We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Ifueko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was an avid bookworm as a kid, but unfortunately fantasy novels were a genre that did not love me back. I never saw anyone like myself represented as a main character in fantasy novels, but stories were a a place where all parts of me, plus the magic additions, could exist and thrive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My novel Raybearer took about 12 years to write, and I started when I was 13. Writing was the air I breathe, and books were my lifeline. It’s also an incredibly isolating career, however, and dealing with the pressure of deadlines took a lot of self-care and adaptive discipline. Every time I receive a note from a reader telling me how my story reflected them or touched them, however, it was all 1000% worth it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a debut writer releasing their first book (Raybearer) during a global pandemic and civil rights movement, my mental health would have absolutely tanked if it weren’t for the support of writers like Namina Forna (The Gilded Ones), Roseanne A Brown (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin), Bethany Morrow (A Chorus Rises), and Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles). There is so much love and genuine community within YA writing spaces.

Website: jordanifueko.com

Instagram: @jordanifueko

Image Credits
Charles Chaisson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.