Launching an award-winning debut novel is no small feat and promoting it is a story of its own. In this feature, multi-hyphenate artist J.R. Rice opens up about his writing journey, balancing creative roles, cultivating community, and using print to communicate and connect.
Turning Struggles into Stories
What’s the use of a broken pencil? It may seem pointless, but even broken pencils have their purpose. That idea lies at the heart of Broken Pencils, J.R. Rice’s award-winning debut novel.
Captivated by the power of stories to motivate readers and transform lives, J.R. was determined to use his voice to help others by turning struggles into meaningful lessons. That’s what inspired him to write.
Broken Pencils is a dark coming of age story that follows Jonah Tarver, a troubled teenager from Oakland. On the night of his senior prom and the anniversary of his best friend’s death, Jonah grapples with the idea that life is pointless, like broken pencils, and embarks on a 12-hour journey to find his own purpose.
J.R. draws inspiration from two of his favorite books, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and Langston Hughes’ poem Teacher, both of which explore the timeless search for purpose. Jonah’s story is also personal. Having faced depression and manic episodes since his teens, J.R. understands what it means to carry an invisible weight while longing to be understood.
Writing became his way of transforming pain into purpose; through a character whose struggles mirror his own resilience.
Writing Jonah’s chaotic yet courageous journey was my way of turning those struggles into a story that others could see themselves in. My hope is that readers will not only understand the challenges of living with bipolar disorder but also recognize the beauty and resilience that can emerge from it.
Creativity that Fosters Community
J.R.’s love for storytelling goes beyond writing. He embraces other artistic outlets to inspire and empower fellow creatives to do the same.
Whether as an author, performer, teacher, host, or creator, each role he takes on is an opportunity to showcase his passions and bring people together.
Onstage, he delivers raw and emotional narratives that spark conversation and reflection. In the classroom, he strives to help young people find confidence in their voices. And through events like open mics, book readings, and artist showcases, he connects local creatives with audiences eager to witness talent and listen to authentic stories.
J.R. adds,
Balancing these roles hasn’t always been easy. There have been many times when managing everything just felt overwhelming.
Print That Connects
When it comes to promoting his works, visibility is everything.
As J.R. puts it, “A good product sells itself. Those words are true to a point. The reality is, even the best product needs to be visible.”
That’s where quality print comes in — serving not just as décor, but as effective tools that catch the eye, invite people into conversation, and ensure J.R.’s presence is remembered long after the event ends.
Through UPrinting, he invested in retractable banners, bookmarks, stickers, and pens. These simple yet strategic print items have equipped his booth to capture attention and make every interaction memorable.
I would highly recommend UPrinting to other creatives. Their process is efficient, their delivery times are consistently early, and the product quality is top-tier. I also found their pricing to be more reasonable than other printing services. As I continue to grow my brand and projects, UPrinting will definitely remain my go-to resource for all my print needs.
At large gatherings like the AWP Conference in Los Angeles and the Bay Area Book Festival, these print products turned audience curiosity into meaningful connections.
For fellow artists and authors looking to elevate their promotions, J.R. shares these tips:
- Study other authors’ merchandise and take note of what stands out.
- Learn basic design skills or collaborate with someone you trust.
- Make sure your name and contact info (like your website) are on every item.
- Be ready to spend money on things that you are going to give away for free. That small investment can lead to meaningful connections.
Building a lasting brand is more than just creating; it’s about connecting. Whether through powerful storytelling, meaningful events, or memorable print products, every effort adds to stronger relationships with your audience.
Learn more about J.R. Rice, his works, and keep up to date on his upcoming events, at www.jrrice.com. You can also follow him on Instagram at @imjrice.
His debut novel Broken Pencils and poetry collection I Was, Am, Will Be are available online.
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