North Carolina native J.J. Savaunt is well-known for her awe-inducing written pieces that beautifully details the raw reality of current social injustices. Her work pushes existing boundaries worldwide and heavily emphasizes the inclusion of black narratives in fiction and fantasy genres.
J.J. Savaunt is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. There, she received her bachelor’s degree in International Studies and spent time abroad in Costa Rica. Her education helped J.J. grow her perspective and improve her writing.
Using the skills she had accumulated since she started writing at 12 years old, J.J. Savaunt released her first book of poems in 2018. “The Reflection Within The Mirror” won her the Honor Book Recipient from the Black Caucus American Library Association for Best Poetry.
After achieving outstanding success from her first publication, the author was soon appointed as a member of the International Association of Professional Writers and Editors. She is also an author on the International Mobile application ‘Microstory’ based in France, where she maximizes the platform to further the movement for black representation and narratives.
“Late last year, I was almost abducted, literally snatched off the street and never heard from again. In my work I’m using my voice to shed light to missing black women,” she reveals. “I believe reading is the antidote to ignorance and by putting forth narratives that blur the line between fiction and reality, I hope to bring awareness to real-life issues.”
Five years from now, the author sees herself in law enforcement logging long hours to stop human trafficking. After her traumatic experience, she has grown stronger in her determination to save those who are unable to tag their cases as “almost.” While she is still in the process of realizing that dream, she is hard at work, shedding light on the situation through literature.
“Being that I was almost a victim of it, in my home city, all of my writing aims to bring awareness to the problem affecting millions,” she passionately states. “Now more than ever publishers are pushing black and minority narratives to the forefront.”
Currently, J.J. Savaunt is in the service of the United States Army. When she’s not at training or performing her duties, she spends her time writing her first Fantasy novel entitled, “A Riddle of Chaos.” The upcoming novel is set in pre-industrial times and will follow the story of a royal family that is unapologetically black and beautiful.
Through “A Riddle of Chaos,” J.J. Savaunt furthers the conversation of having black protagonists. She says, “the way to change the world’s view on black lives is to change the way the media represents people of color.” Through her powerful writing and the upcoming novel, J.J. Savaunt is determined to have readers aware of how they can ignite and be the change they want to see.
Follow J.J. Savaunt’s work and learn more about how she uses her pen to change the world’s view on those of African-American descent one book at a time. The author keeps her audience updated on her Instagram account and official website.
