The year 2020 was difficult. Despite its many challenges, writer Alicia Jones made the most of it.
A conversational storyteller, AJ casually builds relatable scenes using genuine emotions and unforced humor. Readers immerse themselves in her never-ending thoughts on AJsDiary.com.
AJ also uses her outlet to introduce her audience to accomplished writers from across the country with her “In The Writers Den” interview series. In addition, admirers can read more of her tales in Groov Magazine.
AJ shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
How would you summarize 2020?
The year reminded me of an ex who just wouldn’t go away. We had our time, it wasn’t great, so please just go on and leave my life to never return. Just when I thought he was gone, there he was staring at me from around the corner. [Laughs] Honestly it was my year of great revelations. In the beginning I was doubtful, towards the middle of the year I was thankful, and by the end I realized I had tapped into an entirely new part of who I am and what I’m all about. The year was exactly what I needed.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
The blessing that is my mother. She had a health scare that caused her to spend a few days in ICU. It shook me to the core. She is doing amazing now and we are all so blessed that God was and still is watching over her.
Did you read any good books that you would recommend to others?
I purchased Carmilla by J. Sheridan LeFanu in December but never got around to reading it. The book is a classic vampire novel originally published in the late 1800’s. If you are a vampire fan like myself, I’m sure it will peak your interest. Also in my reading queue is Their Eyes Were Watching God by the late great Zora Neale Hurston.
What was the best song of the year?
“Better” by Khalid. It has such a feel-good vibe from the intro through the end. This song stays on repeat.
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
Breaking Bad. I was highly annoyed by this series, but it was like a Lays potato chip; can’t eat just one, so I kept going back episode after episode.
The Game. I was another level hooked, stayed up for hours every day.
A Star Is Born. Absolutely fell in love with the movie so much I have seen it 5 times.
Who were the artists you listened to the most?
Khalid, H.E.R., Jhene Aiko, Snoh Aalegra, and Alex Isley.
What did you Google the most?
My website to see if my latest SEO updates were working.
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
2020 – I don’t watch the news so what I hear is from friends or social media. Trump suggested injecting disinfectant into the body to see if that would have an effect on the Corona Virus. Not only was I surprised, but I was l also shocked and saddened.
2021 – The year is young. I’m just hoping and praying it is nothing as wild as the previous year.
Where were you when you learned about COVID-19 and how did you respond?
I was actually at work. A few coworkers started talking about it and how it was going to be the worst thing ever. I was a bit of a skeptic in the beginning and I debated with a few people that it was just like the flu. My views quickly changed after hearing more about it and educating myself more.
How were you helped and hurt by the pandemic?
The pandemic awakened me. It forced me to connect with myself and dig deeper into my passion of writing, so that’s exactly what I did. I did some things financially that I have been putting off for a very long time and sitting still allowed me to focus more.
2020 owes me absolutely nothing. I am grateful.
Did you vote?
With every fiber of my whole entire being, I knew how important this election was, so heck yeah, I voted! First time mailing my ballot and it was very convenient and easy.
Did 2020 cause you to value your life and the lives of others more than you did already?
Absolutely 1000%.
I find that there are moments in life when you either get it or you don’t. I have always been close to family, however 2020 showed me the importance of loving more, giving of myself in a better way, and mastering the art of expression.
I drove home to Indiana from Georgia last summer for the first time ever by myself. Packed up the car, secured my cat in his kennel and hit the road. It was enlightening and a very deep and emotional journey. Changed my life forever.
Spending that time with my family, just to see them in their normal day to day was like watching a home video and remembering the times. It was then that I saw just how important moments and memories are and how much I desperately need them in my life in extremely high doses.
What can we expect from you here in 2021?
You can most definitely expect a lot of writing. My first book is a work in progress, I would love to say it will be ready this year and maybe it will, however I dare not make that promise…just yet.
I promised myself to be more in depth with my writing and truly let go and release all of the ideas I have inside. I hope everyone is ready, because my mind has a lot to say. To see what I’m up to next, follow me on IG www.instagram.com/simplymeaj and see what I’m writing about at www.ajsdiary.com/blog. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
