No one expected the pandemic and the effects it caused. We were isolated, locked away in our homes. Yes, total isolation multiplied by fear. The news of people dying started coming in on the news. Today, let us learn more about Janice George-Harris and her literary journey
First it started overseas which caused some concern but then it started happening in the United States. That was too close for comfort. When the death toll started to rise in the British Virgin Islands and people that I knew were dying, that is when it really hit home. I started to think of my loved ones. I thought of unfulfilled dreams. I knew in that moment that I had to do something to honor my father’s legacy. I wanted to show him how much I loved him. Dad is a wonderful story teller and had expressed a desire to have his childhood stories recorded. In the midst of what seemed like chaos, fear, loss and uncertainty, I started to write my father’s stories. The stories flowed because Dad had told us the stories so many times that they were etched on my mind. However, I had to make several phone calls to verify details and get clear descriptions. Both of my parents were elated with my project and contributed energetically.
I feel that my journey to this point has been divinely orchestrated and I am truly grateful to Readers Magnet for affording me this opportunity to share in Author’s Lounge about Little Hill Stories.
My name is Janice George-Harris and I am a proud Virgin Islander with roots in Little Hill, Virgin Gorda.
As an educator and an advocate for literacy, I felt that I could use my father’s stories to give voice to the youths of the Virgin Islands. The stories help them make easy connections as they can identify with places and customs. In addition, the stories provide insight into the history and social nuances of the 1950s. That was an important period in history because it came at the end of World War II, a time when people were trying to put their lives back together.
I also wanted the stories to be S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) related so that activities and discussions based on the stories can help facilitate active learning within the classroom. I thought of my former students as I wrote and what would interest them, give them life lessons and stimulate their desire to read. I feel I have accomplished that objective as I listen to students engage with the stories. It is my desire that students and all ages across the world will also find pleasure and knowledge from these stories.
When it was time to decide on the illustrations, I considered using other artists. However, the muse within me directed me to do the illustrations myself. I tried different medium: pencil, ink, acrylic and then finally decided on water colour, which I hadn’t used in many years. Somehow I wanted to extend the nostalgia through my paintings. I also wanted to incorporate some form of my Dad’s physical contribution in the art work. I was able to do so for Chapter One. This illustration means a lot to me because it uses Dad’s handwriting as he reminisces on his childhood days. The illustration represents his golden years with the torn center revealing his youthful memories.
Along our journey in life we, meet people who are outstanding. I really don’t think I would have been able to achieve success with writing this project without the guidance of Lasana M. Sekou and Offshore Editing Services. In addition, I feel blessed to have met Jo Gutierrez of Reader’s Magnet as well as the rest of the team. They are helping me take Little Hill Stories to the world.
Follow me on Facebook @ Little Hill Stories https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085602367192&mibextid=kFxxJD
