Introductions
"Growing up in that environment shaped me in profound ways": the Afrofuturistic stories of Will Jones
"I actually started out as a stand-up comic before moving into television news," says author and Emmy Award–winning journalist
Will Jones.
These days, Will splits his time between writing and a career in public relations. "Both of which I genuinely enjoy," he says.
Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Will now lives in Colorado, where he spends much of his time hard at work on a trilogy centering on Afrikara, which he describes as "a dazzling Afrofuturistic nation where the ancient wisdom of the ancestors intertwines with cutting-edge innovation."
"I'm currently working on the second of three novels in the
Afrikara saga," Will says.
The first,
Afrikara: The Ancestors' Code, is out now. Stay tuned for the next one!
Here's Will to talk a little about his life and work:
Welcome, Will! Why did you go the indie publishing route for Afrikara?
I'm drawn to indie publishing because it gives me full ownership of my work. From the creative vision to the pace of release, it's all on me. I can tell the stories I want to tell without compromise, connect directly with readers, and move quickly when inspiration strikes. It also offers better royalty structures and flexibility in how I build my career. For me, it's not just about independence. This is about having the freedom to create, adapt, and grow in a rapidly evolving space.
What's the premise of Afrikara?In a technologically advanced African nation on the brink of environmental collapse, a brilliant scientist must confront her past and her former mentor, who is now her greatest adversary, in order to save her people. As political corruption rises and ancient wisdom resurfaces, she discovers that the future of her nation depends not just on innovation, but on reclaiming the power of its ancestral past.
Write anyway. Don't wait for perfect conditions or complete confidence. Your voice matters, and your story has value.
Why was this a story that needed to be told?I wanted to create a story that leaves readers with pride, optimism, and hope. Pride in seeing an Afrofuturistic society that is thriving culturally, intellectually, and technologically. Optimism in watching broken relationships heal for a greater purpose. And hope in recognizing that technology, when guided by the right values, can be a force for good. At its core,
Afrikara is about reconciliation, redemption, and growth.
It's an "enemies to allies" journey between two powerful women who must confront their past to shape a better future. I also wanted the story to feel human, so I layered in romance, humor, and emotional depth.
Personal growth is a theme you explore in your stories. What's helped you grow the most?When I was seven years old, my mother passed away in my arms. After that, I was raised by my great-grandmother. We didn't have much, and growing up in that environment shaped me in profound ways. It instilled resilience, discipline, empathy, and self-reliance. And these qualities have guided me throughout my life. Over time, through hard work and opportunity, I was able to build stability and success. That journey continues to motivate me, not just for myself, but as an example of what's possible for others.
What's your best advice for writers who might feel hesitant to dive in?Write anyway. Don't wait for perfect conditions or complete confidence. Your voice matters, and your story has value. The only way to understand its impact is to put it on the page. Consistency beats perfection every time.
Will Jones is an Emmy Award–winning television journalist and public relations professional based in Colorado. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Will has more than two decades of experience in media, communications, and storytelling. Jones is the author of several books across genres, including the Afrofuturistic novel
Afrikara: The Ancestors' Code, the golf guide
Fairways & Fun, and the narrative collection
Let Me Tell You 'Bout This .... His works explore themes ranging from technology and culture to relationships and personal growth. Will is married, a proud grandfather, and enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his three soft-coated Wheaten Terriers.
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