![]() The authoress of ‘Messages in My Spirit’ Julia A. Burruss, affectionately known as “Jubee,” was born and raised in the City of Wilmington, Delaware with an innate gift of writing poetry and short stories. Her work has afforded her opportunities to write poems, letters, and speeches for many occasions - captivating her intended audiences. A 1977 graduate of Pierre S. DuPont High School, she obtained her associate’s degree in Medical Secretarial Science from Harris Careers Institute; a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College; and a master’s degree in Administration of Justice from Wilmington University. Jubee worked as an administrative assistant for over twenty years and functioned as a wedding coordinator and event planner throughout the tri-state area for more than 15 years before starting her own business which she calls, Exquisite Expressions by Jubee, a self-owned business specializing in event planning, bridal consultations and coordinating weddings of various ethnic backgrounds and religions. She prides herself on playing an important role in the many lives she has touched during her field in education as an educator and student advisor. Jubee has been honored with such titles as first runner-up in the Miss Black America of Delaware pageant and recipient of the Miss Positivity Award, as well as second runner up for Miss Black Galaxy of America. She is a member of Omnia Bona Inc. - Delaware Chapter; board member, past president and instructor of the East Side Steppers Drill Team Corporation; Creative Mentoring; State of Delaware CASA; American Association of Bridal Consultants and National Association of Wedding Professionals. She finds joy in praise dancing and ministering to the hearing impaired through song. Jubee is the mother of Arricka Burruss and grand-mother of Julianna Burruss whom she refers to as her “pride” and her “joy.” Jubee’s titles include: The Way I See It Messages in My Spirit Emotions under Arrest Eya Teach Me about God Don't Hang With People God Did Not Send You Lord, Please Dress Me Today About “The Way I See It” God does not look at people or things the way we so often see them. We, as humans are very visual by nature, thus being moved, inspired, influenced or distracted by what we see. And because of that, many can see an identical object, or person, and bear different opinions and views. The Way I See It is a small, but meaningful, collection of thought-provoking, motivational and inspirational messages written to encourage, empower and uplift your spirit. It is designed to awaken the taste buds of your life by creating a palatable flavor for living. It will broaden your horizons and enhance your vision so that you can see things clearer, and hopefully differently, than what most over-look or take for granted. These messages are in no way to state that my views are the correct answers to life’s daily encounters, but only to introduce you to a different perspective of how others may view things. Be mindful each day to season your life with essences of kindness, understanding, forgiveness and love and keep in mind that no matter how we may see things, what truly matters is how GOD sees us. UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author? Jubee: In 2010 when one of my former high school teachers read some of my work and declared over me that there was a book inside of me and I need to write it. UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc? Jubee: My first book that was published became a reality after writing daily inspirational messages and sending them out to my family and friends via email messages. After doing this for over two years, both the vision and title came to me one night in my sleep. As a result "Messages in My Spirit" was birthed. My book "The Way I See It" is an over-flow of the material from my first book. It bears the same flow, style and logic. My children’s books (Eya Teach Me About God, Lord Please Dress Me Today, and Don't Hang With People God Did Not Send You) were written as lessons and messages to my grand-daughter. My sister, Jackie, has encouraged me to get them in print so others could teach their children the lessons as well. "Emotions under Arrest" is my only book of poetry; and it was life, it self, that was my inspiration for that book. UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like? Jubee: It took about two years to write my first book since the initial thought for my writings was not meant to be a book, but rather daily motivational messages. UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author? Jubee: I think the most rewarding part about writing and being an author is that it allows a wide range of people you can reach and share your thoughts and talent with that you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to reach. I get an overwhelming joy when I get feedback on how my work has helped enrich, empower and inspire others. UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Jubee: No, I haven't reached that point yet and I pray I never do. UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things? Jubee: I have a very multi-talented family and we seize every opportunity we get to help one another. My mom is an incredible woman when it comes to handling her financial affairs. She has helped me in the area of bookkeeping and my siblings have helped by way of promoting and sales production. It became a new adventure for my family to add another link to our family chain of love and support we have for one another. UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books? Jubee: I have three people who I have edit my work - an educator, a minister and a friend. They read both for clarity and understanding as well as grammar. It's an on-going learning experience that I openly welcome. UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)? Jubee: For each of my books I have designed the covers. I am learning though that the cover is what draws a person to your book but it is the content that keeps them interested in it. UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it? Jubee: I do a lot and when it happens, I just walk away and engage myself in something else. Once I return, I see things a little differently and I am able to restart with a new and refreshed outlook. UBAWA: How often do you write? Jubee: I write something every day, whether I use it immediately or not. I keep a file of what I call - Just My Thoughts and frequently go back and pull from it to write something new or to enhance something already written. UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing. Jubee: I had an Impromptu book signing at the location of a former place of employment and found it to be more personal - warm and welcoming. I felt the love and support of those I had worked with and the individuals who happen to be on sight at the time. I enjoy the smaller, intimate settings as you get to take time and hear the different opinions and stories as to how your work affects others. UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)? Jubee: I have sent complimentary copies to many different places such as schools, churches, local book stores, etc. I even sent copies to Steve Harvey and Oprah Winfrey. Prayerfully one day, I will receive a response from one or both of them but until then, I will keep sending them copies of each book I write. UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most? Jubee: I believe I am most inspired by other women of color who have pushed beyond the color barriers and accomplished so much of what was said would and could not be done. I look at many of them and say to myself "That too can be me" and I push myself beyond limits and expectations. UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence? Jubee: I am influenced by so many members of my family (each unique and impacting in their own way for different areas of my life). From my mom, daughter, siblings, aunts and uncles, to my cousins, nieces nephews and granddaughter....they all influence me. UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it? Jubee: Of course...I'm human (lol). But seriously, I have often regretted being so controversial to many things. I never want to fit the societal mold. I always felt the need to "challenge the system" so to speak and do things my way. So much of it has backfired but on the other hand so much of it opened new doors for me. I pray daily for strength, guidance, wisdom and the gift of discernment. UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you? Jubee: I do a lot of soul-searching and praying and I ask that the purpose behind the situation be revealed as well as a way to make it work out in my favor. I seek out others who I feel may be equipped in both knowledge and experience to help me. I use a lot of that down time to write (which allows me an opportunity to vent and release). UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013? Jubee: I would really like to accomplish my goal of setting up a scholarship fund for a student suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia to help with educational needs. I have been working with some others over the past several months trying to tweak it. Hopefully you'll be hearing about it soon. UBAWA: What do you have planned next? Jubee: My next book should be back from the printer and hopefully all will be well enough to begin the sales for it. UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you? Jubee: I can be reached at [email protected]
8 Comments
Cissy
3/7/2013 05:31:53 am
Jubee...very nice interview. Keep up the great work cousin. Love you
Reply
Cynthis "Cissy" Stewart
3/7/2013 10:27:06 pm
Thank you Cissy. I love you too.
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kwayn
3/7/2013 10:47:02 pm
Nice interview mom keep up the good work.....love u
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Kwayn
3/7/2013 11:25:53 pm
Thank you Kwayn. You know I love you too.
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James Portlock
11/21/2015 11:12:12 am
Julia you are a Bad Mama Jama .
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James Portlock
11/21/2015 07:48:44 pm
James, it is but for the grace of God that I an given the opportunity to share some of my talents with others. Thank you for always being such a dear friend.
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KEITH ANTHONY BURRISS
1/18/2016 09:22:33 pm
Thank you for inviting me to get to know you.
Reply
1/22/2016 04:37:24 pm
Cousin you are so blessed with your talent. We are a family of entrepreneurs. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know about my family.
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