Author Spotlight: Tristan Jackson

Born and raised in Freedmen’s Town, one of that Houston Texas most important African-American historic communities, raised in a single-family household; nothing stopped Tristan Jackson from obtaining a Bachelors of Business Administration in Human Resource Management (2009) and Masters of Public Administration (2013) from Lamar University.

Persevering through many obstacles in 4th ward Houston it was clear that Ms. Jackson was determined to break the generational curses in her family. The biggest hurdle of attending college was a journey big enough to tell and a dream fulfilled that many are trying to accomplish.

Determined to share her story and redeem Freedmen’s Town to the center of black cultural and professional life as it was in the early nineteenth century; “Dream the Impossible” was birthed and released in 2015. This true story reveals the intimate struggles and unlimited victories accomplished through prayer, faith and higher education.  This book unveils tips on how to achieve success through higher education as well as overcoming adversity through Christianity and faith in God.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Tristan, Tristan?

Tristan: I would describe my swagher as perseverance and determination. I want to make an impact on the world. My word is “impact”. While this doesn’t describe what I do, it describes where I add value. In my coaching, workshops, and key note speeches I seek to make an impact. I would describe myself as a very determined and highly motivated person. I do take my job seriously, but I’m able to see things in perspective, and believe I’m quite easy-going to work with. I’m an optimist rather than a pessimist – but I’m also a realist, and I cope well when the going gets tough; I’m very good at finding solutions to problems. Above all, I would say I’m a positive and enthusiastic person – and I relish a challenge. I know that, if I continue to work my craft, I will be able to work with the greats like Oprah and Tyler Perry.

Fancy: So you are originally from Freedmen’s Town, can you tell us a little about what it was like growing up there?

Tristan: Growing up in Freedmen’s Town was rough. I managed to get out, but the lessons I learned about human nature will stay with me forever. I have eight siblings and was the second one to graduate high-school. I am the only sibling to graduate college. I learned things from that environment which give me a significant advantage in civilized society. And the things I learned are very different from book learning. This is the type of education you can only experience, survive, and then say to yourself, “Never again.” I learned life is like poker; it’s about how you play the hand you’re dealt.

Fancy: Now with your first book, “Dream the Impossible”, you also used that opportunity to shine light on Freedmen’s Town and its historical background. What brought about that decision?

Tristan: I wanted to share my story of overcoming obstacles and adversity. I wanted to show the positive. Like most kids raised in Freedmen’s town, my goal was to get out. But it’s not that easy. Growing up in my neighborhood, I’ve seen dice games. I’ve seen drugs users and deals gone bad. It’s frustrating. It’s not easy, but anyone can change their life. I’m proof of that.

Fancy: Furthering our education is one of the biggest self-improvement moves we can make, but why was receiving your degree so important to you?

Tristan: It was very important to receive my degree, because I wanted to break the generational curses in my family. It was important to show my nieces and nephews that education is important. You can change the world by getting an education. Education completely changed my life. All the classes and knowledge I was exposed to opened up a world of curiosity; it has made all the years since university more interesting and left me more interested.

Fancy: What sparked your interest in writing and when did it begin?

Tristan: I released “Dream the Impossible in 2015”. I wanted to share my story with the world. I love writing! I love interacting with readers and fans. More than 200 million Americans want to publish a book in their lifetime but most do no more than dream. I am one among the few who worked to achieve my dream. My interest and dedication for writing began at 25 years old. I learned to fall in love with the process, not the outcome.

Fancy: You’ve gone on to write several other books, the latest being “I AM: Positive Affirmation Journal”. Tell us a little about this project.

Tristan: “I AM” is a positive affirmation journal that contains blank lined pages and 31 positive affirmations to help you vibrate the right energy to achieve success and prosperity. Can two words give you the power to change your life? Yes, they can! It is written by Demond Alverez and me. The reader will use “I AM” as a guide. They will stop criticizing themselves and instead discover their inner strengths, natural talents, and unique abilities that will make them prosper with self-assurance. They can take notes using this notebook/ journal or use this as a to-do-list book or journal to focus on what you need to do at the same time remind yourself of the positive and success affirmations in your mind.

Fancy: You are also hosting the “I AM Challenge! 31 Days Positivity”. What can we expect and how can others take part in this challenge?

Tristan: Join Demond and me in the “I AM CHALLENGE! 31 Days of Positivity”! 31 days of positive affirmations along with weekly Facebook Live videos and prizes! To join get your copy of “I AM Positive Affirmation Journa”l. Email:jackson_tristan@yahoo.com or demond129@yahoo.com

Challenging ourselves to always achieve a level greater than what we expect is beneficial to not only our mental health but also to our personal well-being. As we conquer challenges that stand in our way like roadblocks, refusing to allow our passing, we find confidence in our abilities.

Fancy: Do you have a writing routine that you care to share?

Tristan: I use competition with myself as internal motivation. Writing is about growth, challenge and change. Without those things, there’s no joy in it. If I failed — and I did, repeatedly! -I loved writing enough that I would just keep working.

Fancy: What advice would you give to aspiring writers and/or new authors?

Tristan: Decide what you really want to write about. It’s not to say that you cannot write about different things, or tackle different types of writing, but know what it is that gives you the impetus to write. We sometimes forget that we are supposed to enjoy writing. I see so many authors and writers ‘suffering’. Honestly, if you are suffering, please stop writing and go do something less torturous. Clearly, this is not the vocation for you. If you want to become a writer in order to be rich and famous like me, that’s a bad idea. It isn’t why I started writing, and it isn’t why you should start writing. You should write because you love it. Network! Networking is key for aspiring authors and writers. Never give up on your dreams! Travel the world with your craft.

The key to making it as a writer is to write a lot, write great stories, publish them yourself, spend more time writing, study the industry, act like a pro, network, be nice, invest in yourself and your craft, and be patient. If you can do all of these things, you’ll earn some money, maybe enough to pay a bill every month –maybe enough to get out of debt- maybe enough to quit your job! Thousands of writers are doing this, and we are welcoming all newcomers with open arms.

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?

Tristan: Starting in Oct, I will be launching my empowerment sessions workshop in Houston. In September, I hope to launch my first online radio show. Continue to improve and reach a global audience for TJInspires.

 

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