Meet the Author and Giveaway: Kimberly B. Jones, Author of Our Friendship Matters

Thank you to iRead Book Tours for having me as a part of the official blog tour for Our Friendship Matters by, Kimberly B. Jones. I am very excited to be able to introduce you, not only to this book, but to the author as well!

Our Friendship Matters
Kimberley B. Jones
Publication date: October 5th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Leah and Sasha are 17-year-old friends who had been close to one another since elementary school, but as the summer approaches they find their friendship tested in ways they never anticipated.
Following graduation, Sasha’s privileged life and perception of the world around her is suddenly altered when an old childhood friend persuades her to join in a campaign against an injustice after his best friend is killed by a cop.
But joining the protest has unforeseen consequences for Sasha, distancing her from Leah, who becomes jealous of Sasha’s new friends and finds herself on the opposing side, protesting alongside her group of new white friends.
As the tension mounts between the two bitterly opposed factions, a tragedy strikes and threatens to make Sasha and Leah enemies. Can they find a way to resolve their differences, putting them to the side and learn to accept each other’s viewpoints? Or is their long friendship finished for good?

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Kimberley B. Jones is a small country girl from St. George, SC. She followed her heart in college writing children books. Recently she decided to challenge herself and branch off to novels. She is your typical nomad who moves from place to place. Not by choice, but her husband serves in the military. She has a bachelors and masters in early childhood education. Kimberley is represented by Rhetaskew Publishing company and is best known for her debut novel, Our Friendship Matters.
When she is not writing, she is either thinking of another topic or reading. She loves writing , it gives her a chance to escape into another human character and express herself, other than being your typical mother and wife. If you don’t want to be on her bad side, then she needs her white chocolate mocha every morning. Some days Folgers breakfast blend coffee is okay.

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And now for an exclusive interview with Kimberly B. Jones…

What inspired you to write Our Friendship Matters?

During the time of my mom passing, I needed to channel my feelings onto another surface. While in the hospital, she encouraged me to keep writing. Everything I do is for her. She always knew I had a passion for writing. When I returned home to Missouri the death of another African American was all over the news. I began stressing to my husband about all the police brutality that we have encountered year after year. I was fearing for his life, my son’s life, and both African American males. I wanted justice for all the people killed amongst the hands of a police officer and not just a slap on the wrist. In between the time of me mourning for my mom passing and angry from all the police brutality amongst African Americans, I had so many mixed feelings. So, I decided to write a novel and put all my feelings towards Our Friendship Matters. This was three years ago and it’s sad how we are still living this today in 2020.

What was the most difficult part of writing the book?

The most difficult part of writing this book was using profanity. This was my first novel, so I wasn’t sure if I should use profanity for young adults or not. Then, I verified it with my editor, and she confirmed that it was okay, and I should say just what I meant. It’s not heavy profanity but something you would hear on a daily basis.

What does being a successful author look like to you?

A successful author to me is expressing your concern in words across the nation so that you or a group can be heard and make change.

Do you plan on writing more YA books in the future that tackle racial injustice and police brutality?

Oh yes. I am writing another novel that’s dealing with racial injustice and you can say that it does have a little police brutality but it’s coming from a southern point of view.

What’s the best and worst writing/publishing advice anyone ever gave to you?

I received some great advice from a NYT bestselling author. She encouraged me to stay open to stories. She told me that I will have a strong following and will not need anyone’s words on my cover and good things are coming. She gave me hope for the novel because in writing there is always discouragement. There is also room for growth and a way to become a better writer. I’m not no Stephen King, but I can become a writer just as good as him. There’s always room for improvement.

If you can go back in time, where would you go?

That’s a great question because if I can go back in time I would go back to where my mom was healthy and do more with her. At times, I wish this was a thing that could happen but I do cherish all the memories we shared.

In 5 words or less, what can readers expect from your book?

Races coming together for change.