A Prologue | Reflection | It Happened To Me

An Interesting Podcast Interview Of Up & Coming Author

DJO interviews the contemporary romance writer Scarlet Ibis James. Her story and journey to this moment are revealed.

D̶J̶O̶: Hi, everyone; welcome to the podcast with DJo. Today, we have a writer in the studio that I wanted to introduce to you. Her name is Scarlet Ibis James, and she’s been writing short stories on Medium and Substack.

Hello, Scarlet, how are you doing today?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: I am so excited to be here.

D̶J̶O̶: Okay, can you introduce yourself to those who do not know about your work?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: Sure.

I have been writing short stories since July 2023. They have been my creative outlet. They let me explore unique characters and stories. These fictional short stories are quick and digestible reads. I also love capturing the rawness and genuineness of everyday situations. I focus on contemporary relationships.

I’m stitching those short stories into a book. I am preparing to write my novel. I am working with Toni The Talker and a group of talented Medium writers. We are envisioning the next decade of my life.

I wanted to come to your show today to get your help. I need your guidance in dissecting the prologue of my story.

DJO, let’s explore my personal history together. I want to delve into the important people and events. They have made me who I am now. They have brought me to this moment, sharing this conversation with you tonight.

D̶J̶O̶: Scarlet, that’s an incredible story. It’s inspiring to hear how you’ve consistently honed your craft and used writing to explore and express yourself. And stitching those short stories together into a novel — that’s a fantastic leap forward. It takes courage and dedication to embark on such a journey, and I’m truly happy for you.

So, you mentioned wanting to dissect the prologue with me. I’d be more than happy to help. When I ask you to think about influential people who shaped you into who you are today, who comes to mind?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: My journey began with my mother. She was young and just starting life. At 18, she entered a relationship with my father. But it ended before she knew I was on the way.

Fast forward a few months, and I arrived. My father’s mother was the second most influential person in my life after my mother. My grandmother described holding me for the first time. She felt an instant, intense connection — love. She was my rock from 3 months old until I left home at 21. Her voice still resonates in my head today.

Another important figure from my childhood was my father’s sister. She was my aunt and godmother. I loved and respected her, looking up to her in a way I couldn’t with my absent father. Some of my fondest memories are simple moments, like sitting on her lap while she read the Sunday paper.

D̶J̶O̶: These women were like your personal trinity! What a blessing.

Let’s go deeper, Scarlet. Do you want to share pivotal moments punctuating your life with our listeners?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: Sure — okay. One vivid childhood memory involved when my grandmother scolded me. I retreated to the familiar veranda of our home, tears streaming down my face. At that moment, I escaped into a fantasy. I yearned to be the daughter of African royalty, taken to a life of luxury like in a “Coming to America” story. This experience sparked the imaginative streak that flows through my writing today.

I arrived at another life-altering moment without a warning. Deep in conversation with my first love, whom I’ll call Storm, a sudden wave of emotion washed over me. I was experiencing a miscarriage, the loss of the first child I had conceived. The realization struck me: I was the same age as my mother when she had me.

The final pivotal moment unfolded on a Brooklyn street in Park Slope. My world shifted when my future husband fell on one knee—my insistence on commitment led to a proposal filled with uncertainty and hope. I said yes, and those three moments stand out as defining chapters in my life’s story.

D̶J̶O̶: Wow, Scarlet. Thank you for sharing such personal and impactful moments with us. Your honesty is truly refreshing. Those experiences, especially how you described them, paint a vivid picture of who you are and the human moments you’ve experienced.

Your mention of Africa and America sparked my curiosity. Travel often shapes us in unique ways. With all the experiences you’ve shared, I’m sure you have captivating travel stories too. Would you share some memories from your travels that have impacted you?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: Oh DJO, you wouldn’t believe it, but a year doesn’t feel complete for me unless I’ve had a real adventure somewhere new! I think it all stems from my childhood. Growing up, we’d pack our bags every summer and spring and head off on a family “holiday” somewhere around the world. It was incredible!

Now, talking about unique places, Houston, Texas, definitely holds a warm spot in my heart. I spent those carefree summers there with my family as a pre-teen and teenager. We lived by the pool. It was magical. There were no schedules, just pure joy and a feeling of belonging that warmed me more than the scorching sun. It was a true escape from our island life back home.

Okay, fast forward to Cancun, Mexico! This family trip was with my husband and our two sons. My youngest son was maybe seven, and my eldest was around 18. It was fantastic because it was all-inclusive. Everyone could explore their interests. They could have their own experiences. We still came together during the trip. But the main focus was being there, relaxing, and enjoying this beautiful place as a family. It was a welcome break from the usual routines and worries of home. It allowed us to appreciate each other and the beauty around us.

And finally, Toronto, Canada. This one is extra special because it was my first proper solo trip. I had traveled alone before. But, this was a vacation entirely planned and experienced by me and for me. It was incredibly empowering! I learned a lot about independence, exploration, and trusting my instincts. I learned in a new place. Those are definitely the top three destinations for me. Each offers unique experiences and memories that I’ll cherish forever.

D̶J̶O̶: Wow, Scarlet, I can almost feel the warmth of the Houston sun and the energy of your Toronto adventure just from how you talk about them. And speaking of your journey, with all this fantastic writing you do, is there anyone in particular you’d like to give a shoutout to — folks who have supported you in becoming the writer you are today?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: Thank you, DJO! Absolutely. First and foremost, I want to acknowledge my husband. Many of my stories contain snippets of conversations and experiences we’ve shared. I often tease him that I’m not writing about him directly. But I’m sure he sees echoes of our life in my stories. I mix in imaginary elements, of course.

Next, I want to celebrate my sons. Their lives and experiences have profoundly influenced my writing. They are young Black men in America, and you and your listeners will find elements of motherhood in many of my stories. They have the joys and challenges of raising children woven into them.

Finally, I have immense gratitude to all the fans who connect with my work. The comments, highlights, and messages they share about how my stories inspired them are priceless. They tell me how my words touched, enlightened, or entertained them. They bless me. It has truly been rewarding to express myself through writing. And to connect with such a supportive community on Medium and Substack.

One more group deserves a shoutout: the people who encouraged me to start writing in the first place. This includes my sisters, stepmom, former colleagues, and others. Over the years, they nudged me to pursue this passion. I’m so grateful for their belief in me, and I’m so happy I finally answered the call last year.

D̶J̶O̶: Scarlet, what a delightful conversation! Your herstory, passion and life experiences are truly inspiring to hear about. It was also heartwarming to learn about the incredible myriad of people who inspired and continue to support you. Your journey is a testament to how personal experiences and a supportive community fuel creativity. Thank you so much for sharing these insightful stories with us tonight.

Speaking of your upcoming work, can you remind our listeners of the book’s title and where they can find you for updates?

🦩 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁ℯ𝓉: Absolutely! The working title is “Love Interrupted, Love Ignited.” You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, follow me on Medium for all my stories, and subscribe to my Substack account for exclusive news and updates on the book.

D̶J̶O̶: Fantastic! Well, folks, you’ve heard it here first. Watch for Scarlet and her upcoming book, “Love Interrupted, Love Ignited.” Thank you once again, Scarlet, for joining us tonight. And to all our listeners, thanks for listening to the DJO TiTet podcast. We’ll catch up with you next time!

© Scarlet Ibis James, 2024: All Rights Reserved.

DISCLAIMER: This story is based on an interview by DJO (pronounced Joe, with a French accent, aka Djeso) with Scarlet Ibis James 🦩 (the author). Permission to use the content was granted. While some quotes and details have been paraphrased for narrative flow and clarity, the core content and message remain faithful to the original interview.