Biography of Jill Shawntaye Kapri – Hoes In Da Hood / Interview with Author.
  • Please (can you insert a little biography of you?)

I am author Jill Shawntaye Kapri, the writer of Hoes In Da Hood series. I am 26 years old, the oldest of 4 children on my mom’s side and the youngest on my dad’s side. Born in Tallahassee, Florida, I was raised in Chattahoochee, Florida. I currently live in Panama city with my three children. I have been writing since I was nine years old. My mom used to buy me diaries and journals and one day I wrote my dad a poem after he was killed. Writing became my way of escaping reality, my imagination was everything I wanted it to be and that’s what set me free to be me. For years I wrote tons of poems, then started reading more and fell in love with writing short stories. And here I am years later, Jill Shawntaye Kapri the author.

Questions :
1. What inspired you to write *Hoes in Da hood?*

My inspiration came from one of my first cousins. I was having a really hard time in 2019 from the first two books flopping and decided to walk away from writing, But then I had a conversation with her. My cousin basically poured that drive back into my spirit to not give up. I took her advice, listened to her vision, and thoughts on what could take me to the next level as a writer and decided to put the words to it and that’s how the book came to life.

2. What did you learn when writing the book?

I learned a lot of lessons about myself first and foremost. I was just like many characters in my book in so many ways. Most importantly I learned how easy it was for us as women to fall weak for men and material things. I could relate to some characters more than others and that for me was my go on the book because every character in the book had a story and the outcome of their stories were almost the same.

3. What can you tell us in your own words what the book is about?

The book is about the outlook on women living in an urban community. It shows the malice women display against one another when it comes to men, money and materialistic things. Hoes In Da Hood Part 1 and 2 is the future our women and men will have to look forward to if they don’t come together and make a change. In the book the men don’t value these women, they degrade them, they abuse them. Mentally, physically and emotionally and that’s because the women let them do it. However it’s not just the men doing it, women do it as well in this book men deal with those types of issues too, and oftentimes they think money and material things is supposed to fix everything.

4. What surprised you the most?

What surprised me the most was the humor that came out of this book. I had so much fun writing the books and getting into character mode for each character.

5. Hoes in da hood, does the title match the context?

The book definitely gives you the rundown of how it is with Hoes in da hood. It’s full of drama from start to finish.

6. What did the readers think of the first part of the book?
Many of my readers loved it. Everyone took to Cousin Woo the messiest person in the hood she quickly became a favorite in the book. Cousin Woo and Treasure are my top two females that get talked about the most.

7.What inspired you to become an author ? Any book ever made you cry?

My love for writing to escape my fears and my upbringing is what inspired me to become an author. I loved writing poems when I was younger then I got introduced to reading urban books and fell head over heels with books by Wahida clark, Ashley Antoinette, Nikki Turner, Keisha Ervin, Kiki Swinson, Jessica Watkins and Joy Deja King. I just knew the moment I grew on their books, that was my calling to write and be just as good as them.
The first book that ever made me cry was Chyna Black by Keisha Ervin. I boo-hooed crying throughout that book for her main character because I felt all of the pain she was feeling at that time.

8. What are some of the challenges you encounter as an author, can you suggest possible solutions to remedy these problems ?

My biggest challenge I would say is being a brand new author for starters, Not having a fan base, Not knowing how to promote and market myself. Trying to get promotions as a writer in the urban fiction era and people automatically shooting me down. That’s hard on anyone.
I also have social anxiety, so the majority of the time it’s really difficult for me to try to fit in with seasoned and experienced authors. I prefer to stay in my lane and drive it the way I want it to be driven.. Some of the remedies I have been taught to practice everyday is, stand in my truth as an author. Be ready at all times for negativity. Be able to accept no. Understand not everyone is going to like what I write, accept it and move on.

9.What books have you written apart from Hoes in the hoods ?

I have a few I will be releasing in the next 6 months. A Shameful Pain, and Frenemies will be my next two projects along with my poetry book.

10.As far as writing is concern, what are your future plans ?

I will continue writing both Poems and Books. I would like to collaborate with male authors as well. I also plan to turn my books into short films.

11.Does writing exhaust or energize you ?

A little bit of both honestly. Stories like Hoes In da hood gave me energy to write.
Stories like A shameful pain are exhausting because I have to make sure the story is perfect. I want that story to give my name as an author a different and bigger light. I will be known around the Globe for that story.

12.What are common traps for aspiring writers?

Losing sight of themselves and their purpose for writing. Once you come into this game seeing others’ creativity and how fast they rise, some writers lose hope and feel like they have to drop who they are as a writer and adopt a new persona to fit in.
Lack of patience as well, being in a rush to stay in the race with others. Wanting approval and feedback from everyone and I can honestly admit I am guilty of that when I first came out. And last but not least falling for the wrong publishers promising them bestselling books and etc. If it’s too good to be true nine times out of ten, it is.

13. Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

Me, personally. I feel like having a big ego hurts you. You must be humble at all times, regardless of how many books you have or sold. The same way you build that ego, that ego can easily be torn away.

14.To what extent can you go to make it in the writing industry?

I’ll say this I know who I am as a writer and I know what I’m capable of as a writer. I will continue to learn more about this industry and use it to perfect my craft. I will not lose myself to be a part of the writing industry though, that’s not why I became a writer. You know the old saying Fake it’ til you make it. A Lot of people go to that extent but That’s not me.

15. What advice can you give to young aspiring youths who wish to be exactly like you?

Never Give Up On Your Dreams. Be consistent with your writing. Write everyday as much as you can. Don’t get discouraged if you are moving slower than others. Remember this, if you make it fast overnight you’ll lose it even faster. But if you remain humble and stay content, build your craft. Build your brand and build your audience when it’s your time you will be standing longer in this game. Don’t get complacent, be your only competition but most of all stay true to yourself as a writer.

16. What moral lesson do you pass across with your writings?

Word is bond. Bond is word. Always keep your word. If this industry was to take it all from you today or tomorrow at least you will still have your voice to keep you alive and start over. Don’t burn your bridges with people you never know when you might need them again. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Always listen when someone is talking to teach you. Pay attention. Respect yourself as well as others. Create your own wave to be an originator. Lead by example and don’t be a follower.

Check out her book

Hoes in Da Hood