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A Pen Raised in Pine Bluff-Author LJ Walker
- Ena Alese
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
A Still Moment
LJ’s stories begin with her settled into her recliner; laptop balanced just right, while life hums in the background. Quiet is rare; as her husband usually has something playing nearby, learning to write through the noise. A pen and one of her notebooks stay within reach, even when she’s typing, just in case a thought needs to land on paper first. In the morning, there’s coffee. In the evenings, it’s juice or tea–or something a little stronger, depending on the scene unfolding on the screen. This is how her stories take shape, rooted in real life, written in real time.
“I write because it makes me feel free.” -LJ Walker
Early Impressions
LJ’s relationship with words started early. In the first grade, she was already reading well. So well, she began reading to her former kindergarten class. Books felt natural to her, like a place where she belonged. Writing soon became her outlet.
Growing older, especially in middle school, her love for writing evolved. She would record songs off the radio to write out the lyrics, line by line. Eventually, those lyrics turned into poems, and poetry became another way for her to process thoughts and emotions.
While growing up, LJ witnessed and experienced things that left an impression—violence, domestic abuse, drug use, and police activity. Including an incident where police kicked down her grandmother’s door looking for her uncle. These moments were not her everyday life, but they were part of the world around her. At the same time, she also witnessed resilience, hard work, and determination. Her mother worked and attended college, modeling strength and perseverance.
Reading and writing became the way she stayed grounded. Storytelling gave her an outlet and a sense of escape, allowing her to make sense of both the difficult moments and the good ones. That balance shaped her voice and deepened my love for writing.
The Making of a Writer
LJ Walker officially stepped into writing publicly in December 2016. She participated in a Facebook short story challenge that was circulating at the time. What started as spontaneous storytelling quickly gained traction. Readers began asking when the next piece would drop, waiting for each installment as if it were a series.
Not long after, a friend reached out and told her about a publisher who was interested in her work. At the time, LJ didn’t even have a full manuscript—only the short story pieces that had been written off the top of her head on Facebook. She decided she would speak with the publisher. After reading LJ’s story, she was asked if she could create a full book by the end of January 2017. It was an opportunity she had never experienced before, and she worked relentlessly to make it happen.
Although the book was originally scheduled for an early 2017 release, delays followed with little communication. March passed, then July was mentioned, and ultimately the book wasn’t released until March 2018. She was never notified about preorders as discussed, and the only way of receiving a copy of her own book was by purchasing it from Amazon. While the book did make sales, the momentum and excitement had faded due to the prolonged delays and unmet expectations.
For a long time, she placed blame on the publisher and what felt like a false dream that had been sold to her. She stopped writing altogether. Readers would ask when the next book was coming, and she responded with vague promises of “next year.” Writing was once her outlet and slowly became something she avoided.
In 2023, she slowly found her way back to reading. Then in 2024, LJ had an honest heart-to-heart with herself. Realizing what happened wasn’t just about someone else failing to do their part—but also about her giving away control of her path. She hadn’t done the research, nor had she marketed for herself. Solely depending on someone else to steer her journey. She chose forgiveness, closure, and growth.
She decided to terminate the contract. When the “one more book” clause was mentioned, she stood firm in her reasons, and the contract was ultimately dissolved. The book, Another Man’s Treasure, was no longer available, although she owns the right to her work. She’s currently rewriting and preparing it for re-release under a new title, What He Deserved, I Delivered.
Later in 2024, she began joining writing groups again and participated in a writing challenge hosted by Author Blk Qween. Each month focused on a different genre, with a commitment to writing four pages a day—no matter what. That challenge reignited her discipline, her confidence, and her love for storytelling. Due to her previous experience, she released her first book as an indie author—and fully reclaimed her voice.
Craft & Voice
LJ says she’s become intentional about expanding her writing skills and not allowing herself to be boxed into one genre. While her storytelling often gravitates toward Urban Fiction, she’s also drawn to showing Black men and women navigating everyday choices, consequences, and complexities. She wants readers to see themselves in her characters and think, “Wow, I’ve been there,” or “I know someone dealing with a Kai.”
Real life fuels her stories. Inspiration comes from watching television, following the news, and even scrolling through Facebook where everyday moments often spark unforgettable storylines. Many of the situation's LJ write about are rooted in real-life experiences, either her own or those she’s witnessed.
LJ enjoys writing across all walks of life; the poor, the middle class, the upper class, and the rich and powerful. Struggle, growth, and humanity exist in every space. The stories she’s currently working on explore love, loyalty, loss, healing, and power. They’re centered Black women and men who are strong yet vulnerable. Men are allowed to feel without losing their strength, and women who form deep bonds rooted in sisterhood, even when deception complicates those relationships.
Listening closely to readers, she pays attention to comments and conversations about what people want to see more of within Black storytelling. Ultimately, letting her characters guide her and allowing them to reveal which story they belong in and why. She says her role is to listen, honor their voices, and tell the story honestly.
Writing Ritual & Process
LJ is such a pantser. Even when creating an outline, she rarely follows it because her characters often take the lead. Sometimes they’ll flat-out tell her, “Nope, that’s not me,” and she’s learned to listen. LJ’s process is intuitive. Trusting the story to reveal itself as she writes.
Most of her writing happens from her recliner, laptop open, sometimes with music playing. While music can set the mood, she does her best work when she’s fully immersed in the story with minimal distractions. Some of her most creative ideas come when her mind is elevated. Often times after a smoke session when her thoughts flow freely, and outside-the-box ideas surface without restriction.
She has several notebooks, each with its own purpose: character profiles, storylines, and random ideas. Writing things down helps her stay organized and avoid repeating names or creating characters with similar backgrounds. When inspiration hits, she writes, no matter what time of day it may be. Ironically, her biggest influx of ideas usually comes right when she lays down to go to sleep.
When a creative block emerges, it’s not forced. She moves between projects, keeping multiple stories in motion. Blogging helps her reset. When journaling, she uses a writing prompt or free-writing, sometimes discovering a scene or an entirely new story in the process. At times stepping away to work on other creative projects, like digital products or custom apparel orders, giving her mind space to breathe.
Lately, being outside has become part of her reset. Detaching from electronics and working in the yard or garden refreshes her. LJ often returns to writing early in the morning, refocused and reconnected, ready to follow whichever characters are calling for attention.
Breakthrough & Impact of My Work
Her proudest accomplishment is A Shipwreck of Secrets, Book One of The Cheaters Series. Not only is it her first release as an indie Author, but it was also a collaborative project that brought together seasoned Authors and debut indie writers to create a seven-book series. Being part of a collective that supported creativity, accountability, and shared storytelling made the experience even more meaningful.
Beyond fiction, she’s currently working to complete a Special Education guide designed to support families navigating complex systems and advocating for their children. Currently expanding her custom apparel business, using it not only as a creative outlet but as a way to build her brand and merge entrepreneurship with storytelling.
LJ is especially proud of The URBAN Network (Unchained Rising Black Authors Network). What began as an idea has grown into a thriving community of Black men and women supporting one another as writers and creatives. Since launching in May 2025, the network has grown to over 1,300 members and continues to expand. Through this space, she amplifies Black voices by writing blog reviews, highlighting Author journeys, and creating opportunities for connection and visibility.
LJ’s work extends beyond books through community building and communication. She publishes a monthly newsletter that not only shares updates about her own projects but also spotlights other Authors’ new releases, current reads, and upcoming book events. Whether through fiction, nonfiction, apparel, or community platforms, her goal remains the same; to create space, tell honest stories, and uplift Black creativity in all its forms.
The Author I Am Today
The Author she is today is not the same one who jumped in headfirst, full gas, no brakes. Experience has taught her to slow down, learn, and apply what she’s gained along the way. Joining writing communities and workshops has helped shape her growth. LJ sees maturity in her work now. Now moving with intention, confidence, and clarity. LJ says, “I know I’ve made it this far and I know nobody can stop me.”
She listens now. Truly listening to seasoned writers who have walked this path before her and to readers who invest their time and trust in her stories. This confidence shows up in her writing. As she works through the rewrite of Another Man’s Treasure, she’s revisited the original version and discovered many mistakes. What stands out most is that her readers never beat her down. They didn’t abandon the book or leave negative reviews. Instead, they asked for Part Two, because the original story was meant to be a two-part series. LJ is forever grateful for that grace and loyalty.
Her understanding of success has shifted. When A Shipwreck of Secrets was released, she checked Amazon daily, watching for sales. Seeing little movement was discouraging. But now, she focuses on the bigger picture. Seeing how many pages have been read, especially by readers who discovered her book during the BRAE event (Black Reader Appreciation Event), brings her real joy. She’s learned that the more she talks about her work, the more readers engage. When she doesn’t show up, the numbers reflect, noticing the change, changed how she decides to move.
Most importantly, she’s grown to love writing again. Of course, becoming a bestseller is a goal, but right now, she’s enjoying the journey. Thankful for the process, the lessons, and the opportunity to do this on her own terms.
Balancing writing with home life can be challenging. There are days when she’s locked into her laptop for hours, and other days when she must pause and remind herself that it’s time to rest or tend to my marriage. When she feels herself becoming overwhelmed, she finds a natural stopping point, closes her laptop, and steps away for a day or two. Creating boundaries isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. Protecting her peace allows her to continue writing with purpose instead of pressure.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, her goal is to release What He Deserved, I Delivered in Spring 2026. She’s also working on her 2026–2027 yearly planner, as well as completing The Fall of Ivory & Steele, which I plan to release in 2026. In addition to those projects, her goal is to publish four books next year, separate from her planner and her Special Education guide.
Beyond writing, she's expanding the URBAN Network merch line and continuing to grow the community that has become such a meaningful part of her journey. LJ is scheduled to participate in the Boots and Books 2027 event in Shreveport, Louisiana. Giving back remains important to her, and she plans to donate her books to local libraries, as well as provide her Special Education guide to select schools where it can be used as a resource.
Her voice as a writer continues to evolve. She’s never been afraid to write; her mama has always known her daughter has a little bit of a dirty mind. Laughs. But now, she’s pushing herself beyond comfort and genre boundaries. As a reader, she loves experiencing multiple genres, and as an Author, she wants readers across the world to experience her voice in different spaces. She refuses to be boxed in.
LJ has learned that everyone won’t connect with everything she writes and that’s okay. She writes to fuel her soul, to explore truth, and to tell stories that won’t leave her alone. That freedom is where her voice lives now, and that’s where she plans to keep it.
About Ena-Alese
Ena-Alese is a mother, creator and writer. Her works include erotic romance and dark poetry, content writing and short stories. She is the creator and host of "A Writer's Playground", an online blog that features Authors, Writers & Poets, highlighting their journey, obstacles they have overcome and success along the way. Ena is a freelance journalist/housewriter for the independent Publishing company GangTales Publications and Medical Coding Intern. When she's not building her career life, she enjoys music, cooking, family and trips to the lake or beach.
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