J.V. Sadler: Role Model for the Left Out

Cincinnati native J.V. Sadler’s passion for writing began in high school when she wrote in her school’s literary magazine and newspaper. Now a graduate of Oberlin College, she is an author and poet who focuses on dark fiction, speculative fiction, horror, and surrealism for an intriguing combination of genres. She’s had poems published by Poetry is Life Publishing, Last Exit Press and Simple Simon Press, and has just released her debut horror collection, Licking, in January.

Read on to get to know J.V. and what her career means to her!

Q: Who has been your biggest supporter(s) throughout your writing career?

A: My biggest supporter is definitely my wonderful mother. She has always been there encouraging me and cheering me on. I always say my mom knew I would write a book before I did.

Q: What does it mean to you to be an author?

A: Authorship means the world to me. When I held my book in my hands for the first time, it was a dream come true. Being an author also means I get to inspire the next generation of writers as well!

Q: What is your writing process like? Do you listen to certain music, snack, make loads of phone notes when inspiration randomly strikes?

A: I don’t have a particular writing setup. I guess one could say I have a certain set of processes for when it’s time to write. Sometimes I need a calming lo-fi radio with minimum vocals and maximum instrumentals and sometimes I need to bump Three 6 Mafia to get in the mood. It all depends on the story I’m writing, what mood I need to be in, and what I need at the moment.

I do, however, keep a log of notes on my phone filled with future book (and film – hint hint) ideas.

Q: Is there a genre or subgenre that you want to explore that you haven’t yet? Conversely, are there any that you’ll never write?

A: I want to try my hand at a western! I have some ideas for the future planned out. I’d love to add to the list of Black literary cowboys and gunslingers. In terms of genres I’ll never write, I don’t think there’s any genre I don’t think I can’t at least try. I thought for the longest time that I’d never write romance and now I have a horror romance plot in mind. I’m open to all the wild possibilities of my mind.

Q: What has been the hardest part of your career as an author so far?

A: Writing is easy. It’s the marketing, publicity, promotion and advertising that’s hard. It’s hard getting eyes on your work when indie authors don’t get as much love as the traditionally published stuff. Finding footing in the literary world, especially in horror, is difficult as an introverted, neurodiverse, Black Woman author.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest strength and weakness as an author?

A: My greatest strength as an author is my ability to be daring with my work. At first, I had reservations about writing certain things. I thought “Maybe this is too much” or “Maybe no one will understand this but me.” Once I started sharing those “too much” writings with others, I realized how important it was to be authentic to those ideas…for the sake of those who feel left out in the literary world.

My biggest weakness, I would say, is my own self. I am still getting over imposter syndrome and the thought that I’m somehow not worthy enough to be an author. The people who love me – my family and friends – remind me every day of who I am. I am an awesome storyteller!

Q: Who is on your radar as someone you’d love to work with?

A: I’d love to do something with L. Marie Wood whose work I actually need to start digging into. I see Wood on social media doing some awesome stuff and I just want to sit in on the magic. Additionally, I want David Lynch to direct one of my future screenplays. A gal can hope, right?

Q: At some point in our lives, we’ve all heard the negative comments: “You’re not good enough.” “You’ll never make it.” “This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen.” “You don’t belong.” How do you move forward when faced with negativity?

A: I face so much negativity with most of it being from me! When I have those moments, I go back to the times that I was validated in spaces that I thought I couldn’t occupy. I return back to my writing for what it is. I remember those times people have told me they liked or even loved my work.

Then I remember my mission as an author is to encourage the next weird-loving, horror-loving Black girl. I have to continue my work since now I have such a responsibility.

Q: What advice would you give to women who are wanting to write, especially if it’s something others might perceive as “outside of the norm”?

A: If you haven’t seen the inspiration, be the inspiration. If you haven’t seen that book, write that book. Let’s be honest, there are mediocre white men out here getting paid big bucks to do mediocre art. Are you going to let them define what art is? Are you going to let them continue being mediocre while you’re here trying to be “modest” and “humble” and “small” and “not too much” and “this” and “that”? Write, damnit!

J.V. is still trying to conquer her TBR list this year (girl….same! My TBR just keeps growing!), but she’s starting with Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and Octavia E. Butler’s Bloodchild and Other Stories, which she’s sure will both be fun reads!

Want to stay connected with J.V.? Check out her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram!