland, Alpha Kappa Alpha, numerous churches and all of these organizations have supported me by purchasing my novels. I have also spoken at libraries and have done numerous radio interviews. It is my hope to keep the names of my novels on everyone’s lips.
-What is something you want readers to know about you?
I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a member of Top Ladies of Distinction. I was an advocate for those suffering with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder for 19 years. I am now employed as a Magistrate Judge in Family Court. I have been married for 23 years and have an Adult son and an Adult Daughter who is living with Sickle Cell Disease.
-What are you reading right now?
Unfortunately, I have been so busy with writing and marketing my book that I am not reading anything right now. However, when I get some extra time I am planning to read “The Praise Dancer.” By Michael Payne who is another Self Published author.
-3 Fun facts about yourself
I wrote both my novels on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I have a great sense of humor and am often told I should be a comedian, I love watching kid movies with my granddaughter who is 6.
In The Anniversary, you will meet Grandville and Juliette Stubbs, as they attempt to come to terms with several losses that precipitate Grandville’s mental health diagnosis. The trials and tribulations chronicled by the Stubbs family in this fictional account explore several topics, including communication, marriage, acceptance and forgiveness. This work was created to give a voice to individuals and their families who live daily with past trauma, loss, and the stigma attached to being diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder. The Anniversary Workbook companion asks, what do you do when life has you in check? This is the question that Grandville – one of the fictional characters in The Anniversary – ponders as he struggles to come to terms with his mental health disorder, its impact on his personal relationships, and what’s required to treat his condition. Like Grandville, many Americans are ambivalent about getting mental health treatment for fear of being stigmatized or stereotyped. The Anniversary Workbook is a valuable resource for those who want to gain basic knowledge about the causes of mental illness, the impact it has on interpersonal relationships, and the resources which are available for helping individuals with mental health disorders and their families to cope with their condition. In The Commemoration, the sequel to the blockbuster novel, The Anniversary, picks up right where the compelling debut novel left off. As Grandville grapples with the complexities of adjusting to his transition home from prison, resuming his relationship with his wife, and dealing with the challenges of fatherhood, he is mindful of preserving his mental health.
The Commemoration is a story chronicling one couple’s fight against tragedy, family secrets, tremendous loss, and a host of tough decisions. During this complex journey, will their trust in God and each other foster the forgiveness and understanding they need or will the secrets of their past cause their kingdom to fall under attack?
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3oLq6X0
Visit JJ Winston’s website at http://www.Novelistjjwinston.com, follow her on Facebook and Instagram @NovelistJJWinston.
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