Frequently Asked Questions:
How did you create the pseudonym Miss Jenesequa?
My favourite French phrase has always been, ‘je ne sais quoi’ meaning ‘I do not know what.’ I’ve always described myself as having a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to my identity. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of the phrase 'je ne sais quoi' means something (such as an appealing quality) that cannot be adequately described or expressed. I'm hard to describe because I'm a mixture of different types of personalities and emotions. I’m confident, I’m proud, I’m loud, but I’m shy and I’m sometimes quiet. I have a certain je ne sais quoi to myself and I believe my stories do too.
What would you say your writing motto is?
Tales all about black women being loved in the best way!
Lol. But seriously, all my stories feature black women because I'm a black woman myself and I want to share stories that showcase black women living their best lives, being loved, admired, protected, having great sex and yes, going through drama but coming out on top every single time. So 'Tales all about black women being loved in the best way!' is definitely my motto if I had to choose one. Just know when you think of Miss Jenesequa's stories, you're going to experience a beautiful tale of love through the lens of a black woman.
How did you become so popular on Wattpad?
Hard work and dedication. If you're willing to get your work out there for people to read it, you need to have the drive and confidence to do it. No one can make you do it, but you. I also stayed consistent and the consistency is what attracted people to my books.
Can I see all your number one bestsellers?
You sure can! I've created a gallery where you can see all of my number one bestselling novels. Here it is: #NumberOnes
What is your advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors would be to never give up and always stay true to yourself. If you want to write a good story that no one has ever read before then you must have the confidence to do so. No one can write the book for you, you're the one that wants to bring a story to life so you're the person who must write it. Never give up and always have faith in yourself. I believe in you so you must believe in yourself too. Don’t give up. Do you think I would be as successful as I am today if I had decided to suddenly give up? No. Make sure that you actually have a passion for writing and being an author, and that you’re not just doing it for the funds. Trust me the funds are nice, but it’s not worth it if you don’t have a passion for writing. Money follows passion and not the other way around.
Why are you anonymous?
Well when I first started writing, I didn’t see the need to put a profile picture of myself. I didn’t want to use my own name because quite honestly, I was afraid of what my family, friends and people who know of me would think of my writing. Afraid that they wouldn’t like it, say that it was rubbish or say that the content was just way too explicit. It was mostly fearful of how I would be received. So I decided to start writing under a pseudonym and till this day it’s just stuck with me.
When will you reveal your identity?
I have to be honest... I've thought about revealing my face many, many, many times. I've gotten so comfortable being anonymous that I'm not sure if I'll ever reveal my identity... but then again I do really want my readers to see the TRUE me. But as of right now, I'm remaining anonymous.
What made you start writing stories/novels?
I had always received compliments from my teachers in Primary School (Elementary School) on my written work. I always enjoyed writing in my free time because my life seemed so boring at times. Writing kept me busy, entertained and motivated.
Will you stay in London for the rest of your life?
Well… my original plan was to move to the US, but now I’m thinking Canada. But we’ll see how things turn out in next couple of years. I’m definitely trying to move but I’m just not sure where yet.
When you’re not Miss Jenesequa, who are you?
I’m a regular woman from London, working and grinding her butt off to achieve a level of happiness and peace. I’m spending time with my family and friends and living through this crazy experience called life. I’m thanking God for my blessings, my health and my talents. And of course, I’m always striving for better, completing goals and creating new ones.
Do you freewrite or outline?
A bit of both. When I first started, I mostly free wrote but now that I've been writing for quite some time, I tend to outline my stories (with the occasional freewriting). Just so that I can picture my entire storyline from the beginning to end. I need to know how I'm going to end my stories because if I don't know then I feel incomplete.
How do you come up with all these story lines?
Imagination. Imagination. Imagination. It's really not that hard to sit down and imagine stuff. Especially stuff that I haven't actually been through myself but I can most definitely relate to. And of course, personal experiences come into all my stories. It's also not hard to do some research. Music, travelling and social media all play a HUGE part with helping me come up with my story lines too.
Will you publish books forever?
My goal is 100 books and I'm definitely determined to complete that goal. I have other life projects on my mind, so publishing won't be a forever thing for me.
Are you done with Wattpad?
As soon as I became published I knew it was time for me to move on. Yes, I'm done with Wattpad. It was a beautiful, pure platform for me to showcase my talent to the world but I'm focusing on publishing from here on and out. And I've got other projects on my mind too.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing novels on Wattpad in 2013, was first published in 2015. But I initially started writing poems and songs aged 7.
Do you ever run out of ideas?
Sometimes, yes. But I always bounce back whether that be through music, real situations or just my imagination. I'm blessed to have such an imaginative mind and as long as I keep having ideas, I'll keep writing stories.
What motivates you to write?
Me, myself and I. My readers do play a part but I have to be honest, I write for myself. If Miss Jen isn’t feeling it, then Miss Jen won’t write it.
Can I see your official book catalog?
Sure! It's available here.