Check Out Ghiselle St. James’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ghiselle St. James.

Hi Ghiselle, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started like anyone: with a dream and a drive to express my talents. I started writing when I was 13 years old (slightly romantic stories, poems, songs), but I didn’t even think myself worthy of getting my words out there. One of the darkest periods of my life was when I was unemployed, but it was one of my most creative periods. So, I said: what the hell? And that’s when I started challenging all my low feelings to create beautiful worlds with words. About a year later, after being encouraged by multiple people, I self-published my 1st novel in 2014 and have been publishing on Amazon ever since.

As a podcast host, I always knew I had a “radio personality’s voice” and thought I would start my podcast one day. In 2021, I was invited as a guest on a podcast hosted by UME Radio, and the producer loved what I brought to the table so much that she reached out to me to host Bible, Cufflinks, and Stilettos. I was so scared because I thought my brand as an erotic romance author would go against the brand of the show (i.e., the Bible part of the title), and two, I was just so full of self-doubt. However, just like becoming a self-published author, I had people who believed in me and encouraged me to do it. So, in January 2022, I started my journey as a podcast host! It is challenging having published 7 novels with one on the way, especially with my regular 9-5 as a counselor, doing the weekly podcast shows, teaching some evenings, and finding time to write between social and spiritual time. However, I am determined to one day become a best-selling writer and successful podcast host. My dream is to, one day, retire from my full-time job and do what I love while still being able to afford the modest lifestyle I have become accustomed to. Therefore, I have to put in the work. I have no off days unless it’s to rest, rejuvenate, and replenish my creativity.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a challenging road. One of the major struggles I’ve met in being a self-published author and podcast host is getting my name out there/getting viewership and readership. I lead a hectic life. Therefore, the time I must put in for self-promotion is usually on the back burner. As a result, I have lost out on many opportunities to increase my readership and viewership. But this struggle does not deter me in any way. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have thousands of people calling my name right now. If, during this journey, one person knows my name, loves what I write, and is impacted by what I say, then that’s enough. You shouldn’t stop because only one person is hearing your message; you should continue because one person is attending to your message.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
So, I am a self-published romance author known for writing steamy stories infused with love, suspense, and a little comedy. I am also a podcast host for the UME Radio show, Bible, Cufflinks, and Stilettos. This weekly podcast explores the taboo topic of sex in marriage (especially amongst faith-based couples). With both, I get to talk about something that I love and am intimately acquainted with sex, and I am shameless in my enjoyment of it and how much I want others to enjoy it.

I am most proud of my voice (both written and vocal) and how I use it. I endear others to me through the vibes I bring with my vibrant personality and my entertaining stories. I have a great platform as an author and a podcast host, so my voice must be authentic. That’s a major selling point for me and probably why I have the fanbase that I currently do. What sets me apart from others is my thirst for knowledge. I research everything. LOL! Whether I am writing or doing a show, I never go in without having done adequate research on whatever topic, on whatever sex position, on whichever taboo, you name it! I need to know as much as possible to speak from an informed place. If I write a sex scene, I must know how it works. If I am talking about a particular place, I need to know the slang used in that specific city. I’m meticulous, and that’s what sets me apart.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Wow, authenticity is the quality or characteristic that is responsible or most important to my success. I bring a certain je nais se quois (LOL) to whatever I do that is authentically me. My bubbly personality, genuine care for others, raunchiness, and attention to detail all form part of my authenticity. So, my brand will always reflect that. And because it’s authentic, how I write or host may get upgraded, but it will never change. I will always bring energy and vivaciousness on paper, on YouTube, or on TV on CaribVision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.umeradio.com
• Instagram: @authorghisellestjames
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghiselle.st.james
• Twitter: @ghisellestjames
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UMERADIO
• Other: authorghisellestjames.com

Image Credits
Depositphotos.com, Kari Nappi-Goldin, Ghiselle St. James